International Students

THE PROCEDURE OF ADMISSION, ISSUING/RENEWAL OF VISA OF FOREIGN STUDENTS in the Universities and Degree Awarding Institutions of Pakistan on Self Finance Basis.

The Higher Education Commission Islamabad has a mandate to promote higher education within the country and to encourage and 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 the concurrence of the Ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Economic Affairs Division and I.S.I., Islamabad has streamlined the admission procedure (mentioned below) for all streams of studies except professional subjects (i.e. MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy and BS Engineering). The new procedure for the 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 the Pakistan Technical Assistant Programme (PTAP) will be processed directly by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) as per previous practice, and the admission under Self Finance Scheme (SFS) for the foreign as well as Pakistani origin (having dual nationality) students will be processed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad.

Steps for the Admission of Foreign Students

1. A foreign student seeking admission in Pakistani Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions must apply directly to the concerned university/institution and obtain a confirmation letter of admission.
   1. The university will send a copy of the admission letter to HEC.
   2. HEC will confirm and endorse the admission to the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
2. The student approaches the Pakistani mission abroad for the visa and submits the following documents:
   1. Application Form (Student Visa Form)
   2. Photocopy of passport
   3. Photograph
   4. Educational Documents
   5. Admission letter from the university
3. The Pakistani mission abroad forwards all the documents to MoFA Islamabad for further processing.
4. MoFA forwards all documents to the Ministry of Interior for security clearance.
   1. A copy is sent to the Ministry of Education/Health.
   2. A copy is sent to HEC.
5. The Ministry of Interior, as per policy, completes all processes within 4 weeks and sends visa advice to the concerned mission.
   1. A copy is sent to HEC.
   2. A copy is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
6. HEC sends the visa advice information by e-mail to:
   1. The university.
   2. The Ministry of Education/Health.
7. The visa is issued for the duration of the studies and must be renewed annually, inclusive of security clearance.

Steps for the Renewal of Visa

1. The institution where the student is studying is responsible for certifying:
   1. Visa Extension Form
   2. Bonafide student certificate
   3. Recommendation for visa extension or otherwise
2. The student submits the required documents to the concerned passport office for the extension of the visa.
3. The passport office grants the extension of the visa.
4. Any student leaving the institution or not remaining a full-time student is reported to HEC.
5. HEC forwards the information to the Ministry of Interior.