HEC Announces Major Changes to Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has introduced a landmark policy aimed at strengthening the employability of Pakistani graduates. Under this initiative, professional internships and industry-relevant certifications will now be mandatory for all undergraduate degree programs across public and private universities.

Key Highlights of the New Policy

• Internships:

  • Minimum of three credit hours of supervised internship required for every undergraduate student.

  • Universities are encouraged to form partnerships with corporates, SMEs, and public sector organizations to provide meaningful, career-relevant placements.

  • Online internships and remote work opportunities are also recognized to align with modern industry trends.

• Certifications:

  • Students must complete industry-relevant certifications through recognized national or international bodies.

  • Certifications may count towards academic credit hours if they align with course outcomes and are from credible organizations.

  • For Computer Science and IT programs, international certifications equal to three credit hours may replace elective courses.

Priority Sectors for Certifications

The policy highlights specific fields with high demand for skilled professionals:

• Computing and IT

• Health Care

• Construction

• High-Tech and Digital Economy

• Financial Institutions

A complete list of high-demand skills, provided by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, is available on the HEC website: www.hec.gov.pk/site/SCD.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

According to HEC, this initiative builds on the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023 and aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical workplace skills. By mandating internships and certifications, universities will produce job-ready graduates who can compete effectively in both local and international markets.