The Higher Education Commission Islamabad has a mandate to promote higher education within the country and to encourage and to facilitate Pakistani nationals settled abroad to seek admission in universities of Pakistan. HEC has now also been trusted to facilitate the foreign students seeking admission in Pakistani Universities and to curtail their difficulties in getting NOC, Visas and its extension.

Higher Education Commission Islamabad has therefore, discussed the issue with All relevant agencies and after obtaining concurrence of Ministries of Education , Foreign Affairs, Interior, Economic Affairs Division and I.S.I. Islamabad has streamlined the admission procedure (mentioned below) of all the streans of studies except professional subjects (i.e. MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy and BS Engineering). The new procedure of admission of foreign students will be effective from 1st November , 2006.

However, admission of foreign students in MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy and BS Engineering under Pakistan Technical Assistant Programme ( PTAP) will be processed directly by Economics Affairs Division (EAD) as per previous practice and the admission under Self Finance Scheme (SFS) for the foreign as well as Pakistani origion (having dual nationality ) students will be processed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad.

1)  A foreign student seeking admission in Pakistani Universities / Degree Awarding Institution has to apply for admission direct to the concerned university/ institution and get the letter of confirmation OF his/her admission.

     i. University will send a copy of admission letter to HEC

     ii. HEC to conform and endorse admission to MOI

2)  Student approaches the Pakistani mission abroad for the visa and submits the the following documents:

      i. Application Form (Student Visa Form)

      ii. Photocopy of passport

      iii. Photograph

      iv. Educational Documents

      v. Admission letter of university

3)  The Pakistani mission abroad forwards all the documents to MoFA Islamabad for further processing.

4)  MoFA forwards all documents to Ministry of Interior for security clearance

      i. Copy to Ministry of Education /Health

      ii. Copy to HEC
 
5)  Ministry of Interrior as per policy to complete all process with in 4 weeks and sends Visa advice to Mission concered

      i.Copy to HEC

      ii.Copy to Ministry to foreign Affairs

6)  HEC send information of Visa advice by e-mail to

     i. University

     ii. Ministry of Education /Health

7)  Visa to be issued for duration of studies to be renewed annually inclusive of security clearance.

1)  It is the responsibility of the Institution where the student is studying to certify

     a. Visa Extension Form
     b. Bonafide student (certificate)
     c. Recommended to extend visa or otherwise

2)  The student takes material to the concerned passport office for extension of visa.

3)  Extension of Visa is granted by the Passport Office.

4)  Intimation of any student leaving the Institution or not remaining a full-time student is sent to HEC.
5)  HEC forwards information to the Ministry of Interior.