A major development emerged this week as lAHORE The Higher Education Commission ’ s ( HEC) newly introduced policy on dual, double, and joint degree programmes has paved the way for Pakistani universities to formally collaborate with foreign institutions to offer internationally recognised qualifications. The Policy on Dual, Double and Joint Degree Programmes 2026, recently issued by the HEC, establishes a legal and academic framework for local universities to partner with overseas institutions.

Context and History

To put this in perspective, analysts point to a number of relevant factors.

Under the policy, students enrolled in such programmes may graduate with qualifications recognised in both Pakistan and the partner country.

The policy requires universities to obtain a No Objection Certificate ( NOC) from the HEC in advance of launching any joint, dual, or double degree programme.

Further developments have shed additional light on the matter. the Domestic Institute of Technology ( NIT) says it is preparing to become the first Pakistani university to apply for an NOC under the new framework for degree programmes being developed in partnership with Arizona State University ( ASU) in the United States.

Reactions and Responses

The reaction from the broader community of observers has been significant.

According to the HEC policy, a foreign partner institution must either be listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database or be ranked among the top 1,000 universities in internationally recognised global rankings.

Further developments have shed additional light on the matter. the institute also noted that more than 400 Pakistani students are currently enrolled at ASU and described the partnership as an opportunity to expand access to international higher education for local students.

Alongside the primary story, nIT founder and Chancellor Muhammad Shahzeb termed the HEC policy a significant step towards making foreign-accredited education more accessible, saying it could reduce the financial burden associated with pursuing a degree abroad while allowing students to remain in Pakistan.

Policy Implications

The implications are multifaceted, touching on issues of policy, people, and public interest.

If approved by the HEC, the proposed programmes would enable students to complete degree pathways jointly offered by a Pakistani and an American university without having to relocate overseas.

Alongside the primary story, nIT indicated it plans to complete the HEC registration process and launch the programmes after securing the required regulatory approvals.

Significantly, the post HEC ’ s new dual degree policy opens path for Pakistan-US university partnerships appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

The Road Ahead

The implications of what has transpired will take time to fully understand. In the interim, this development stands as a significant moment in a story that is still being written.