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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has unveiled a landmark policy making professional internships and industry-relevant certifications mandatory for all undergraduate degree programs. The move aims to enhance graduates’ employability and bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry needs.
This initiative builds on the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, which focused on modernizing higher education. Now, HEC is taking a step further by formally linking degree programs with practical, job-ready skills.
Internships: All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of three credit hours of supervised internship. Universities are encouraged to partner with corporate firms, SMEs, and government bodies to secure placements. Online internships and remote opportunities are also being promoted.
Certifications: Students will now be required to pursue industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, construction, finance, and digital economy. These certifications can be accepted as credit hours if they align with learning outcomes.
Special Focus on IT & CS: For Computer Science programs, international certifications may replace elective courses, giving students globally competitive skills.
HEC’s reforms reflect Pakistan’s broader vision of preparing a skilled workforce ready to compete in the global market. The policy ensures that students graduate with not just degrees but also hands-on experience and recognized certifications.
“This is a critical step to align our graduates with industry needs and global standards,” an HEC advisory stated.
