When planning to study abroad, ensuring that your degree is recognized internationally is a critical step. The Higher Education Commission is responsible for verifying academic degrees and transcripts, in Pakistan, thereby ensuring their authenticity. The HEC degree verification process certifies the validity of your qualifications, giving reality to the dreams of studying abroad.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed guide on the requirements, steps, and best strategies, for seamless HEC degree verification.
Why is HEC Degree Verification Important?
Each year, millions of Pakistani students embark on the journey to pursue higher education abroad, with nearly more than 100,000 applicants submitting their applications to foreign universities, for higher education. HEC degree verification, for these students, is a crucial step as it validates their academic credentials. Nearly more than 25,000 degrees were specifically verified by the Higher Education Commission, alone in 2023, specifically for international studies, reflecting the increasing reliance on this process. Getting your degree verified by HEC not only certifies its authenticity but also secures your eligibility for visa approvals. Scholarships, and eligibility for admissions.
HEC verification is not a bureaucratic step, in fact, it is a stamp of credibility that safeguards against the submission of altered or fake degrees, and hence, saves the students from legal and professional consequences.
Step-by-Step Process for HEC Degree Verification
You need to follow a structured process, which involves both online and in-person steps, for HEC degree verification.
Following is a detailed guide on how to complete a verification process:
Creation of an Account on the HEC e-Services Portal
The first step in the HEC degree verification process is to create an account on the HEC e-services portal.
You can do this by:
1- Visiting the HEC e-Services portal.
2- Registering using a valid e-mail address, CNIC, and mobile number.
3- Completion of your profile with personal and educational details.
Submission of Degree Verification Application
After setting up your account, you must submit your degree verification application online.
For this purpose, follow the mentioned steps:
1- Login to your HEC e-Services account.
2- Click on the “Degree Attestation” tab to access the application form.
3- Fill out the required fields with accurate information, pertinent to your university and degree.
4- Upload copies of your CNIC, original degree, transcripts, and other documents.
Payment of HEC Degree Verification Fee
HEC charges a verification fee per document, and payment can be made through various offline and online methods.
The fee for degree attestation is PKR 1000, per document, as of 2024, with an additional PKR 700 for urgent processing.
These payments can be transferred through online and mobile banking, ATMs, or over-the-counter designated banks, such as HBL, Askari, UBL, and others.
Schedule Your Appointment for Document Submission
1- After the submission of the application and payment of the fees, you will need to schedule an appointment for the submission of your documents in person:
2- Select your preferred HEC regional office. These regional offices are in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Islamabad.
3- Choose a date and time slot for your appointment based on availability.
You must book your slot as early as possible, as appointment slots can fill up quickly, specifically during peak times, like admission seasons.
Visit HEC for Document Submission
You must bring the following documents, on the day of your appointment:
1- Original degree and transcripts
2- Original receipt of fee payment
3- Copies of degrees and transcripts (One set of photocopies will be kept by HEC).
Present your documents to the verification officer, once you are at the office, these documents will be reviewed by HEC, which will also verify their authenticity, against records provided by the educational institution.
Collection of Verified Documents
After completion of the verification process, your documents will be signed and stamped by HEC, certifying them as authentic. You will receive your verified documents, immediately, if all information is accurate and no further checks are required.
In cases, where additional verification is needed, the documents will be returned to you, after a few days.
Common Challenges in HEC Degree Verification
Applicants often face challenges during HEC degree verification, despite its streamlined process.
Some of the common issues faced by applicants are:
Incomplete Documentation
One of the most common reasons for delays in the HEC degree verification is documentation. Ensure, all required documents, including transcripts, CNIC, original degree, and their copies are both legible and valid.
Unclear copies or missing documents can lead to delays in the process.
Technical Issues on the HEC e-Services Portal
Another frequent problem on the HEC portal is technical glitches. Around 15% of the applicants experience technical issues while submitting their applications online, as per HEC.
Ence, you must apply before all the deadlines, to avoid this problem.
Tips to Avoid HEC Degree Verification Delays
You must follow some specified strategies and tips to avoid verification delays.
1- Check the status of your application regularly, on the HEC e-Services portal.
2- Contact HEC support immediately in case, any technical difficulties are encountered, or if you need any assistance.
3- Keep backup copies of all your documents and receipts.
How Long Does HEC Degree Verification Take?
The duration of HEC degree verification can vary depending on your chosen processing speed and the accuracy of documents.
The standard processing time typically takes 10-15 working days.
However, urgent processing is also available with an additional fee and reduces the time to about 5-7 working days.
More than 30,000 urgent applications have been processed by HEC, in 2023, which indicates an increasing demand for expedited services. You must apply early to avoid any potential delays, especially if you have a stringent timeline for visa applications or university admissions.
Conclusion
HEC degree verification is a crucial step for students planning to study abroad. You can navigate this necessary procedure by following the outlined process, applying early, and ensuring the complete documentation. Timely verification of the degree, while enhancing your credibility, opens doors for academic and professional opportunities internationally.
