The Associate Degree offered by universities in Pakistan was recently discussed by the International Education Standards Council (IESC), a non-governmental body of experts in international educational credentials that oversees the Electronic Database on Global Education (EDGE) hosted by AACRAO. I currently serve as Chair of the IESC, leading the Council’s efforts in maintaining and updating international education standards.
In 2020, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan introduced the Associate Degree Program (ADP) to replace the traditional two-year BA/BSc degrees. This initiative aimed to modernize undergraduate education by aligning it with international standards and enhancing the employability of graduates through skill-based curricula. The ADP serves as a flexible academic pathway, allowing students to either enter the workforce with practical skills or pursue further studies.
Admission Requirements and Program Duration
To enroll in an ADP, applicants must have completed their intermediate education (12 years of schooling). The program spans two years, divided into four semesters, and typically requires the completion of 60 to 68 credit hours, depending on the institution and field of study.
Fields of Study
ADPs in Pakistan cover a diverse range of disciplines, including:
• Arts and Humanities: English, History, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies
• Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, International Relations
• Business and Commerce: Accounting & Finance, Business Administration, Commerce
• Computer and Information Technology: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence
• Science and Technology: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nanoscience
• Media and Communication: Digital Marketing, Media Communication Sciences
Progression Opportunities
Graduates of ADPs have the option to transition into four-year bachelor’s degree programs, often entering directly into the third year, subject to university policies and credit transfer agreements. This pathway enables students to build upon their associate degree and attain a full bachelor’s qualification.
Universities Offering Associate Degree Programs
Below is a list of some of the universities across Pakistan offering ADPs in various disciplines:
• Virtual University of Pakistan: Offers ADPs in Arts, Science, Economics, Mass Communication, Psychology, Sociology, and English (Applied Linguistics). To learn more, click here
• University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore: Introduced subsidized two-year ADPs in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, with no entry test requirement. To learn more, click here
• Superior University Lahore: Offers ADPs in Business Administration, Accounting & Finance, Computer Science, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. To learn more, click here
• University of Management and Technology (UMT): Provides ADPs in Accounting and Finance, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration and Commerce, Computer Science, Computer Networking, Cybersecurity, Food Science and Technology, Information Technology Management, Media Communication Sciences, Public Administration, and Software Engineering. To learn more, click here
• Iqra University: Offers a wide array of ADPs, including Accounting & Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, Digital Marketing, Education, Psychology, Business Administration, Animation, Advertisement, Artificial Intelligence, Commerce, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Networks, Database Management Systems, Social Media Marketing, Islamic Banking & Finance, Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance, and Business Analytics. To learn more, click here.
• University of Central Punjab: Provides ADPs in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, Computer Science, Double Math and Physics, and Zoology, Botany and Chemistry. To learn more, click here
The introduction of the Associate Degree Program in Pakistan represents a significant shift towards a more versatile and skill-oriented higher education system, providing students with practical competencies and flexible academic trajectories.
Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert
President & CEO
The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. (ACEI), was founded in 1994 and is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. ACEI is a full-service company providing complete and integrated services in the areas of international education research, credential evaluation, training and consultancy. https://acei-global.org/
