HEC unveils major changes to undergraduate degree programs

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced a historic move to enhance the employability of Pakistani graduates by making professional internships and industry-related certifications a mandatory part of all undergraduate degree programs.

The policy, which builds on the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical skills required for today’s job market. The directive, issued to all public and private universities and degree-awarding institutions, emphasizes the critical importance of equipping students with experiential and globally recognized competencies.

All undergraduate programs will now require a minimum of three credit hours of supervised internships. Universities have been encouraged to establish formal partnerships with corporate entities, SMEs, and public sector organizations to secure meaningful placements that are directly relevant to students’ fields of study. The advisory promotes online internship platforms and remote working opportunities to adapt to changing market trends.

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In addition to internships, the new policy advises universities to integrate mandatory, industry-relevant certifications into their curricula. These certifications, which can be obtained through recognized national and international institutions, aim to provide students with job-ready skills.

The priority sectors for these certifications include computing and IT, healthcare, construction, high-tech and digital economy, and financial institutions. Institutions have been informed that the list of high-demand skills notified by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is available at www.hec.gov.pk/site/SCD.

Universities have also been advised to accept credit hours for some certifications, provided they are aligned with the learning outcomes of the course and are from a reputable and accredited institution. This initiative encourages students to pursue additional professional development and allows their certification to count towards their academic progression. For computer science and IT programs in particular, international certifications equivalent to three credit hours can be used to replace elective courses.

The HEC initiative signifies the national commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of competing at both the national and international levels. By formalizing the connection between education and industry, HEC aims to ensure that every Pakistani graduate is well-prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic global economy.