The Equivalence & Accreditation Committee considers recognition of degrees/diplomas of local universities as well as equivalences of degrees/diplomas held from foreign universities vis-à-vis the degrees/diplomas of universities in Pakistan.

• Minutes of the meetings of the Equivalence & Accreditation Committee

The problem of equivalence of degrees and diplomas is of recent origin. A century ago the problem did not exist in areas now comprising Pakistan. Then the country's system of education was different from the present one. The earlier educational institutions called "madrasas”, were voluntary institutions with a limited number of students and fewer teachers. Scholars moved freely between teaching institutions. Awards were made after rigorous and prolonged education of students under the supervision of a teacher or a group of teachers whose reputation was well recognized in the educated community. Even after the introduction of the modern system of education through the establishment of the Government College, Lahore in 1864, and University of the Punjab (1882), the problem did not arise for a number of years, may be because the new system was based on the British pattern and was started by British teachers. However, an effort was made by University of the Punjab to seek affiliation with the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and during the first quarter of the present century, it was agreed that the terms maintained by students in University of the Punjab or the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford be recognized reciprocally by the three universities; this agreement also applied to degrees awarded by the three universities. Gradually, University of the Punjab evolved a system for determining the equivalence of degrees awarded by other universities, mainly of the Indo-Pakistan region. Soon after Partition (Aug. 1947) the equivalence of degrees became an acute problem because of the mass exchange of population between India and Pakistan. In April, 1947, the University of Sindh also received its charter. The jurisdiction of the University of Sindh was carved out of the jurisdiction of the Bombay University, India and the degrees awarded by the Bombay University were duly recognized by the University of Sindh. Mutual recognition of the degrees awarded by universities of the Punjab and Sindh took some time, but it paved the way for a quicker system of mutual recognition of degrees by other universities of the country which were established subsequently. In the international context, a formal recognition of degrees awarded by institutions of one country by another was first made in 1894, when a convention was signed between Ecuador and Venezuela, which states that "legally recognized courses of study duly completed in the colleges and universities of Ecuador shall be valid in Venezuela, and similar studies carried out in Venezuela shall be valid in Ecuador, without students who move from one Republic to another being required to do more than prove their identity and the authenticity of the relevant documents." Over the last fifty years, UNESCO has been collecting information and carrying out studies on the issues of mobility and recognition of qualifications. Action on international standard-setting has resulted in the adoption of a set of regional Conventions, which together have been ratified by some 120 Member States of the Organization. These conventions are: 

• Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Latin America and the Caribbean (1974)
• International Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the Arab and European States bordering on the Mediterranean (1976)
• Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the Arab States (1978)
• Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region (1979) 
• Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and other Academic Qualifications in Higher Education in the African States (1981)
• Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific (1983)
• Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on the recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (1997)

In a move towards a single universal convention, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the international Recommendation on the Recognition of Studies and Qualification in Higher Education in 1993. With increasing international collaboration especially in the field of science and technology and growing mobility of students and scholars in the modern world, the question of equivalence of degrees and diplomas and their recognition constitute a big problem that confronts educational authorities. Each country has developed its own educational system to suit its socio-economic and political needs. Therefore, the qualifications acquired in one country differ in various ways from those acquired in another. With increase in the number of degree awarding institutions both in private and public sectors, diversity of their teaching programs and proliferation of disciplines taught by them, the comparability and method of recognition of degrees has become more complex.  

The term equivalence means that studies undertaken in foreign institutions of education or degrees/diplomas obtained are regarded as equivalent to studies/degrees obtained in local educational institutions. To find similar and identical systems of education in various countries is very difficult but when equivalence is established the term implies that there is reasonable measure of similarity and commonality between the two systems of education and equivalence and recognition entitles its holder to all rights enjoyed by those who have successfully completed their degrees locally.In principle, recognition and equivalence can only be granted if the applicant's studies correspond in duration or scope to the studies that can be undertaken in local institutions of education. But this being difficult because of different systems of education, equivalence is determined on the basis of major points of similarity. 

Currently a number of methods are being used for determining the equivalence of degrees, some of these are: 

a.       Faculty assessment/committee assessment

b.       Centralized assessment by a Government body/committee

c.        Bilateral and multi-lateral agreements between different Governments 

Assessment by University/Faculty Equivalence Committees is more common in countries where universities are autonomous, such as the United States, West-European countries and Pakistan. Since universities are self-governing and autonomous in Pakistan in pursuing their courses of study, examinations and prerequisites for admissions, assessment of foreign qualifications and their equivalence is done by the Faculty or the Equivalence Committee of each university which has in its composition the Deans of Faculty, Chairmen of Teaching Department, Foreign Students Adviser and the Registrar. Each case is decided on merit and there is no central body for determining the equivalence of degrees. The decisions of the Committees are independent and therefore, the equivalence determined by one university is not necessarily binding or applicable on another university.  

In countries where university education is state-controlled, evaluation of degrees awarded by universities of other countries is usually done by a central committee- as is the case in eastern european countries and Commonwealth of Independent States of Russia. These decisions are binding on all universities and Government organizations. 

All along faculty assessment and determination of equivalence by a centralized body, bilateral and multi-lateral agreements are also signed between different Governments. A number of bilateral agreements have been signed by the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, which is guided in its dealing by the views of universities and the Higher Education Commission (erstwhile University Grants Commission). These agreements inter-alia, provide for recognition of comparative degrees by two countries. Bilateral agreements are seldom signed between universities, these are invariably between governments.  

There is one example on record in which the National Assembly of Pakistan passed a resolution on the equivalence of a degree with another degree. This again was passed as a result of considered and unanimous views of country’s universities and the Higher Education Commission. 

The usual criteria and principles of policy governing the grant of equivalence of qualifications followed by the Higher Education Commission are as follows: a.       Accredited status of the degree awarding institution. In recognizing foreign degrees, the accredited status of the university concerned and its incorporation by law of the land is taken into account as well as the reputed status of the institution. 

b.       Duration of study. The period in which a particular course is covered including school education are important strands for determining the status of a qualification. 

c.        Course contents and examination standards. The written syllabi & education standards constitute important criteria. A written syllabus read in conjunction with the books recommended for study may give a good idea of the course. 

d.       Bilateral agreements. Bilateral agreements also form the basis of equivalence of qualifications. A number of bilateral agreements have been signed by the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, which is guided in its dealing by the views of universities and the HEC. These agreements provide the provision for recognition of qualifications of the signing parties on reciprocal basis. Equivalence of degrees under these agreements have so far been signed with Bulgaria, Iran, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Commonwealth of Independent States of Russia. 

In Pakistan, higher education is imparted in various institutions, universities and their constituent/affiliated colleges, and teachers training institutions. Education is mainly state responding though private sector is also now playing an important role. So far 43 universities/degree awarding institutions have been established in the private sector. All primary, secondary and higher educational institutions are fully financed by the Government. Universities are autonomous bodies which determine their courses of study, programs and duration of instructions, prerequisites for admission and system of examinations. The rules governing the qualifications and degrees which are awarded to a student who has completed his education, however, apply uniformly to all universities and other institutions of higher education. Universities also control the award of graduate and postgraduate degrees. The determination of the equivalence of university degree, therefore, is within the jurisdiction of the individual universities and the Higher Education Commission. If the matter pertains to admission, the applicant should apply to the concerned university and in case of employment to the Higher Education Commission/HEC.  The Boards of Intermediate the Secondary Education which are also autonomous bodies implement the courses of study and syllabi prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Education and conduct public examinations at secondary and intermediate stages of education. Because of this, the determination of equivalence of degrees at secondary and higher secondary level is primarily the responsibility of the Boards and the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen. 

In view of greater mobility of students internationally, increasing role of private sector in university education, liberal policy of the Government and the emergence of ‘degree mills’ institutions and outposts of foreign universities in the country, accreditation of the status of institutions, recognition of courses, and validation of degree programs are major issues of the subject. Role of the Higher Education Commission with regard to equivalencies has now been well established as a referral and advisory body. Now not only individuals, NGOs but also the Government and employing agencies, such as the Federal/Provincial Public Service Commissions ask the Higher Education Commission/HEC for advice and verification of institutions and validation of degrees. The universities by mutual agreement or in their individual capacity may also refer their cases to the Higher Education Commission. There is now a growing trend among them to refer the cases of equivalence to the Higher Education Commission/HEC because some of the newly established universities have not constituted their Equivalence Committees, they, therefore, depend upon the decisions of the Higher Education Commission/HEC and other universities. The HEC in terms of clause 10 (O) of the HEC Ordinance No. L-III of 2002 has its own Statutory Equivalence Committee, comprising the Chairman HEC (Chairman), Member (Operations) HEC, Executive Director HEC, Member HRD & SP HEC, Chairman V.C’s Committee, Secretary, IBCC, Representative of Ministry of Education, Joint Education Adviser,  Director General, HEC and Director (A&A) HEC (Secretary). The Committee considers mutual recognition of degrees and diplomas of Pakistani universities and equivalence of degrees of foreign universities vis-à-vis the degrees of universities of Pakistan. The decisions of the Committee are of an advisory nature and are not binding on universities.

The Commission adopts a rather democratic procedure for determining equivalence. Before reviewing the cases, the views of universities are obtained and then the Equivalence Committee of the Commission takes a decision in the light of comments received from universities. Decisions of the Equivalence Committee of the Commission are first put up before the Vice-Chancellors’ Committee and then to the Commission for final approval. This procedure ensures that the decisions will be adopted uniformly by all universities in Pakistan.

The verification of the antecedents of an applicant (student), particulars of the degree and program of studies, course contents, period of study abroad and the accredited status of the institution are the main components of validation process for equivalence of qualifications. Before granting any equivalence, the Higher Education Commission/HEC has to ensure the antecedents of the applicant, degree programs and credibility of the institution granting the degree. In order to verify the accredited status of a foreign university particularly in the private sector, main areas on which the information is required by the Higher Education Commission/HEC are: the date of establishment, charter granting body, legal status, name of the authority granting accreditation, funding source, administrative and academic structure, admission criteria, arrangements for maintaining academic standards of courses, course validation and review system, faculty/staff, degree programs, student enrolment, examination and assessment, quality assurance system & student supervision and proof of world-wide recognition. The state-funded universities constituted by national bodies of the country concerned are considered as accredited institutions. In case of private universities in order to get recognition from the Higher Education Commission/HEC, the applicant needs to prove and provide evidence on a range of parameters as below: 

a.       That it has been established through state legislative/charter or incorporated by law to award degrees; mere recognition as a business enterprise will not be acceptable (a copy of Act/Charter should be provided); 

b.       That its statutes for internal governance have elective governing bodies and officers; 

c.        That the university has an academic structure and permanent academic positions; 

d.       That it has adequate permanent facilities and student support services, laboratories, libraries corresponding to the teaching and research activities included in the programs; 

e.       That it has employed an appropriate number of full-time fully qualified academic staff; 

f.        That its description of programs should include detailed information on entry requirements, subject matter, quality and forms of teaching, credit, research work required, examinations, qualifications obtained upon successful completion and the rights they confirm the holder; 

g.       That the admission to degree programs should be based on the possession of recognized qualifications of a school/college leaving certificate granting access to recognized higher educational institutions; for post-graduate or doctoral studies the relevant qualifications should be required; 

h.       That the length of the degree programs leading to a qualification should conform to nationally recognized program of studies for various degrees.  i.         That institutions not authorized or officially non-accredited in their country of origin are not recognized in Pakistan, neither their outposts/sub-campuses abroad or in Pakistan will be recognized by the Higher Education Commission/HEC; 

j.         That outposts/sub-campuses of foreign universities not recognized by the competent authority of the host country are also not recognized in Pakistan; 

k.        That outposts/sub-campuses of accredited universities in foreign countries beyond the country of their origin incorporated by the competent authority of the host country will be considered separately by the Higher Education Commission/HEC on case to case basis; 

l.         That degrees awarded by foreign universities overseas under franchised arrangements will not be recognized in Pakistan unless such arrangements have been duly approved by the Higher Education Commission/ HEC Government; 

m.      Above all, a private university/institution of higher education must also provide evidence that it is recognized internationally.  

For each program of study, the information on the following components, wherever necessary, may be called for:

 a.       curriculum and syllabus including any arrangements for practical training and experience;

b.       qualification and experience of the teachers;

c.        facilities available in terms of learning resources, academic supervision and support services;
standards required for admission;

d.       quality of teaching; achievements of the students;

e.       arrangements for student assessment and for the appointment of external and internal examiners;

f.        arrangements for monitoring, sustaining and developing the standard of student performance and the quality of learning and teaching. 

On the award of degrees, following information is required: 

a.       A copy of the degree regulations for the conferment of awards;

b.       registration of student;

c.        minimum and maximum courses to be studied by a student;

d.       certification by the university that he has completed a program of study;

e.       the award has been recommended by the examination board;

f.        medium of instruction;

g.       mode of study;

h.       duration and level of study. 

Following Wafaq/Tanzeem ul Madaris, Rabit-ul-Madaris and five individual Madaris are recognized by the Higher Education Commission: Names of recognized Wafaq/Tanzeem ul Madaris/Rabit ul Madaris:

1.       Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia, Markazi Office Gordon Town, Sher Shah Road, Multan.

2.       Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Alhe Sunnat, Jamia Naeemia, Ghari Shaho, Lahore

3.       Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-Salfia, Hajiabad, Post Code 38600, Faisaalabad.

4.       Wafaq-ul-Madaris Shia, Jamia-al-Muntazar, H-Block Model Town, Lahore.

5.       Rabita-ul-Madaris Al Islamia, Mansoora Road, Lahore.

Names of recognized individual Madaris:

1.       Jamia Islamia Minhaj-ul-Quran, 366 Model Town, Lahore

2.       Jmia Taleemat-e-Islamia, Sargodha Road, Faisalabad.

3.       Jamia Ashrafia, Feroz Pura Road, Lahore.

4.       Darul Uloom Mohammadia Ghousia, Bhera Distt. Sargodha.

5.       Darual Uloom, Korangi Greek, Karachi.

Only final Sanad “Shahadatul Almiya Fil Uloomal Arabia wal Islamia” awarded by the above deeni institutions is recognized as equivalent to M.A Arabic/Islamic Studies for purpose of teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies in Colleges and Universities and for pursuing higher studies. For any other purpose holders of above Sanad are required to quality two elective subjects from a university to be eligible for jobs involving Bachelor’s degree. The approved mode of education for the purpose of recognition of final Deeni Sanad is as under:  

1.       Middle School Certificate 2.       Shahadatul Sanvia Aama 3.       Shahadatul Sanvia Khasa 4.       Shahadatul Alia 5.       Shahadatul Almiya

8-year of study entrance requirement for: 2-year of study 2-year of study 2-year of study 2-year of study

Applications for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) may be addressed to the Director General (A&A), Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad, (Tel: No. + 92-(051) 90400917, 90400913, 90400912, Fax: +92 (051) 90400902. The application should be made on the prescribed form E-01 for general and professional degrees and on form E-02 for Deeni Sanad. 
Applications for equivalence in respect of Secondary School and Higher Secondary School Certificates are dealt with by the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen (Address: Federal Board of Intermediate Education (FBISE), H-8/4, Islamabad ( www.ibcc.edu.pk ).

The following documents will be required for determining the equivalence of a qualification: 

a.       Attested copy of each certificate/degree obtained with English translation

b.       Original and attested photo copy of each degree/diploma obtained from abroad & its attested translation

c.        Photo copy of transcripts year-wised. 

d.        Proof of registration for the degree/diploma (a copy of admission letter etc. be provided)

e.       Printed/photo copy of the syllabus from the official record of the institution conferring the degree (English version only);

f.        A copy of thesis in case of research degree

g.       Documentary evidence of completion of studies abroad (supported by passport entries, university letter etc.

h.       Study leave order (for in-service personnel only)

i.         Proof of scholarship, (in case of scholarship holder)

j.         A certificate relating to previous studies (or photocopy of degree certificates)

k.        Original passport duly endorsed with visas of countries concerned

l.         Copy of National Identity Card

m.      Bio-data indicating specifically the period of study spent abroad

n.       Fee of Rs. ________ (non-refundable) 

Queries may be addressed to the Director General (A&A), Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad, Pakistan. (Tel: No. + 92-(051) 9040912-9, Fax: +92 (051) 90400902.

With increasing international collaboration especially in the field of science and technology and growing mobility of students and scholars in the modern world, accreditation of institutions, recognition of courses, and validation of degree programs as well as equivalence of degrees and diplomas and their recognition constitute complex problems that confront the educational authorities. With increase in the number of degree awarding institutions, both in the private and public sectors and the diversity of their teaching programs and proliferation of disciplines taught by them, the comparability and method of recognition of degrees has become more confusing. Nevertheless the system and procedure evolved by the HEC has matured and quite aptly meets the challenges of the complexities of the issues involved. 

Government of Pakistan, Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen, (1995). IBCC Book of Equivalences of Educational Qualifications in Pakistan, Islamabad. Guition, Jean, (1977). From Equivalence of Degree to Evaluation of Competence: Present Procedures and Practices, New Avenues, Paris, UNESCO. International Association of Universities, (1970). Methods of Establishing Equivalences between Degree and Disciplines, UNESCO, Paris. University Grants Commission (1988). A Guide to the Equivalence of Qualifications in Pakistan, Islamabad.