ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission has significantly increased its degree attestation fee from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000. Students and graduates must now pay the revised amount as HEC shifts to a fully digital and paperless attestation process across Pakistan.
Digital system brings convenience
HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar confirmed the new fee structure. He explained that authorities will transfer a portion of the collected fees to universities to support faster document verification services. The updated online platform allows applicants to submit requests digitally without visiting HEC offices or sending original documents through courier services.
Moreover, the chairman highlighted major cost savings for students. Previously, applicants bore extra expenses for university verification, photocopies, travel, and accommodation — especially those coming from remote areas. The new system eliminates these burdens and provides digitally verifiable e-attestation certificates that students can use easily.
Students face higher upfront cost
Many students and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the hike. While some welcome the convenience and reduced hassle of the online process, others worry about the sudden tripling of the fee. HEC officials maintain that the new mechanism improves efficiency, reduces corruption risks, and creates a more transparent system for everyone involved.
Dr. Akhtar assured that the transition aims to modernise higher education services in Pakistan. The commission continues to expand digital services to make processes quicker and more accessible for millions of graduates seeking jobs or higher studies abroad.
This fee increase marks another step in HEC’s drive toward complete digitisation. Students now need to prepare for the updated charges when they apply for degree attestation in the coming months. Authorities encourage applicants to use the new online portal for a smoother experience despite the higher cost.
