The Higher Education Commission has announced details for dual, double, and joint degree programmes to guide universities and students.
Under the policy framework, Pakistani higher education institutions can offer degree programmes in collaboration with foreign institutions, but such arrangements must meet regulatory, academic, and quality assurance requirements. The policy says institutions cannot start collaborative degree programmes without formal approval and a no-objection certificate.
The framework is aimed at improving international academic collaboration while protecting students from unapproved or low-quality programmes. It also requires foreign institutions to be properly accredited and recognised in their own countries before offering programmes through Pakistani partners.
Students have been advised to check whether a programme and institution are approved before taking admission. The commission has also listed recognised transnational education institutions and approved foreign collaboration programmes for public guidance.
The move is expected to help universities offer more flexible academic pathways, including programmes where students may study through local and foreign partners and receive qualifications under approved arrangements.
