The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has released an updated list of recognized MS/MPhil and PhD programs in Pakistan, making it easier for students to verify whether their chosen degree is officially approved. The updated list is now available on the HEC website at hec.gov.pk.
According to HEC, the new list was published after universities cleaned up their program data in the Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR). This step followed nationwide training sessions held for PQR focal persons, university staff responsible for entering and maintaining program details.
The PQR serves as a central database that shows whether a program is active, suspended or closed. It also aligns programs with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), helping students, employers, universities and regulators make informed decisions.
READ MORE: National University of Technology Starts New MS, PhD Programmes
HEC has strongly advised students to check both the PQR and the “NOC Issued List” before applying to any program. Officials have warned that degrees from unlisted programs may not be attested later.
By publishing the verified list of active MS/MPhil and PhD programs, HEC has taken a major step toward transparency in higher education. This move not only protects students from unrecognized degrees but also ensures universities remain compliant with national standards.
