Universities across Pakistan have been required to include internships in their academic programmes to help students gain practical experience and improve their chances of securing jobs after graduation.
Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Rabia Naseem Farooqi shared the information during Question Hour in the National Assembly on Monday, October 26, 2026. She said the requirement was introduced in 2023 and is being implemented under the supervision of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
According to the parliamentary statement, Pakistan has 282 public and private universities. Students are required to complete internships relevant to their respective degree programmes, with three academic credit hours allocated to internship activities.
Internship Requirement for University Students
The policy aims to help students apply the knowledge gained in classrooms to real workplace situations. Through internships, students can develop professional skills, understand industry practices and gain experience that may strengthen their employment prospects.
Internships are expected to be relevant to students' fields of study, allowing them to become familiar with the practical requirements of their chosen professions.
The HEC is responsible for ensuring that universities implement the requirement. However, students should confirm the specific internship arrangements, eligibility conditions, duration and assessment procedure with their respective universities, as these details may vary by academic programme and institution.
Farooqi also informed the National Assembly that Youth Development Centres have been established at universities on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
These centres are intended to help students prepare for employment by providing academic and career guidance, information about job opportunities and insight into employers' expectations.
They also aim to improve interaction between universities and industry representatives, helping students understand the skills and qualifications needed in the job market.
The internship requirement and Youth Development Centres are intended to reduce the gap between university education and workplace demands. Students may benefit from gaining professional exposure before completing their degrees, while career support services can help them prepare for job applications and future employment.
University students should contact their department or career development office to confirm how the internship requirement applies to their degree, how credit hours will be awarded and whether the university provides internship placement assistance.
Important: The parliamentary statement confirms the general policy and allocation of three credit hours, but it does not specify a uniform internship duration, a single application portal or a guaranteed placement for every student. Students should obtain programme-specific instructions directly from their universities.
