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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has made internships and industry-recognized certifications mandatory for all undergraduate programs in Pakistan. The reform, introduced under the Undergraduate Education Policy 2023, is designed to narrow the gap between classroom learning and the skill demands of the job market.
Under the new framework, every undergraduate student must complete at least three credit hours of supervised internships. To support this requirement, universities have been instructed to build formal partnerships with corporate firms, SMEs, and public institutions.
These collaborations are expected to provide students with practical exposure directly linked to their fields of study. Employers are also encouraged to allow remote work and online internships so students can meet evolving industry standards.
Alongside internships, universities are now required to embed industry certifications into their programs. These certifications, issued by national and international organizations, aim to prepare students with market-ready skills. Priority areas include
- Computing and IT
- Healthcare
- Construction
- High-Tech
- Digital Economy
- Financial Services
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has already compiled a list of in-demand skills, which is available on the HEC website.
Universities will also have flexibility in awarding credit hours for recognized certifications if they align with course outcomes. In computer science and IT disciplines, foreign certifications can replace up to three credit hours of elective courses, giving students more opportunities to gain globally valued credentials.
By strengthening the link between academia and industry, HEC aims to create a workforce that is both competitive and adaptable. The commission believes these reforms will not only boost employability at home but also position Pakistani graduates to compete effectively in international markets.
