Admission-seekers cautioned against unaccredited courses

Islamabad
The national watchdog for higher education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), has cautioned students about the universities offering admission to un-accredited degree programmes.
“It has been noticed that degree programmes of some universities are either being initiated or continuing without accreditation from the relevant professional councils. Non-recognition of such graduates by the respective councils has a negative impact on the future of these students,” said HEC Director General (Quality Assurance Agency) Dr Rafiq Baloch.
Dr Rafiq Baloch said in the larger public interest, it was important that the universities should undertake new professional programmes only after fulfilling requirements set by the respective councils.
“Students along with their parents are advised to confirm before taking admission in any programme whether the degree programmes of their interest are accredited by the relevant councils or not,” he said.
According to him, the councils accrediting the relevant educational programmes include Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council, Pakistan Nursing Council, Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners, Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, Pakistan Bar Council, National Council for Homeopathy, National Council for Tibb, National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council, National Business Education Accreditation Council, and National Accreditation Council for Teachers’ Education.
He said information on the matter could also be secured from his section over the telephone or by visit or email.