Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

HEC extends warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to the nation!

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HEC has deferred the implementation of ETC-conducted GRE/HAT-General (Level 7) and GRE/HAT-Subject (Level 8) admissions tests from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027, following requests from universities/DAIs for additional implementation time.

Fall 2026 admissions will continue under the existing admission criteria.

🚨 Final reminder!

3 minutes. 1 story. Endless opportunity.

Submit for the National Short Video Contest by June 30, 2026.

For Pakistani undergrad & master’s students only.

HEC Pakistan, in collaboration with 20 leading Pakistani universities and the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh, successfully concluded a series of Pakistan Higher Education Expos across Dhaka, Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Rangpur under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.

The expos highlighted academic opportunities in Pakistan, including 500 fully funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Bangladeshi students. Thousands of students, parents, and academics engaged with representatives of Pakistani universities to explore avenues for higher education, faculty collaboration, and joint research partnerships, reflecting the growing educational ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As part of a week-long academic programme, the Bangladeshi delegation led by Chairman UGC Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed held high-level engagements across Islamabad to promote academic cooperation, research collaboration, and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The delegation visited Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Museum, NUML, and NUTECH Islamabad, appreciating Pakistan’s Islamic architecture, cultural heritage, and growing innovation ecosystem. During the visit, a Letter of Intent was signed between NUML and the University of Rajshahi to promote academic exchange and joint research initiatives.

Concluding the successful visit, the delegation departed for Dhaka after reaffirming commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation and knowledge exchange between the higher education sectors of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed termed the engagements highly productive and appreciated the warm hospitality extended by HEC Pakistan and host institutions throughout the visit.

Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar addressed the 1st International Conference on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (ICCTVE–2026), held at Minhaj University, emphasizing that sustainable peace is rooted in justice, merit, and transparency.

He highlighted that the teachings of the Holy Quran, the Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the exemplary conduct of the Companions (RA) provide timeless guidance on peace, accountability, fairness, and peaceful coexistence.

Reaffirming HEC’s commitment, he stressed the importance of academic dialogue, ethical leadership, and evidence-based engagement to counter violent extremism and promote a culture of peace through education and knowledge.

Registration for HAT MS/M Phil programmes is open on etc.hec.gov.pk until June 7, 2026.

Registration for HAT Subject for Ph.D. programmes will open in June 2026.

HEC held a meeting with members of the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) in Computer Science at its Islamabad office. Chaired by Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the National Skills Competency Test (NSCT) 2026 and discussed future improvements in computing education.

NSCT 2026 was conducted nationwide on April 4–5 in collaboration with the Ministry Of IT & Telecom, Pakistan Software Export Board, Pakistan Software Houses Association, and Virtual University of Pakistan, with over 33,000 students participating.

Participants reviewed key findings, identified gaps in computing education, and discussed how to align curricula with emerging industry and national needs. A certificate distribution ceremony was also held to acknowledge the contributions of partner organizations and stakeholders.

A 13-member Bangladeshi academic delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman University Grants Commission (UGC) Bangladesh, visited HEC Pakistan as part of the ongoing academic engagement programme between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Chairman HEC Pakistan, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the importance of strengthening academic cooperation, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships between the two countries.

The delegation was briefed on HEC’s strategic initiatives, quality assurance framework, policy reforms, and digital transformation efforts in higher education. During an interactive session, both sides exchanged views on governance, research, innovation, and future collaboration opportunities.

The delegation also visited NUST Islamabad, including the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) and National Science and Technology Park (NSTP).

HEC Pakistan organized an online information session on Horizon Europe in collaboration with the EU Training Lab to raise awareness on European Union research and innovation funding opportunities for Pakistani researchers and institutions.

In her welcome remarks, Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Director General (Human Resource Development & Global Engagement), reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to strengthening international research collaboration and enabling Pakistani researchers to engage in global research networks. She noted that Horizon Europe offers valuable opportunities in climate change, health, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Experts shared guidance on funding calls, proposal development, consortium building, and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Participants were also informed that Pakistani organizations have secured over €2.6 million in EU-funded collaborative research projects.