The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has warned students across Pakistan that Associate Degree Programs (ADPs) offered through private study or the annual examination system will not be recognised for degree attestation or equivalence.
In a public alert, HEC advised students, parents, and educational institutions to avoid enrolling in or offering associate degree programmes that do not comply with its approved policies.
The commission clarified that universities and colleges are not permitted to offer or advertise ADPs through private or annual examination arrangements. Institutions have been directed to follow the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, Version 1.1.
HEC Defines Requirements for Associate Degrees
According to HEC, students must complete an approved Associate Degree Program through the regular semester system. The programme spans two years and consists of four semesters.
Students must earn between 64 and 72 credit hours to fulfil the requirements for the degree.
HEC also clarified that two-year BA, BSc, and Associate Degree Programmes cannot be offered through the annual examination system or private study arrangements under the approved framework.
The commission has urged higher education institutions to discontinue new admissions in associate degree programmes offered through unapproved annual or private systems.
Students planning to pursue an associate degree should verify the recognition status of the institution and confirm that the programme follows HEC requirements before applying for admission.
HEC has emphasised that compliance with the approved semester-based system is necessary for degree recognition and attestation.
Students can consult the official HEC website for relevant policies and degree recognition requirements: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/policies.
