ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has introduced a new policy framework for dual, double, and joint degree programmes to strengthen international academic collaboration and align Pakistan’s higher education system with global standards.
Under the updated framework, students will now be allowed to pursue two degrees simultaneously through a regulated system designed to facilitate formal partnerships between local and international universities. The policy aims to expand academic opportunities for students while encouraging stronger institutional cooperation across borders.
According to HEC officials, the initiative seeks to provide students with greater access to internationally recognised education and improve opportunities for joint degree programmes with foreign universities. In addition, the framework is intended to enhance academic linkages and create pathways for collaborative learning and research with institutions around the world.
The policy also focuses on promoting research cooperation, student exchange programmes, faculty collaboration, and broader educational partnerships between universities. Officials stated that these measures would help Pakistani institutions strengthen their global presence and improve the quality of higher education in the country.
Furthermore, the HEC emphasised that the framework prioritises quality assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability to ensure that all participating degree programmes meet international academic standards. Universities will be required to comply with strict regulatory guidelines and monitoring mechanisms under the new policy.
Education experts believe the initiative could create new opportunities for students seeking international exposure without fully relocating abroad. They also noted that partnerships with foreign universities may improve research output, academic innovation, and professional development opportunities for both students and faculty members.
The commission stated that the policy has been developed in accordance with modern educational needs and evolving international trends in higher education, with the goal of making Pakistan’s academic sector more competitive and globally connected.
