Credential Templates - Islamic Republic of Pakistan
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), Government of Alberta
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Secondary School Certificate.....................................................................................2
Higher Secondary Certificate...................................................................................12
Diploma of Associate Engineer ...............................................................................18
Bachelor (Pass) Degree............................................................................................22
Bachelor (Honours) Degree (3 Years) .....................................................................28
Bachelor (Honours) Degree (4-5 Years)..................................................................33
Bachelor of Technology...........................................................................................41
Bachelor of Education..............................................................................................48
Bachelor of Law(s) (LLB) .......................................................................................53
First Degrees – Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine...............................61
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas ..................................................................67
Master Degree (3+1 or 2+2 Years) ..........................................................................72
Master of Education .................................................................................................77
Master of Philosophy and Equivalent Degrees........................................................84
Doctor of Philosophy ...............................................................................................90
Page 1 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Secondary School Certificate
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: Secondary
Credential Actual Name:
Secondary School Certificate (SSC)
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Matriculation Examination (Certificate)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body:
25 Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) and 3 Boards of Technical
Education, which are all members of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC)
Admission Requirements:
•Graduation from middle school /Middle Standard Examination (representing 8 years of
schooling)
Program Description:
•Ten-year combined primary and lower secondary education program
(Lower) secondary schools in Pakistan provide two years of general education. Upon completion
of secondary education, students receive a certificate by passing an external examination given
by one of the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education or Boards of Technical
Education.
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission into higher secondary school and further vocational and technical training
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
Page 2 of 92
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations for:
Generally compares to the completion of Grade 10.
Course Equivalencies:
Grade 10 level courses
IQAS Rationale:
(Lower) secondary education in Pakistan lasts two years (Grades 9-10) following the completion
of middle school and caters for children aged 13 to 14.
The language of instruction is Urdu. Students must study a few compulsory subjects plus
additional subjects based on a chosen course group. Upon the completion of their studies, they sit
examinations administered by the various Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education or
Boards of Technical Education in order to receive the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or
Matriculation Certificate.
The organization of the course groups changes with each revision of the national curriculum. The
schemes of studies for different course groups prescribed by the 1995 and 2000 curricula are
described below. These schemes only serve as general guidelines as the actual format and
allocation of marks may vary, depending on the time period and examining board.
Scheme of Studies, 1995 Curriculum
In the 1995 curriculum, there are four compulsory subjects for all students worth total maximum
marks of 450:
Compulsory Subject
Urdu/regional language
English
Islamiat/Islamiyat
Pakistan Studies
Subtotal
Mark
150
150
75
75
450
Students may choose either the general group (which include various streams) or the science
Page 3 of 92
group. Both groups require four additional subjects, each worth 100 marks. The Secondary
School Certificate (SSC) Examination therefore has total maximum marks of 850.
The following tables show the scheme of studies for the general and science groups prescribed in
the 1995 curriculum:
Scheme of Studies (1995) for Secondary School Certificate, General Group
Weekly
Subject
Marks
Periods
Urdu
150
4-6
English
150
6
Pakistan Studies
75
3
Islamiat
75
3
Mathematics
100
4
General Science
100
4
2 subjects from Y list, or
100 x 2 4 x 2
1 subject from Y list +1 subject from Z list
100 x 2 4 x 2
850
Total
Scheme of Studies (1995) for Secondary School Certificate, Science Group
Weekly
Subject
Marks
Periods
Urdu
150
4-6
English
150
6
Pakistan Studies
75
3
Islamiat
75
3
Mathematics
100
4
Physics
100
4/3
Chemistry
100
4/3
Biology or Computer Science
100
4/3
850
Total
Y list of subjects
1. Physical physiology and hygiene
2. Geometrical and technical drawing
3. Geology
4. Astronomy and space science
5. Arts and model drawing
6. Environmental studies
7. Islamic studies or Islamic history
8. History of Indo-Pak. sub-continent
9. Arabic
10. Persian
11. Geography
12. Economics
13. Civics
14. Food and nutrition
15. Related art
16. Household accounts and related problems
17. Elements of home economics
18. Management for better homes
19. Clothing and textile
20. Child development and family living
Page 4 of 92
21. Military science
22. Commercial geography
23. Computer science
24. Music
25. Urdu literature
26. English literature
27. Sindhi
28. Punjabi
29. Pashto
30. Balochi
31. Gujrati
32. Turkish
33. Bangali
34. Chinese
35. French
36. Russian
37. German
38. Japanese
39. Spanish
Z list of subjects
General Stream (100 marks each)
1. Education
2. Health and physical education
3. Elementary nursing and first aid
4. Calligraphy
5. Photography
6. Local (community) crafts
7. Computer education
Commercial Stream (50 marks each)
Students must take “typewriting” (compulsory) and choose 1 subject from Nos. 2 to 8
1. Typewriting (compulsory)
2. Bookkeeping and accounting
3. Secretarial practice
4. Business methods
5. Salesmanship
6. Insurance
7. Banking
8. Import and export procedures
Agriculture Stream (50 marks each)
Students must take “general agriculture” (compulsory) and choose 1 subject from Nos. 2 to 7.
1. General agriculture (compulsory)
2. Farm education
3. Crop production
4. Livestock farming
5. Animal production
6. Productive insects and fish culture
7. Horticulture
Industrial Stream
Students select 1 subject from the following trade groups except the mechanical trades group. Each subject carries
100 marks including 50 marks for technical drawing.
1. Mechanical Trades Group: (Fitting is compulsory in Grade 9 for all students. In Grade 10, students continue
fitting or choose one of the remaining trades).
i.
Fitting
Page 5 of 92
ii.
Turning
iii.
Plumbing
iv.
Welding
v.
Electro-plating
vi.
Moulding & casting
2. Electrical Trades Group
i.
Electrical Wiring
ii.
Electrical Winding
iii.
Household Appliances
iv.
Radio Servicing
3. Wood Trades Group
i.
Furniture and cabinet making
ii.
Wood carving and Inlay work
iii.
Joinery
iv.
Wood turning and Lacquer work
4. Draft Trades Group
i.
Mechanical Drafting
ii.
Civil Drafting
Scheme of Studies, 2000 Curriculum
Mathematics has been made a compulsory subject for all students. There are a total of five
compulsory subjects with total maximum marks of 550:
Compulsory Subject
Urdu/regional language
English
Islamiat/Islamiyat
Pakistan Studies
Mathematics
Subtotal
Mark
150
150
75
75
100
550
Students may choose from the science group, humanities group, technical group, and Islamic
studies group. The Islamic studies group has been introduced as part of the government’s efforts
to mainstream religious education. Students must sit examinations in additional subjects from
their chosen course group worth 300 marks. The total maximum marks of all subjects taken for
the Secondary School Certificate Examination remain 850.
The following tables show the scheme of studies for various course groups prescribed in the
2000 national curriculum.
Scheme of Studies (2000) for Secondary School Certificate: Science Group
Marks
Weekly
Subjects
Periods
Theory
Practical
Total
Urdu (A+B)
75+75
150
6
English (A+B)
75+75
150
6
Islamiat for Muslims
75
75
3
Ethics for non-Muslims
Pakistan Studies
75
75
3
Mathematics
100
100
6
Physics
85
15
100
4+2
Chemistry
85
15
100
4+2
Page 6 of 92
Biology or
Computer Science or
1 Technical subject
Total
85
75
50
15
25
50
100
100
100
850
4+2
3+3
2+4
42
Scheme of Studies (2000) for Secondary School Certificate: Humanities Group
Marks
Weekly
Subjects
Periods
Theory
Practical
Total
Urdu (A+B)
75+75
150
6
English (A+B)
75+75
150
6
Islamiat for Muslims
75
75
3
Ethics for non-Muslims
Pakistan Studies
75
75
3
Mathematics
100
100
6
General Science
100
100
6
2 Social Science subjects or
100+100
200
6+6
1 Social Science subject
100
100
6
+ 1 Technical subject
50
50
100
2+4
850
42
Total
Scheme of Studies (2000) for Secondary School Certificate: Technical Group
Marks
Weekly
Subjects
Periods
Theory
Practical
Total
Urdu (A+B)
75+75
150
6
English (A+B)
75+75
150
6
Islamiat for Muslims
75
75
3
Ethics for non-Muslims
Pakistan Studies
75
75
3
Mathematics
100
100
6
General Science
100
100
6
2 Technical subjects
50
50
100
2+4
50
50
100
2+4
850
42
Total
Scheme of Studies (2000) for Secondary School Certificate: Darse Nizami [Islamic Studies] Group
Marks
Weekly
Subjects
Periods
Theory
Practical
Total
Urdu A+ Urdu B (Al Qawaid wal Insha)
75+75
150
6
English (A+B)
75+75
150
6
Seeratul Rasool (in lieu of Islamiat)
75
75
3
Pakistan Studies
75
75
3
Mathematics
100
100
6
General Science
100
100
6
Al – Quran
100
100
6
Al – Hadith [sayings and deeds of
50
50
6
Mohammed]
50
50
3
Al – Fiqah [Islamic jurisprudence]
850
42
Total
Social Science Subjects
1.
2.
3.
Art and Model Drawing
Islamic Studies
Islamic History
Page 7 of 92
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
Geography
Economics
Management for Better Homes
Child Development and Family Living
Commercial Geography
Shorthand and Typing
Bookkeeping and Accounts
Business Methods
Secretariat Practice
Salesmanship
Banking and Insurance
Import and Export Procedure
Geometrical and Technical Drawing
Physiology and Hygiene
Geology
Astronomy and Space Science
Military Science
Environmental Studies
History of Indo-Pak Sub-continent
Civics
Food and Nutrition
Elements of Home Economics
Clothing & Textile
Computer Science
Physical Education
Education
Urdu Literature
English Literature
Arabic
Persian
Sindhi
Pushto
Punjabi
Balochi
Gujrati
Bengali
Turkish
French
Spanish
Chinese
Russian
Japanese
German
Technical Subjects
Phase I
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Repair & Maintenance of domestic refrigerators & air conditioners
Radio & Tape Recorder repairing
Plumbing & Sanitary Fitting
Electrical Wiring
Wood Work (Boat making)
Auto Mechanic (Motorcycle & Scooters)
Computer Hardware
Repair & Maintenance of Household electrical appliances
Servicing and Minor repair of Tractors
Food Processing and Preservation
Page 8 of 92
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Poultry Farming
Beautician
Wood Working (Furniture making)
Welding (Gas & Electric)
Fish Farming
Dress Making & Fashion Designing
TV Repairing
Phase II
1. Auto Electrician
2. Ceramics
3. Leather Goods Making
4. Minor Repair & Maintenance of Petrol Engine
5. Floriculture
6. Photography
7. Glass Work (Glass Blowing, Cutting & Framing)
8. Pottery (Cottage Industry)
9. Wheel Balancing & Vulcanizing
10. Sheet Metal Work
11. Minor Repair & Maintenance of Diesel Engine
12. Sericulture (Silk Worm) Raising
13. Stuffed Toys & Doll Making
14. Floral Work
15. Art and Painting & Calligraphy
16. Cooking & Baking
17. Embroidery and Knitting
18. Textile and Weaving
19. Carpeting
20. Sports Goods
21. Cutlery & Surgical Instruments
22. Metallurgy
23. Masonry/Building Construction
24. Book Keeping and Cash Handling
25. Computer Operating and Shorthand/Typing
26. Mining
27. Petroleum
28. Agro Industries
29. Farm Management
Composite and Part Wise Examinations
Depending on the year and examining board, the SSC examination may be either composite or
part wise:
• The SSC composite examination is conducted at the end of Grade 10
• The SSC (part wise/part system) examination is conducted in two parts, at the end of
Grade 9 (SSC Part I) and at the end of Grade 10 (SSC Part II).
A new scheme of part wise SSC examination introduced by the Ministry of Education around
2005 has total marks of 1050. The allocation of marks to subjects in Part I and Part II may vary
by examining board.
Part Wise SSC Examination (2005), Science Group (with Biology), Board of Intermediate & Secondary
Education, Rawalpindi
Subject
Part I
Part II
Page 9 of 92
Urdu
English
Islamiyat (Compulsory)
Pakistan Studies
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Subtotal
Total
(Grade 9)
Theory
75
75
75
75
60
60
60
480
1050
(Grade 10)
Theory Practical
75
75
75
75
60
60
60
480
30
30
30
90
Part Wise SSC Examination (2008), Science Group (with Biology), Federal Board of Intermediate &
Secondary Education (FBISE)
Part II
Part I
Subject
(Grade 9)
(Grade 10)
Theory Practical Theory Practical
Urdu
75
75
English
75
75
Islamiyat (Compulsory) 75
Pakistan Studies
75
Mathematics
75
75
Physics
65
10
65
10
Chemistry
65
10
65
10
Biology
65
10
65
10
495
30
495
30
Subtotal
1050
Total
Secondary School Certificate (SSC)/Matriculation Examination Certificate
The minimum mark for passing each subject at the SSC Examination is 33%. The certificate
usually indicates the chosen course group, total marks obtained for all subjects and the
corresponding letter grade. A student who fails in one or two papers may repeat those subjects in
“compartmental exams” conducted in the same year. A student who fails in more than two
papers is required to repeat all subjects the following year. There is also the common practice of
giving “grace marks” to students who fail one or two papers by a few percentage points to allow
them to pass the examination.
By passing all subjects in the board examination, students receive the Secondary School
Certificate (SSC), also called Matriculation Examination Certificate. They also receive a
detailed marks sheet. The SSC is required for entry into higher secondary school. The SSC
holder may also seek admission into vocational and technical programs such as the three-year
Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE).
Conclusion
Secondary education in Pakistan requires graduation from middle school for admission and takes
two years to complete, representing a total of 10 years of schooling. Upon completion of their
study, students must sit external examinations administered by one of the Boards of Intermediate
and Secondary Education or Boards of Technical Education to receive the Secondary School
Page 10 of 92
Certificate or Matriculation Examination Certificate. The certificate allows an individual to seek
employment or admission into higher secondary school or vocational and technical programs.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources,
IQAS compares the Secondary School Certificate or Matriculation Examination Certificate to the
completion of Grade 10.
Grading:
Percentage marks are predominantly used. The Pakistani system is low marking, with 33% as the
common minimum pass mark. The actual grading scale adopted may vary by examining board
and time period. Grading scale information is usually provided on the certificates and may be
available on the websites of the boards.
The following table shows a grading scale adopted by many of the Boards of Intermediate and
Secondary Education (BISEs) for their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher
Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. The letter grades are assigned according to overall
marks in all subjects.
Six-Level Grading Scale, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Letter Grade
Descriptor
A One/A-1/A+
Outstanding/Distinction/Exceptional
80 and above
Excellent
70 and above but below 80 A
Very Good
60 and above but below 70 B
Good
50 and above but below 60 C
Fair
40 and above but below 50 D
Satisfactory
33 and above but below 40 E
An older grading scale used by BISEs had 33% as the minimum pass mark and assigned
divisions according to overall marks in all subjects:
Traditional Grading Scale, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60 -74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Page 11 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Higher Secondary Certificate
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: Secondary
Credential Actual Name:
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Intermediate Examination (Certificate)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body:
25 Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs), which are all members of the Inter
Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC)
Admission Requirements:
• Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent
Program Description:
• Two-year upper secondary education program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission into university and other postsecondary programs such as further vocational and
technical training
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
Page 12 of 92
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of Grade 12
Course Equivalencies:
30-level (Grade 12) courses
IQAS Rationale:
Higher secondary education lasts two years (Grades 11-12), with entry based on the Secondary
School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent, and caters for children aged 15 to 16. It is offered at both
higher secondary schools and intermediate and degree colleges. It is often called the intermediate
stage. An older term, FA (Faculty of Arts) and FS or FSc (Faculty of Science), is also used.
The language of instruction is Urdu. Students must study a few compulsory subjects plus
additional subjects based on a chosen course group. Upon the completion of their studies, they sit
examinations administered by the various Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in
order to receive the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Intermediate Certificate.
The organization of the course groups changes with each revision of the national curriculum. The
scheme of studies for different course groups prescribed by the 1995 and 2000 curricula are
described below.
Scheme of Studies, 1995 Curriculum
In the 1995 Curriculum, there are four compulsory subjects for all students worth total maximum
marks of 500:
Compulsory Subject
Urdu
English
Islamic Education
Pakistan Studies
Subtotal
Mark
200
200
50
50
500
Students may choose the science group (which include several sub-groups), the humanities
group, the medical technology group, or the home economics group (for girls), each with
additional subjects worth 600 marks. The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination
therefore has total maximum marks of 1100.
The following table shows the scheme of studies for the various course groups prescribed in the
1995 curriculum:
Scheme of Studies (1995) for Higher Secondary Certificate
Page 13 of 92
Group
Compulsory for all students
Pre-Medical
Pre-Engineering
Science
General
Humanities
Medical Technology
Home Economics (for girls)
Subject
Urdu
English
Pakistan studies
Islamic education
Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
Mathematics, Physics, Statistics
Mathematics, Economics, Statistics
Mathematics, Economics, Computer studies
Mathematics, Physics, Computer studies
Mathematics, Statistics, Computer studies
1 subject from set I, set II and set III each (see
following table for allowed subject combinations)
Elementary anatomy and micro techniques
Haematology and blood banking
Microbiology I
Microbiology II
Clinical pathology and Serology
Elementary chemistry and Chemical pathology
Food and home management
Clothing and related arts
Child development and group behaviour, childcare
and home nursing
100
100
100
100
100
100
200
200
200
1100
Total for each group
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Marks
200
200
50
50
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
200 x 3
List of Subjects for Humanities Group
Set I
Set II
Set III
Mathematics
Statistics
Psychology
Mathematics
Statistics
Geography
Economics
Statistics
Geography
Economics
Islamic Studies
Civics
History
Islamic Studies
Civics
History
Islamic Studies
Arabic/ Persian
Economics
Islamic Studies
Psychology
Islamic Studies
Health & Phys. Ed.
Urdu (advanced)/Arabic
Library Science
History
Civics
Any other combination adopted by the examining boards
Scheme of Studies, 2000 Curriculum
As in the 1995 Curriculum, there are four compulsory subjects for all students worth total
maximum marks of 500:
Compulsory Subject
Urdu/Pakistan Culture (for foreigners)
English
Islamic Education/Civics (for non-Muslims)
Pakistan Studies
Subtotal
Mark
200
200
50
50
500
The following table show the scheme of studies, in addition to the four compulsory subjects, for
Page 14 of 92
various course groups prescribed in the 2000 national curriculum:
Science
Humanities
Commerce
Medical
Technology
Scheme of Studies (2000) for Higher Secondary Certificate
Group
Subject
Pre-Medical
Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Pre-Engineering
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
1. Mathematics, Physics, Statistics
2. Mathematics, Economics, Statistics
Science General
3. Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science
4. Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science
5. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
Choose three from the following:
1. Arabic/Persian/French/English(Elective)/Urdu
(Elective)
2. Economics
3. Fine Arts
4. Philosophy
5. Psychology
6. Statistics
7. History of Modern World/Islamic History/ History
of Muslim India/ History of Pakistan
8. Islamic Studies
9. Health and Physical Education
10. Sindhi (Elective)
11. Civics
12. Education
13. Geography
14. Sociology
15. Mathematics
16. Computer Science
17. Islamic Culture
18. Library Science
19. Outlines of Home Economics
1. Principles of Accounting
2. Principles of Economics
Grade 11
3. Principles of Commerce
4. Business Mathematics
1. Principles of Accounting
2. Commercial Geography
Grade 12
3. Computer Studies/Typing/Banking
4. Statistics
1. Medical Lab Technology Group
2. Dental Hygiene Technology Group
3. Operation Theatre Technology Group
4. Medical Imaging Technology Group
5. Physiotherapy Technology Group
6. Ophthalmic Technology Group
Marks
200 per
subject
200 per
subject
100
75
75
50
100
75
75
50
600
Total
Various examining boards may offer other course groups in addition to those listed in the
national curriculum. Examples include nursing group, agricultural group, and military science
group.
Page 15 of 92
Composite and Part Wise Examinations
Depending on the year and examining board, the HSC examination may be either composite or
part wise:
• The HSC composite examination is conducted at the end of Grade 12
• The HSC (part wise/part system) examination is conducted in two parts, at the end of
Grade 11 (HSC Part I) and at the end of Grade 12 (HSC Part II).
The following table shows the allocation of marks to subjects in Part I and Part II of the part wise
HSC examination (pre-medical) conducted by Aga Khan University Examination Board:
Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (2008 & 2009), Science Group (Pre-Medical), Aga Khan
University Examination Board
Marks
Subjects
Theory Practical
Total
English Compulsory I
100
100
Urdu Compulsory I or Pakistan Culture I
100
100
Islamic Education or Civics
50
50
Part I
Physics I
85
15
100
(Class XI)
Chemistry I
85
15
100
Biology I
85
15
100
Subtotal
550
English Compulsory II
100
100
Urdu Compulsory or Pakistan Culture II
100
100
Pakistan Studies
50
50
Part II
Physics II
85
15
100
(Class XII)
Chemistry II
85
15
100
Biology II
85
15
100
Subtotal
550
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/Intermediate Examination Certificate
The minimum mark for passing each subject is 33%. The certificate usually indicates the chosen
course group, total marks obtained for all subjects and the corresponding letter grade. A student
who fails in one or two papers may repeat those subjects in “compartmental exams” conducted in
the same year. A student who fails in more than two papers is required to repeat all subjects the
following year. There is also the common practice of giving “grace marks” to students who fail
one or two papers by a few percentage points to allow them to pass the examination.
After passing the examination, students receive the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or
Intermediate Examination Certificate, which is the prerequisite for entry into university
undergraduate study. In addition to the HSC, students also receive a detailed marks sheet. The
format of the HSC and marks sheet varies by issuing board and time period.
Conclusion
Higher secondary education in Pakistan requires a Secondary School Certificate or equivalent for
admission and takes two years to complete, representing a total of 12 years of schooling. Upon
completion of their study, students must sit external examinations administered by one of the
Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education to receive the Higher Secondary Certificate or
Intermediate Examination Certificate. The certificate allows an individual to seek employment or
Page 16 of 92
admission into universities. Based on the above information and placement recommendations of
other evaluation resources, IQAS compares the Higher Secondary School Certificate or
Intermediate Examination Certificate from Pakistan to the completion of Grade 12.
Grading:
Percentage marks are predominantly used. The Pakistani system is low marking, with 33% as the
common minimum pass mark. The actual grading scale adopted may vary by examining board
and time period. Grading scale information is usually provided on the certificates and may be
available on the websites of the boards.
The following table shows a grading scale adopted by many of the Boards of Intermediate and
Secondary Education (BISEs) for their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher
Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. The letter grades are assigned according to overall
marks in all subjects.
Six-Level Grading Scale, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Letter Grade
Descriptor
A One/A-1/A+
Outstanding/Distinction/Exceptional
80 and above
Excellent
70 and above but below 80 A
Very Good
60 and above but below 70 B
Good
50 and above but below 60 C
Fair
40 and above but below 50 D
Satisfactory
33 and above but below 40 E
An older grading scale used by BISEs had 33% as the minimum pass mark and assigned
divisions according to overall marks in all subjects:
Traditional Grading Scale, Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60 -74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Page 17 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Diploma of Associate Engineer
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: Technical/Professional/Vocational
Credential Actual Name:
Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Boards of Technical Education (NWFP, Punjab, and Sindh) and Board of
Intermediate and Secondary Education (Balochistan)
Admission Requirements:
• Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Matriculation Examination Certificate or equivalent in the
required stream or course group (e.g. science group)
Program Description:
•Three-year technical diploma program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
•Admission to university undergraduate study
DAE holders may apply to Bachelor of Technology (pass) programs or for reserved seats in
Bachelor of Science (Engineering) programs at some universities.
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
Page 18 of 92
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of a postsecondary Certificate.
[Note: The first two years of the program are considered to be at a secondary level and the
completion of Grade 12 is acknowledged.]
IQAS Rationale:
Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) programs are offered by polytechnics, monotechnics and
colleges of technology. The first polytechnic was established in Karachi in 1953, and the first
polytechnic for women in Lahore in 1967. There are now 200 polytechnics and monotechnics in
the country, including 15 for women, with a total enrolment of about 60,000.
The DAE involves three years of fulltime study. Students may have the option to complete the
program in four years through part-time evening study. There are also some specialized DAE
programs that involve four years of fulltime study.
Entry to DAE programs is based on the Secondary School Certificate (science group), though a
small number of applicants hold a Higher Secondary Certificate. The Boards of Technical
Education (NWFP, Punjab and Sindh) and the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education
(Balochistan) supervise the curricula, conduct annual examinations and award the diploma.
DAE programs are offered in a range of engineering and non-engineering fields. Traditionally,
civil, electrical and mechanical technologies are the three fields with the highest enrolments. The
following table lists the courses of a DAE program in electrical technology:
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Diploma of Associate Engineer in Electrical Technology, NWFP. Board of Technical Education
Courses
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Islamiat/Pakistan Studies
Islamiat/Pakistan Studies
Islamiat/Pakistan Studies
English
Applied Mathematics-II
Business Communication
Industrial Management
Applied Mathematics-I
Applied Physics
& Human Relations
Business Management
Applied Chemistry
AC Machines
& Industrial Economics
Power Plant &
Computer Applications
DC Machines & Batteries
Energy Conservation
Transmission, Distribution &
Principles of Electrical
Electrical Instruments
Protection of Electrical Power
Engineering
& Measurements
Systems
Basic Electrical Drawing
Utilization of Electrical Energy Telecommunication
Installation, Planning
Repair & Maintenance
Workshop Practice-I
& Estimating
of Electrical Equipments
Applications of Computers
Digital & Industrial
in Electrical Technology
Electronics
Page 19 of 92
10
11
Basic Electronics
workshop Practice-II
(Basic Machine Shop)
The DAE allows an individual to
• Seek employment as a technician or mid-level supervisor in an industrial or office setting
• Apply to the Institution of Engineers, Pakistan to become an “associate”, one of the eight
classes of membership
• Seek admission to a Bachelor of Technology (pass) program at a college of technology
• Apply to the reserved seats for DAE graduates at a four-year B.Sc. Engineering program of
an engineering college or university. The DAE must be in the same engineering discipline as
the B.Sc. Engineering program.
Only a small number of DAE holders are able to get into B.Sc. Engineering programs. Most of
those who pursue further education choose B.Tech (pass) programs offered at colleges of
technology. The colleges of technology are affiliated to universities, which award the B.Tech
degree.
The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in collaboration with NAVTEC is developing criteria
for DAE holders to register with the PEC as technologists and technicians.
Conclusion
The Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) requires a Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or
equivalent (Grade 10) for admission and usually involves three years of fulltime study. The
diploma allows an individual to seek employment or admission to some undergraduate programs
such as B.Tech (pass) and Bachelor of Science (Engineering). In Canada, postsecondary
certificate and diploma programs require Grade 12 for admission, with diploma programs
generally involving at least two years of fulltime study and certificate programs less than two
years; they provide access to employment and possible transfer of credit for admission into
undergraduate programs.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources,
IQAS compares the Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) to the completion of a postsecondary
Certificate. A note is appended to acknowledge the completion of Grade 12.
Grading:
Page 20 of 92
Grading scale for Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) programs is determined by the
Provincial Boards of Technical Education and may vary by examining board and time period.
Following is the grading scale currently adopted in Punjab. The letter grades are assigned
according to overall marks in all subjects.
Grading Scale, Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE), Punjab Board of Technical Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
<50 but passing all subjects
D
To pass a course, one must obtain at least 40% in the
theory component and 50% in the practical component.
Page 21 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor (Pass) Degree
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor (Pass) Degree
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Pass)
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) (Pass)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Pass)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (Pass)
Bachelor of Home Economics (Pass)
Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) (Pass)
Note: These are examples of the two-year bachelor (pass) degrees and do not constitute a
complete list of such programs.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
•Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent in the
required stream or group (e.g. humanities group, science group)
Program Description:
•Two-year undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission to university graduate programs, upgraded four-year bachelor degree programs,
postgraduate bachelor degree and diploma programs
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Page 22 of 92
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of two years of undergraduate study in xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
Traditional undergraduate education in Pakistan represents 14 years of schooling (12+2), with 12
years of school education followed by a two-year bachelor (pass) degree. The two-year pass
degrees are typically offered in arts, commerce, and science – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor
of Commerce (B.Com) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Entry is based on the Higher Secondary
Certificate (HSC)/Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent, which represents 12 years
of schooling. Students are required to complete a number of courses (usually 3-5 per semester) or
“papers” and pass two annual examinations (Part I and Part II). These are general programs with
no area of specialization and no thesis requirement.
Pass degree programs are mostly offered at affiliated colleges, with the affiliating universities
conducting the annual examinations at the end of the academic year and awarding the degrees.
Internal assessment by the colleges accounts for a small percentage of the total marks.
Following is a sample program structure of B.Com:
Bachelor of Commerce, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Duration: 2 years
Entry Requirement: Intermediate/A-Level
Graduation Requirement: 40% pass in each subject and
45% in aggregate
Paper
Marks
Part I
I. Islamic Studies/Ethics and Pakistan Studies
100
II. Functional English (Compulsory)
100
III. Introduction to Business
100
IV. Principles of Accounting
100
V. Business Mathematics and Statistics
100
VI. Economic Analysis and Policy
100
Part II
I. Business Communication
100
Page 23 of 92
II. Principles of Management
III. Economic Development of Pakistan
IV. Advanced Accounting and Cost Accounting
V. Business and Industrial Law
VI. Optional Paper (choose one):
Auditing and Income Tax Law
Introduction to Computer Application in Business
Principles of Marketing
Principles of Insurance
Banking and Finance
Total
100
100
100
100
100
1200
In addition to arts, commerce and science, two-year bachelor (pass) degrees are also available in
a few specialized areas such as business administration (BBA), home economics, and
Information Technology (BIT). The B.Sc. (Home Economics) is offered as a two-year program
following HSC or a four-year program following completion of secondary school (Grade 10).
A bachelor (pass) degree gives an individual access to further education. Options include general
master’s degree (e.g. MA, M.Com or M.Sc.), postgraduate bachelor degree (e.g. B.Ed), and
postgraduate certificate and diploma programs. Some universities offer two-year programs that
upgrade a bachelor (pass) degree to a four-year degree.
Conclusion
Offered by university-affiliated colleges, the bachelor (pass) degree program requires a Higher
Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent (Grade 12) for admission and involves two years of
fulltime study, representing a total of 14 years of education. The degree allows an individual to
seek employment or admission into general master’s degree, upgraded four-year bachelor
degree, postgraduate bachelor degree, and postgraduate certificate and diploma programs. Based
on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources, IQAS
compares the two-year Bachelor (pass) degree from Pakistan to the completion of two years of
undergraduate study in xxx.
Page 24 of 92
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Page 25 of 92
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
Page 26 of 92
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 27 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree (3 Years)
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor (Honours) Degree
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Honours)
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Honours)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (Honours)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) (Honours)
Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) (Honours)
Note: These are examples of three-year bachelor (honours) degrees and do not constitute a
complete list of such programs.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
•Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent in the
required stream or group (e.g. humanities group, science group)
Program Description:
•Three-year undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
•Admission to university graduate degree programs, postgraduate bachelor degree and diploma
programs
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Page 28 of 92
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations for:
Generally compares to the completion of a three-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
Some universities offer three-year bachelor (honours) degrees in general areas (e.g. arts,
commerce and science). Like the two-year bachelor (pass) degrees, they require Higher
Secondary Certificate, Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent for admission. There
are also one-year programs that upgrade a bachelor (pass) degree to a bachelor (honours) degree.
Students must complete a number of courses (usually 3-5 per semester) or “papers” and pass
three annual examinations (Part I, Part II and Final). Unlike two-year degrees, these programs
usually have areas of specialization, such as BA (English), BA (Philosophy), B.Sc. (Geology),
B.Sc. (Forestry), etc. There is no thesis requirement.
In addition to arts, commerce, and science, three-year bachelor (honours) degrees are also
available in a few other areas such as business administration (BBA), fine arts (BFA), education,
and IT.
A bachelor (honours) degree gives an individual access to further education. Options include
general master’s degree (e.g. MA, M.Com or M.Sc.), postgraduate bachelor’s degree (e.g. B.Ed),
and postgraduate certificate and diploma programs. It takes holders of a three-year honours
degree one year to complete a general master’s degree program as compared with two years for
holders of a two-year pass degree.
The three-year bachelor (honours) degree programs are being phased out and replaced by fouryear bachelor (honours) degrees.
Conclusion
The bachelor (honours) degree requires a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent
(Grade 12) for admission and involves three years of fulltime study, representing a total of 15
years of education. The degree allows an individual to seek employment or admission into
general master’s degree, postgraduate bachelor degree, and postgraduate certificate and diploma
Page 29 of 92
programs. Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation
resources, IQAS compares the three-year Bachelor (honours) degree from Pakistan to the
completion of a three-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
Page 30 of 92
C+
C
D
F
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.0
60.69
50-59
40-49
Below 40
Average
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
A
B
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
Page 31 of 92
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 32 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree (4-5 Years)
Date Entered: Sep 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor (Honours) Degree
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Honours)
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc./BS) (Honours)
Bachelor of Architecture (5 Years)
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry
Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.Sc. Engg.)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
Note: These are examples of the four/five-year bachelor degrees and do not constitute a complete
list of such programs.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
•Higher Secondary Certificate, Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent in the
required stream or group (e.g. pre-engineering)
Program Description:
•Four-year (or five-year) undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission to university graduate degree programs, postgraduate bachelor’s degree and
diploma programs
Placement Recommendations:
Page 33 of 92
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
Page 34 of 92
Bachelor (honours) degrees that involves at least four years of fulltime study fall into two
categories: (1) bachelor degrees in professional and specialized fields (e.g. agriculture and
engineering) that are traditionally four or five years in length, and (2) newly upgraded four-year
general bachelor degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) that are replacing the
three-year bachelor (honours) degrees.
(1) Professional bachelor degrees
Professional bachelor degrees are traditionally four years or more in length. Major fields of study
include agriculture, architecture (5 years), engineering and technology. Please refer to separate
templates for professional degrees in medicine.
Agriculture: Agricultural education is provided by both universities of agriculture (of which
there is at least one in each province) and general universities. Bachelor’s degrees in agriculture
such as Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agriculture) and Bachelor of Science in
Agricultural Engineering (B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering) involve four years of fulltime study.
Entry is based on the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in the relevant stream or group (e.g.
pre-medical or pre-engineering). After completing a number of foundation courses in the first
two years, students may study in a major area (e.g. agronomy, horticulture, animal sciences, soil
science, and food science and technology) in the last two years.
The B.Sc. Agriculture, considered equivalent to a traditional general M.Sc. (12+2+2), gives an
individual access to further education in two-year M.Sc. Agriculture programs.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has published model curricula for bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in various agricultural and related disciplines such as agricultural economics,
agricultural engineering, agricultural extension, agronomy, plant pathology, and soil science. For
example, the model curriculum for B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering (2005) prescribes 165 total
credits of coursework, including 128 credits of major courses and 37 credits of supporting
courses.
Engineering: The Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering
(B.Sc.Engg.) involves four years of fulltime study, with entry based on the Higher Secondary
Certificate (HSC) or equivalent in the relevant stream or course group (e.g. science or preengineering). The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) prescribes the guidelines and standards
for engineering bachelor’s degree programs:
• Entry is based on HSC (pre-engineering group) with at least 50% marks in aggregate
(raised to 60% in 2008), or equivalent.
• DAE with at least 60% marks in aggregate may be admitted to the same discipline of
engineering.
• The course of study must contain a minimum of 75% engineering subjects and a
maximum of 25% non-engineering subjects (revised to 65% and 35% respectively in
2008).
• The duration of study is at least four years. Maximum period allowed to complete the
program is seven years.
• Universities may adopt either the annual or semester system. Where the semester system
Page 35 of 92
is adopted, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits.
The PEC grants accreditation to programs meeting its standards in terms of curriculum, lectures,
laboratory, fieldwork, allied facilities, etc. The PEC website provides a list of accredited
programs in Pakistan. The accreditation status is reviewed at regular intervals.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has published model curricula for bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in various engineering disciplines such as chemical engineering, civil
engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering.
In the annual system, students must pass annual examinations, usually known as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd
and final Professional. In the semester system, final examinations are held and credits awarded at
the end of each semester. In addition to coursework, student may be required to participate in a
period of industrial training and complete a design project.
The BE/B.Sc.Engg. degree gives access to further education in engineering master’s degree
programs. An engineering degree from a PEC-accredited program allows an individual to
register with the council. According to the PEC ACT, 1976, registration with the PEC is
mandatory in order to undertake professional engineering work.
Nursing: The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is responsible for setting standards of nursing
education and for the registration of nurses. The minimum educational requirement to become a
Registered Nurse (RN) is a diploma in general nursing. All nurses must register with the PNC in
order to practice.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) involves four years of fulltime study. Entry is based
on the Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent plus admission test and interview. The HEC
model curriculum (2006) prescribes 138 total credits, with one credit representing one semester
hour of instruction or three semester hours of clinical/lab/tutorial work. A period of internship at
a PNC-affiliated teaching hospital is also required. A BScN holder is eligible for registration
with the PNC as a Registered Nurse. According to the HEC, the BScN program “is designed to
accord with the wider professional developments of specialist and higher levels of practice
currently being established by Pakistan Nursing Council.”
Pharmacy: The Pharmacy Council of Pakistan sets the standards of pharmacy programs,
approves qualifying examinations and recognizes degrees and diplomas for the registration of
pharmacists.
The first degree in pharmacy used to be the four-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm). In 2004
the Higher Education Commission upgraded the program to a five-year Doctor of Pharmacy
(PharmD). Entry is based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent in the required
course group (pre-medical) with minimum marks. Students must pass annual university
examinations, generally known as the First Professional, Second Professional, Third
Professional, Fourth Professional and Final Professional. For programs that adopt the semester
credit system, the HEC model curriculum prescribes a total of 192 credits. The HEC curriculum
also lists the “deficiency courses” B.Pharm graduates must take to upgrade to the new PharmD.
Page 36 of 92
Some universities offer a one-year course for B.Pharm holders to upgrade to the PharmD.
The B.Pharm and the new PharmD entitles an individual to register as a pharmacist with the
Pharmacy Council of Pakistan. (The minimum requirement for registration is a diploma in
pharmacy or passing a qualifying exam conducted by the Provincial Pharmacy Council.) They
also give access to further education in Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) programs in pharmacy.
An M.Phil in pharmacy following PharmD is required for admission into Ph.D. programs in
pharmacy.
(2) Newly upgraded four-year general bachelor degrees
In recent years, universities in Pakistan in both the public and private sectors are adopting the
North American pattern of four-year general bachelor degrees following completion of Grade 12.
Two types of programs are available to applicants depending on their previous education:
• Four-year bachelor (honours) following completion of Grade 12
• Two-year bachelor (honours) following completion of a first two-year bachelor (pass) degree
Regardless of the route, the resulting bachelor degree represents a total of 16 years of education.
The credit system is predominantly used, with about 120-140 minimum credit hours required for
graduation. For example, the HEC-approved model curriculum for the four-year B.Com
(honours)/BS Commerce (2006) lists 136 total credits. The weight of the research component in
the curriculum depends on the programs; some consist of coursework only with no thesis
requirement, while others list research methodology as a compulsory course and require students
to complete a thesis and attend a viva voce.
The four-year bachelor’s degrees are considered equivalent to traditional general master’s
degrees for purposes of employment and further education, as both represent 16 years of
education. At institutions that offer both types of programs, the Year 3 and Year 4 courses of the
newly upgraded four-year bachelor program may be identical to the traditional general master’s
program. Students in the four-year bachelor program may have the option to exit the program
after two years and receive a bachelor (pass) degree.
Conclusion
Professional bachelor degrees and newly upgraded general bachelor (honours) degrees involve at
least four years of fulltime study (or 120 semester credits) after Grade 12. They give access to
employment and further education in university graduate degree programs and postgraduate
bachelor degree and diploma programs. Based on the above information and placement
recommendations of other evaluation resources, IQAS compares the four/five-year bachelor
(honours) degree to the completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
Grading:
Page 37 of 92
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Page 38 of 92
Marks (%)
92-100
86-91
79-85
70-78
63-69
56-62
50-55
Below 50
Withdrawal
Incomplete
A+
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
W
I
4.00
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
Fail
-
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
Page 39 of 92
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 40 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor of Technology
Date Entered: Oct 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) (pass)
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) (honours)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• B.Tech (pass): Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE)
• B.Tech (honours): B.Tech (pass)
Program Description:
Two-year undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
•Further education
B.Tech (pass) holders may seek admission to B.Tech (honours) programs.
B.Tech (honours) holders may seek admission to graduate degree programs subject to the
approval of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
Page 41 of 92
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
•
•
•
•
B.Tech (pass) (1 year of academic study): Generally compares to the completion of a
postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
B.Tech (pass) (2 years of academic study): Generally compares to the completion of a threeyear postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
[In combination with B.Tech (pass)] B.Tech (honours) (2 years of academic study in total):
Generally compares to the completion of a three-year postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
[In combination with B.Tech (pass)] B.Tech (honours) (3 or more years of academic study in
total): Generally compares to the completion of an applied Bachelor’s degree with a focus in
xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) was introduced as a post-DAE (Diploma of Associate
Engineer) degree in 1973. The following table describes the traditional structure of the B.Tech
(pass) and B.Tech (honours) degree programs. Both the B.Tech (pass) and B.Tech (honours)
involves one year of academic study, with industrial experience or guided industrial training as
additional requirements.
Traditional Structure of B.Tech (pass) and B.Tech (honours)
Duration
Entry Requirement
DAE. Applicants with previous industrial
B.Tech (pass)
experience might be granted 1 year’s
1 year of guided industrial
advance standing.
training followed by 1 year of
B.Tech (pass). Applicants with industrial
study (1+1)
B.Tech (honours)
experience after B.Tech (pass) might be
granted 1 year’s advance standing.
Program
The B.Tech is designed as a program comparable in level and quality to the engineering degree
but focusing on practical applications of established principles rather than development of new
concepts. It retains the features of a technician training program and provides further
specialization in the disciplines in which the diploma holders were originally trained. The
colleges of technology (upgraded from polytechnics) that offer the B.Tech programs are
affiliated with universities, which conduct major examinations and award the degrees.
Holders of the B.Tech (honours) may seek employment as technologists, which is not a protected
title in Pakistan. The B.Tech (honours) gives access to further education, though the applicant
may have to obtain a certificate from Higher Education Commission (HEC) stating the suitability
of the degree for admission to MS/Ph.D. programs.
As indicated by the following sample programs structures, B.Tech programs are being updated,
Page 42 of 92
notably with longer duration of academic study. In the new pattern, both the B.Tech (pass) and
the B.Tech (honours) involve two years of academic study, with industrial experience or guided
industrial training as additional requirements. The HEC model curriculum for B.Tech (2004)
prescribes four years of fulltime study, each year consisting of 30 weeks of study and 12 weeks
of guided industrial training. The HEC also proposes the establishment of a Pakistan Technology
Council for the registration of technologists and provincial universities of technology.
Bachelor of Technology (Pass) in Mechanical Technology, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Duration: 2 years’ coursework preceded by 1 year of guided training.
Applicants with 2 years’ industrial experience are exempt from guided
training.
Total credits = 25 courses x 3 = 75
Entry Requirement: Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE) or
equivalent
Graduation Requirement: Minimum 2.5 CGPA for all courses
No.
Course
Semester I
HU314
English Grammar
MS311
Elementary Algebra
PH350
Basic Electricity
CS306
Introduction to Information Technology
Short Summer Semester
MG301
Basic Management
MG349
Industrial Training / Placement - I
MG351
Industrial Relations
MS312
Mathematics - I
Semester II
TE301
Workshop Technology
PH351
Applied Physics
MS313
Mathematics - II
MG350
Industrial Training / Placement - II
Semester III
MS406
Applied Mathematics - I
PH452
Applied Thermodynamics
PH453
Applied Mechanics
ET401
Electrical Technology
Short Summer Semester
HU419
Functional English
CS406
Computer Applications
MT401
Manufacturing Process
ET402
Power Plants
TE401
Instrumentation & Control
Semester IV
MG452
Production Operation Management
ET403
Refrigerator & Air Conditioning
MT402
Engineering Materials & Metallurgy
HU306
Business Communication
HU309
Islamic & Pakistan Studies
Bachelor of Technology (Honours) in Mechanical Technology, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Duration: 2 years (1 year of coursework + 1 year of industrial project)
Total credits = 11 courses x 3 + 25 (industrial project) = 58
Page 43 of 92
Entry Requirement: B.Tech (pass)
Graduation Requirement: Minimum 2.0 CGPA for all courses
No.
Course
Semester I
MS510
Applied Mathematics
PH452
Applied Thermodynamics
CT507
Strength of Materials
Short Summer Semester
PH561
Heat and Mass Transfer - I
ET508
Power Plant Engineering
MT504
Machine Design
TE501
Engineering Design
Semester II
PH562
Heat and Mass Transfer - II
MT505
Production Machinery
MG553
Industrial Management & Safety
MT506
Lubrication
Second Year
Comprehensive Industrial Project Development
Conclusion
The B.Tech (pass) is traditionally a two-year program involving one year of study preceded by
one year of guided industrial training. Some recent programs involve two years of study
preceded by one year of guided training. The B.Tech (pass) gives access to employment and
further education in B.Tech (honours) programs. The entry requirement, Diploma of Associate
Engineer (DAE), involves three years of fulltime study, of which one year is considered to be at
a postsecondary level (see the relevant template).
Based on the above information and placement recommendations from other evaluation
resources, IQAS makes the following placement recommendations for the B.Tech (pass) from
Pakistan:
B.Tech (pass) (1 year of academic study): Generally compares to the completion of a
postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
B.Tech (pass) (2 years of academic study): Generally compares to the completion of a three-year
postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
The B.Tech (honours), with entry based on the B.Tech (pass), is traditionally a two-year program
involving one year of study preceded by one year of guided industrial training. Some recent
programs involve two years of academic study. The program is considered to be at the same
level as an engineering degree but has an applied focus. Holders of a B.Tech (honours) degree
may pursue further education in Master of Science/Ph.D. programs subject to the approval of the
Higher Education Commission.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources,
IQAS makes the following placement recommendations for the B.Tech (honours) from Pakistan
(in combination with the B.Tech (pass)):
Page 44 of 92
B.Tech (honours) (2 years of academic study in total): Generally compares to the completion of a
three-year postsecondary Diploma in xxx.
B.Tech (honours) (3 or more years of academic study in total): Generally compares to the
completion of an applied Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
Page 45 of 92
AB+
B
C+
C
D
F
3.7
3.4
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.0
85-89
80-84
70-79
60.69
50-59
40-49
Below 40
Very Good
Good
Above Average
Average
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Page 46 of 92
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 47 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor of Education
Date Entered: Sep 2008
Category: University-level teaching credentials
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Bachelor of Science in Education (BS. Ed)
Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA. Ed)
Note: These are just examples of alternative names for the B.Ed and may not constitute a
complete list.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• B.Ed (1-year program): Bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA, B.Com, or B.Sc.)
• B.Ed (3-year integrated program): Higher Secondary School Certificate/Intermediate
Examination Certificate or equivalent
• B.Ed (4-year upgraded program): Higher Secondary School Certificate/Intermediate
Examination Certificate or equivalent
Program Description:
• B.Ed (1-year program): One-year university after-degree program
• B.Ed (3-year integrated program): Three-year undergraduate degree program
• B.Ed (4-year upgraded program): Four-year undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
A traditional B.Ed (1-year or 3-year integrated program) allows an individual to teach up to the
secondary level (Grades 1-10).
An upgraded B.Ed (4-year program) allows an individual to teach up to the higher secondary
level (Grades 1-12).
• Admission into university graduate degree programs
A traditional B.Ed (1-year or 3-year integrated program) gives access to the traditional 1-year
M.Ed program.
An upgraded B.Ed (4-year program) gives access to the upgraded 2-year M.Ed program.
Page 48 of 92
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
IQAS Recommendations:
•
•
•
B.Ed (1 year, following a 2 or 3-year Bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA, B.Com, B.Sc. etc.)):
Generally compares to the completion of one year of undergraduate study in education.
B.Ed (3-year integrated program): Generally compares to the completion of a three-year
Bachelor’s degree with a focus in education.
B.Ed (4-year upgraded program): Generally compares to the completion of a four-year
Bachelor of Education degree.
IQAS Rationale:
B.Ed (1 year)
The one-year B.Ed is a postgraduate bachelor degree (Pakistan terminology for after degree).
Minimum entry requirement is a bachelor (pass) degree (usually BA or B.Sc.), though many
applicants hold a general master’s degree (MA or M.Sc.). It is similar in structure to lower-level
teacher training programs such as Primary Teaching Certificate (PTC) and Certificate in
Teaching (CT), comprising 10 courses on methodology and content plus 6 weeks of practice
teaching. It represents a minimum of 15 years of schooling (14+1). Following is the list of
courses prescribed for the one-year B.Ed by the Ministry of Education:
One-Year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Ministry of Education
Duration: 1 year (48 weeks, including 6 weeks of practice teaching)
Entry Requirement: BA or B.Sc.
No.
Course
Marks
1
Perspectives of Education in Pakistan
100
2
Human Development and Learning
100
3
School Organisation and Management
100
4
Evaluation and Guidance
100
5
Society, School and Teachers
100
6-9
Two Courses on Special Methods of Teaching (Content
400
and Methodology separately)
10
Individual Project
100
11
Practice Teaching
200
Page 49 of 92
1200
Total
The one-year B.Ed allows an individual to teach up to the secondary level (Grades 1-10).
B.Ed (3-year integrated program)
In the 1970s a three-year education degree called Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Bachelor of
Science in Education (B.S.Ed) was introduced. With entry based on the Higher Secondary
Certificate or equivalent (Grade 12), it represents 15 years of schooling (12+3) just like the oneyear B.Ed, but provides more focused and in-depth training in both methodology and subject
area teaching. The three-year B.Ed student may choose to specialize in teaching either science or
language/humanities. The three-year B.S.Ed prepares students to teach science. Following is the
list of courses of a three-year B.Ed program:
Three-Year Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed), Federal College of Education, 1992
Duration: 3 years
Entry Requirement: Intermediate (Grade 12)
No.
Course
Marks
1st Year
1
English Functional
100
2
Physics/Botany
100
3
Mathematics A/Zoology
100
4
Mathematics B/Chemistry
100
5
Biology Minor/Mathematics Minor
100
6
Perspective of Education in Pakistan
100
7
Human Development and Learning
100
8
Special Methods of Teaching Physical Sciences
100
9
Special Methods of Teaching Mathematics
100
900
Subtotal
2nd Year
1
Islamiyat (for Muslims)/Ethics (for non-Muslims) and
100
Pakistan Studies (for all)
2
Physics/Botany
100
3
Mathematics A/Zoology
100
4
Mathematics B/Chemistry
100
5
Political Science and Current Affairs
100
6
School Organisation and Management
100
7
Evaluation and Guidance
100
8
Special Methods of Teaching Biology
100
9
Techniques of Research
100
900
Subtotal
3rd Year
1
Urdu
100
2
Physics/Botany
100
3
Mathematics A/Zoology
100
4
Mathematics B/Chemistry
100
5
Socio-Economic Problems of Pakistan
100
6
School, Society and Teacher
100
7
Guidance and Counselling
100
8
Research Thesis
100
900
Subtotal
2700
Total
Page 50 of 92
Like the one-year B.Ed, the three-year integrated B.Ed allows an individual to teach up to the
secondary level (Grades 1-10).
B.Ed (4-year upgraded program)
In line with the transition of undergraduate education to North American-style four-year bachelor
degrees, a four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) has been launched, with a model curriculum
developed by the Higher Education Commission in 2006. Entry is based on the Higher
Secondary Certificate or equivalent (Grade 12). Applicants with a BA or B.Sc. may be admitted
to semester V of the program. The recommended nomenclature for the new B.Ed is BS. Ed
(Hons) for science students and BA. Ed (Hons) for arts students. Following is the list of courses
prescribed for the four-year B.Ed by the Higher Education Commission:
Four-Year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Higher Education Commission, 2006
Duration: 4 years (127 credits)
Entry Requirement: Higher Secondary Certificate with at least 50% marks or equivalent. BA/B.Sc.
graduates may be admitted to Semester V.
Course
Credits
Course
Credits
1st Year
Semester I
Semester II
Islamiat/Ethics
2
Pakistan Studies
2
Functional English I
3
Communication Skills
3
Computer Literacy
2
How Children Learn
3
Reflective Practices
2
Optional I
3
Optional I
3
Optional II
3
Optional II
3
Critical Thinking
3
Development of Education in Pakistan
3
18
17
Subtotal
Subtotal
2nd Year
Semester III
Semester IV
Functional English II
3
Sociological & Cultural Issues
3
Child Development
3
Classroom Assessment (including
3
school visits)
Teaching & Learning Strategies (including
3
Communication Skills
3
school visits)
Optional I
3
Optional I
3
Optional II
3
Optional II
3
15
15
Subtotal
Subtotal
3rd Year
Semester V
Semester VI
Philosophy of Education
3
Educational Research
3
Curriculum Development
3
Research Project & Report Writing 3
Contemporary Issues and Trends in Education
3
Short-term Internship
6
Pedagogy I
3
Inclusive Education
3
Pedagogy II
3
15
15
Subtotal
Subtotal
4th Year
Semester VII
Semester VIII
Comparative Education
3
Long-term Internship (complete
17
semester)
School Management
3
Page 51 of 92
Pedagogy I
Pedagogy II
Society, School and Teacher
Subtotal
3
3
3
15
Subtotal
17
The four-year B.Ed is considered equivalent to a traditional Master of Education (M.Ed). It
allows an individual to teach at all levels of school education (Grades 1-12) and seek admission
to upgraded two-year M.Ed programs (equivalent to M.Phil Education).
Conclusion
The traditional B.Ed (1 year), with a bachelor (pass) degree as the minimum entry requirement,
represents a total of 3 or more years of university study (12+2+1). It allows an individual to
teach up to the secondary level (Grades 1-10) and gives access to further education in traditional
M.Ed programs.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources,
IQAS compares the B.Ed (1 year) to the completion of one year of undergraduate study in
education.
The traditional B.Ed (3 years), with entry based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or
equivalent, represents 3 years of university study (12+3). It allows an individual to teach up to
the secondary level (Grades 1-10) and gives access to further education in traditional M.Ed (1
year) programs.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources,
IQAS compares the B.Ed (3 years) to the completion of a three-year Bachelor’s degree with a
focus in education.
The upgraded B.Ed (4 years), with entry based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or
equivalent, represents 4 years of university study (12+4). It allows an individual to teach at all
levels of school education (Grades 1-12) and gives access to further education in upgraded M.Ed
(2 years) programs.
Based on the above information, IQAS compares the B.Ed (4 years) to the completion of a fouryear Bachelor of Education degree.
Grading:
Page 52 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Bachelor of Law(s) (LLB)
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor of Law(s) (LLB)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
LLB (3 years): Bachelor (pass) degree
LLB (5 years): Higher Secondary School Certificate/Intermediate Examination Certificate or
equivalent
Program Description:
• LLB (3 years): Three-year university after-degree program [Prior to 1992 the program was
two years in length]
• LLB (5 years): Five-year undergraduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
An LLB holder, after passing provincial examinations, may register with the Provincial Bar
Council as an advocate and practice law in Pakistan.
•Admission into professional graduate programs
An LLB holder may seek admission into two-year Master of Law(s) (LLM) programs.
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Page 53 of 92
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
• LLB (3 years): Generally compares to the completion of a first professional university degree
in law (as practiced in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan).
• LLB (5 years): Generally compares to the completion of a first professional university degree
in law (as practiced in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan), preceded by two years of prerequisite
university study.
• LLB (2 years) [prior to 1992]: Generally compares to the completion of two years of
undergraduate study in law (as practiced in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan).
IQAS Rationale:
According to the Bar Councils Act, 1973 (last amended in 2005), only an advocate registered
with a Provincial Bar Council is entitled to practise the profession of law in Pakistan. To enrol as
an advocate, one must:
• Have a degree in law plus a bachelor’s degree in any subject other than law, and
• Undergo training and pass the examination conducted by the Provincial Bar Council
The Bachelor of Law(s) (LLB) can be earned as a postgraduate bachelor degree (3 years) or
integrated degree (5 years). Entry to the postgraduate LLB is based on the completion of a first
bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA or B.Sc.).
Before a February 1992 amendment to the Act, the postgraduate LLB. was 2 years in length.
Students admitted after September 1, 1992 must follow the 3-year schedule of examinations
prescribed in the Pakistan Bar Council Legal Education Rules.
LLB Schedule, Pakistan Bar Council
LLB (Part-1)
PAPER 1 [ENGLISH] JURISPRUDENC
PAPER II LAW OF CONTRACT:
PAPER III ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE.
PAPER IV LAW OF TORTS AND EASEMENTS:
PAPER V CRIMINAL LAW
(1) General Principle
(2) The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
(3) Hadood Ordinance
PAPER VI CONSTITUTIONAL LAW-I
(1) The British Constitution
(2) The U.S. Constitution
LLB (Part-II)
PAPER 1 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW-II
Page 54 of 92
(1) Constitutional History of Pakistan
(2) Constitution of Pakistan
PAPER II EQUITY
(1) Principles of Equity
(2) The Trusts Act, 1882
(3) The Specific Relief Act
PAPER III MERCANTILE LAW
(1) The Companies Ordinance, 1984.
(2) The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
(3) The Partnership Act, 1932.
PAPER IV LAW OF TRANSFER OF PROPERTY
(1) The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
(2) The Registration Act, 1908
(3) The Succession Act, 1925
(4) The Land Acquisition Act, 1894
PAPER V ISLAMIC PERSONAL LAW
(1)Muslim Personal Law and relevant enactments/ Quranic verses
(2)Islamic Pre-emption Laws
(3)The Guardian and Wards Act, 1890
PAPER VI INTERNATIONAL LAW:
(1) Public International Law
(2) Private International Law (Conflict of Laws)
PAPER VII SPECIAL AND LOCAL LAWS
(1) West Pakistan Land Revenue Act, 1967 (as adopted in respective Provinces)
(2) Tenancy Act
LLB (Part-III)
PAPER 1 CIVIL PROCEDURE
(1) The Civil Procedure Code, 1908.
(2) The Limitation Act, 1908
PAPER II CRIMINAL PROCEDURE:
(1) The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
(2) Medical Jurisprudence (Autopsy and injuries)
PAPER III LAW OF EVIDENCE:
(1) Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984
(2) Elements of Legal Ethics
PAPER IV CONVEYANCING AND PLEADINGS
(1) Conveyancing
(2) Pleadings
(3) Interpretation of Statutes (General Clauses Act, Sections 6, 16, 21 & 26 and selected topics)
PAPER V ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
(1) Principles of Administrative Law
(2) Administrative Tribunals
(3) Laws of Civil Service
PAPER VI MINOR ACTS
(1) The Stamp Act, 1899
(2) The Suits Valuation Act, 1887
(3) The Court Fees Act, 1870
(4) The Arbitration Act, 1940
(5) Urban Rent Law
PAPER VII LABOUR AND TAXATION LAWS
(A) Labour Laws;
(i) Workmen Compensation Act, 1923
(ii) W.P. Standing Orders, 1968
(iii) Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969
(B) Taxation Laws: Income Tax Ordinance, 1979
Page 55 of 92
NOTE: A Course of lectures on Legal Ethics and Medical Jurisprudence shall be compulsory for the final year
students.
The LLB curriculum has been amended in recent years. The HEC model curriculum for LLB
(2004) includes substantial revisions in the lists of courses and course content. Following is a
current sample program structure:
Bachelor of Law (LLB), University Law College, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Duration: 3 years
Entry requirement: Bachelor’s degree
Credit
No.
Course
Hours
1st Semester
BLL 500
Islamic Jurisprudence I
4
BLL 501
Jurisprudence I
3
BLL 502
Law of Contract I
3
BLL 503
Law of Tort
4
BLL 504
Language Skill
2
BLL 505
Guided Library Study/Work
2
18
Subtotal
2nd Semester
BLL 550
Islamic Jurisprudence II
2
BLL 551
Jurisprudence II
3
BLL 552
Law of Contract II
3
BLL 553
Equity
4
BLL 554
Comparative Constitution Law
4
BLL 555
Computer Study
2
18
Subtotal
3rd Semester
BLL 600
Criminal Law I
3
BLL 601
Constitution History of Pakistan
2
BLL 602
Public International Law I
3
BLL 603
Mercantile Law
2
BLL 604
Transfer of Property Law I
3
BLL 605
Islamic Personal Law I
3
BLL 606
Conveyancing
2
BLL 607
Legal Profession
2
20
Subtotal
4th Semester
BLL 650
Criminal Law II
3
BLL 651
Constitution Law of Pakistan
3
BLL 652
Public International Law II
3
BLL 653
Company Law
2
BLL 654
Transfer of Property Law II
3
BLL 655
Islamic Personal Law II
3
BLL 656
Research Methodology
2
19
Subtotal
5th Semester
BLL 680
Evidence I
3
BLL 681
Criminal Procedure I
3
BLL 682
Civil Procedure I
3
BLL 683
Administrative Law I
3
Page 56 of 92
BLL 684
BLL 685
BLL 686
BLL 687
BLL 688
Subtotal
Pleadings
Optional I
Office Management & Clients Counselling
Trial Advocacy Civil
Law Moot
2
3
2
2
2
23
6th Semester
BLL 690
BLL 691
BLL 692
BLL 693
BLL 694
BLL 695
BLL 696
BLL 697
Subtotal
Total
Evidence II
Criminal Procedure II
Civil Procedure II
Administrative Law II
Interpretation of Statues etc.
Optional II
Seminar
Trial Advocacy Criminal
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
23
121
Some law colleges offer a five-year BA/LLB integrated/consolidated program that admits
higher secondary school graduates. Upon completion of the program, students receive both a BA
and an LLB
Both the LLB (2 or 3 years) and LLB (five years) give access to further education in two-year
Master of Law(s) (LLM) programs.
Conclusion
The LLB (3 years) involves three years of professional studies in law, with entry based on a first
bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA or B.Sc.). This is similar in structure to LLB programs in Canada,
which generally require at least two or three years of university study (though most applicants
already hold a bachelor’s degree), followed by three years of professional studies in law. An
LLB (3 years) holder, after completing the required training and passing examinations
administered by the Provincial Bar Council, may register with the council to practice law as an
Advocates and may also seek admission into two-year Master of Law(s) (LLM) programs. Based
on the above information and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources, IQAS
compares the LLB (3 years) to the completion of a first professional university degree in law (as
practiced in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan).
The LLB (integrated program) involves three years of professional studies in law, preceded by
two years of prerequisite university study. An LLB (integrated program) holder may apply to the
Bar Council of India to practice law as Advocates and may also seek admission into two-year
Master of Law(s) (LLM) programs. Based on the above information and placement
recommendations of other evaluation resources, IQAS compares the LLB (integrated program)
to the completion of a first professional university degree in law (as practiced in the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan), preceded by two years of prerequisite university study.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
Page 57 of 92
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
Page 58 of 92
86-91
79-85
70-78
63-69
56-62
50-55
Below 50
Withdrawal
Incomplete
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
W
I
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
Fail
-
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
Page 59 of 92
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 60 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
First Degrees – Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine
Date Entered: Sep 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Bachelor of Dentistry/Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
1. Higher Secondary School Certificate/Intermediate Examination Certificate or equivalent in
the required stream or group (pre-medical)
2. Entrance examinations
Program Description:
•MBBS: Five-year professional university degree program
•BDS: Four-year professional university degree program
•DVM: Four-year/five-year professional university degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
MBBS or BDS graduates, after completing one year’s internship at an approved hospital, may
register with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to practice professionally in Pakistan.
DVM gradates may register with the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council to practice
professionally in Pakistan.
•Admission into professional graduate programs
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Page 61 of 92
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
MBBS: Generally compares to the completion of a first professional university degree in
medicine.
Note: Medical degrees in Pakistan involve five years of continuous study in the Faculty of
Medicine. In Canada, medical degrees, in general, require at least two years of study in science
followed by four years of professional medical studies.
BDS: Generally compares to the completion of a first professional university degree in dentistry.
Note: Dentistry degrees in Pakistan involve four years of continuous study in the Faculty of
Dentistry. In Canada, dentistry degrees, in general, require at least two years of undergraduate
study in science followed by four years of professional dentistry studies.
DVM: Generally compares to the completion of a first professional university degree in
veterinary medicine.
Note: Veterinary medicine degrees in Pakistan involved four years of continuous university study
before 2002 and five years thereafter. In Canada, veterinary medicine degrees require in general
at least two years of undergraduate study in science followed by four years of professional
veterinary studies.
IQAS Rationale:
Medicine and Dentistry
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), established in 1962, is a statutory
autonomous body responsible for setting the minimum standards for medical and dental
education, evaluation and approval of medical and dental institutions, and registration, licensing
and evaluation of medical and dental practitioners.
The first professional degree in medicine is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
(MBBS), which involves five years of fulltime study, with entry based on the Higher Secondary
Certificate (HSC) in the required course group (medical). Students must pass annual university
examinations, generally known as First Professional Part I (1st year), First Professional Part II
(2nd year), Second Professional (3rd year), Third Professional (4th year), and Final Professional
(5th year).
The first professional degree in dentistry is the Bachelor of Dentistry or Bachelor of Dental
Surgery (BDS), which involves four years of fulltime study, with entry based on the Higher
Page 62 of 92
Secondary Certificate (HSC) in the required course group (pre-medical). Students must pass four
Professional BDS Examinations, held at the end of each academic year.
MBBS or BDS graduates must complete one year’s house job at a PMDC-approved hospital
before they can register with the PMDC and practice professionally in Pakistan. For MBBS
graduates, the house job includes six months in medicine and allied disciplines and six months in
surgery and allied disciplines. For BDS graduates, the house job includes rotational duties in all
the four disciplines of the dentistry – oral surgery, prosthetic, orthodontic and operative dentistry.
Veterinary Medicine
Traditionally, there were three main types of programs for veterinary medicine and animal
husbandry:
• Four-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Animal Husbandry (B.Sc. A.H.)
• Four-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.)
• Four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Entry was based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent in the relevant course group
(pre-medical). When the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) was constituted in 1996,
it recognized all those degrees.
The PVMC Standards of Education Regulations of 2001 prescribes the curriculum and syllabi
for the five-year composite DVM degree covering both veterinary medicine and animal
husbandry. The five-year degree began to be offered in 2002. The previous separate degrees in
veterinary medicine and animal husbandry are being phased out.
According to PVMC regulations, main features of the five-year DVM degree include:
• Entry is based on Higher Secondary Certificate with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and
English, or equivalent.
• Duration of study is five years (ten semesters), including a compulsory internship of sixth
months (10th semester + one summer session).
• Course of study includes training in a teaching veterinary hospital and livestock farm, and
field training in veterinary production and technology institutions.
• University examination is held at the end of each year.
• The university issues a provisional course completion certificate to students who pass the
final examination, and award the degree after they complete the compulsory internship.
Students who receive their four-year B.Sc. A.H. after 2001 are no longer eligible to work as
veterinary officers in public and private sectors, nor will they be licensed to practice as
veterinarians, unless they take the one-year Deficiency DVM course.
Conclusion
The MBBS/BDS, with entry based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent in the
required stream or group (pre-medical), involves five/four years of fulltime study. The
MBBS/BDS holder, after one year’s house job at an approved hospital, may register with the
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and practice professionally.
Page 63 of 92
Based on the above information and placement recommendations from other evaluation
resources, IQAS compares the MBBS/BDS from Pakistan to the completion of a first
professional university degree in medicine/dentistry. A note is appended to highlight the
differences from comparable Canadian programs.
The DVM, with entry based on the Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent in the required
stream or group (pre-medical), involves four years [pre-2002]/five years [after 2002] of fulltime
study. The DVM holder may register with the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) and
practice professionally.
Based on the above information and placement recommendations from other evaluation
resources, IQAS compares the DVM from Pakistan to the completion of a first professional
university degree in veterinary medicine. A note is appended to highlight the differences from
comparable Canadian programs.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
Page 64 of 92
C
D
F
2
1
0
50-64
40-49
Below 40
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Percentage
Descriptor
Letter Grade
Grade
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
Page 65 of 92
60-69
Below 60
Withdrawal
Incomplete
C
F
W
I
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Descriptor
Grade Points
Percentage
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
2.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
Page 66 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Date Entered: Apr 2009
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and degree-awarding institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree (2 or 3 years) or
• Bachelor’s Degree (at least 4 years) or Master’s degree
Program Description:
• Postsecondary certificate or diploma program or
• Graduate certificate or diploma program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
•Further education (e.g. admission into another postgraduate certificate or diploma program)
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published reference was considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
IQAS Recommendations:
[Programs requiring a 2- or 3-year Bachelor degree for admission] Generally compares to the
completion of xxx year(s) of undergraduate study.
[Programs requiring a 4-year Bachelor degree or Master degree for admission] Generally
compares to the completion of a Graduate Certificate or Diploma. [Shorter programs are
generally compared to certificates while longer programs can be compared to diplomas.]
Page 67 of 92
IQAS Rationale:
Universities offer a variety of certificates and diplomas that require at least a 2-year bachelor
(pass) degree for admission. Programs in some fields (e.g. engineering) and some newly
established programs require at least 16 years of education for admission, i.e. a professional
bachelor degree, an upgraded four-year general bachelor degree, or a traditional general master’s
degree.
Length of study is usually one year but may be longer. In the same field of study, a diploma is
typically a higher credential than a certificate – for example, University of the Punjab offers a
one-year certificate in statistics, with entry based on a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, and a
one-year diploma in statistics, with entry based on B.Sc., B.Sc. (Engg.), M.Sc. or a certificate in
statistics. Following is the structure of a postgraduate diploma program that requires 16 years of
education for admission.
Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Preparedness and Management, University of Peshawar
Duration: 1 year
Entry Requirement: M.Sc./M.A/4Years B.S. in Geography, Environmental
Sciences, Geology, Economics, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Medical
sciences, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, City and Regional Planning,
Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Agriculture, Forestry, Animal/Plant
Sciences and Management Sciences.
No.
Course
Credits
Semester I (four-and-half months)
DPM 601 Introduction to Disasters
3
DPM 602 Disaster Planning and Management
3
DPM 603 Community based Approaches to Disaster Risk Management
3
DPM 604 Basic Principles of GIS and Remote Sensing
3
12
Subtotal
Semester II (four-and-a-half months)
DPM 605 Disaster Preparedness and Management in Pakistan
3
DPM 606 Disaster and Development
3
6
Subtotal
Internship/Field Work or Project (three months)
Focus will be made on the disaster risk, preparedness,
3
mitigation and management
24
Total
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are generally for employment purposes and do not
provide advanced standing for further academic studies.
Conclusion
Postgraduate certificate and diploma programs usually involves one year of fulltime study but
may last longer. While most programs only require a general bachelor degree (pass or honours)
for admission, some require a minimum of 16 years of education or the equivalence of a fouryear bachelor degree. Based on the above information and placement recommendations from
other evaluation resources, IQAS makes the following placement recommendations for the
postgraduate certificates and diplomas from Pakistan:
Page 68 of 92
[Programs requiring a 2- or 3-year Bachelor degree for admission] Generally compares to the
completion of xxx year(s) of undergraduate study.
[Programs requiring a 4-year Bachelor degree or Master degree for admission] Generally
compares to the completion of a Graduate Certificate or Diploma. [Shorter programs are
generally compared to certificates while longer programs can be compared to diplomas.]
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
Page 69 of 92
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
3.4
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0
0.0
80-84
70-79
60.69
50-59
40-49
Below 40
Good
Above Average
Average
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Letter Grade
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
Page 70 of 92
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Page 71 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Master Degree (3+1 or 2+2 Years)
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Master Degree (3+1 or 2+2 years)
Note: Two-year (or one-and-a-half-year) master’s degrees that require a four-year bachelor’s
degree for admission are assessed differently.
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Note: These are the most common master’s degrees (3+1 or 2+2 years) and do not constitute a
complete list of such programs.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• Bachelor (honours) degree (3 years) or bachelor (pass) degree (2 years)
Program Description:
•One-year (or two-year) university graduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission to Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) programs and some professional master degree
programs
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
Page 72 of 92
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of one year (or two years) of senior undergraduate study
in xxx.
(In combination with the preceding bachelor degree) Generally compares to the completion of a
four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
Traditional general master’s degree programs in Pakistan represent 16 years of education
(12+2+2 or 12+3+1). A master’s degree in arts, commerce or science – MA, M.Com or M.Sc. –
involves two years of fulltime study following the completion of a two-year bachelor (pass)
degree, or one year of fulltime study following the completion of a three-year bachelor (honours)
degree. Universities may set minimum marks for admission, e.g. Second Division from a
bachelor degree, and require applicants to write an admission test administered by the institution
or the National Testing Service, and attend an interview. Some institutions only offer one-year
general master’s degree programs that require a three-year bachelor (honours) degree for
admission.
Many MA, M.Com and M.Sc. programs consist of coursework only, though some require
students to complete a research report or thesis. In the traditional, annual system, examinations
are held at the end of each year, generally known as Part I/Previous Examination (at the end of
the first year) and Part II/Final Examination (at the end of second year).
MA and M.Sc. programs often have areas of specialization, e.g. MA (English), MA
(Economics), MA (Islamic and Oriental Studies), M.Sc. (Chemistry), and M.Sc. (Physics).
A general master’s degree gives an individual access to further education such as Master of
Philosophy (M.Phil) and postgraduate certificate and diploma programs. A general master’s
degree used to be the minimum entry requirement for Ph.D. programs. After May 31, 2005, an
M.Phil or equivalent degree is required for admission to Ph.D. programs.
Conclusion
The general master’s degree in the traditional structure (3+1 or 2+2 years) requires a two-year
bachelor (pass) or three-year bachelor (honours) degree for admission, representing a total of
Page 73 of 92
four years of postsecondary education. It allows an individual to seek employment or admission
into M.Phil and postgraduate certificate and diploma programs. Based on the above information
and placement recommendations of other evaluation resources, IQAS makes the following
placement recommendations for the general master’s degree (3+1 or 2+2 years) from Pakistan:
Generally compares to the completion of one year (or two years) of senior undergraduate study
in xxx.
The degree may be combined with the previous bachelor degree with the following placement
recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a focus in xxx.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program, and time period. The
marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
Page 74 of 92
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Percentage
Descriptor
Letter Grade
Grade
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
B
3.0
70-76
Good
C+
2.5
65-69
Above Average
C
2.0
60-64
Average
D+
1.5
55-59
Fair
D
1.0
50-54
Pass
F
0.0
Below 50
Fail
S
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
U
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
P
50-100
Pass in non-credit course
X
Exempted
I
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Page 75 of 92
Withdrawal
Incomplete
W
I
0.0
0.0
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Descriptor
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
A
4-5
80-100
Excellent
B
3-<4
60-79
Good
C
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
D
1-<2
40-49
Pass
F
0
<40
Fail
I
0
Incomplete
W
0
Withdrawn from course
R
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
A
4-5
85 and above Excellent
B
3-<4
71-84
Good
C
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
D
1-<2
50-60
Pass
F
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
A
4-5
87 and above Excellent
B
3-<4
72-86
Good
C
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
F
0
< 60
Fail
Page 76 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Master of Education
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University-Level Teaching Credentials
Credential Actual Name:
Master of Education (M.Ed)
Credential Alternate Actual Name(s):
Master of Arts in Education (MA Education)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• M.Ed (1 year): Traditional B.Ed (1 year or 3 years)
• M.Ed (2 years): Upgraded B.Ed (4 years)
• MA Education: Bachelor (pass) degree (2 years) or bachelor (honours) degree (3 years)
Program Description:
• M.Ed (1 year): One-year university graduate degree program
• M.Ed (2 years): Two-year university graduate degree program
• MA Education: Two-year (or one-year) university graduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
Allows an individual to teach at all levels of school education (Grades 1-12).
• Further education
Both the M.Ed (1 year) and MA Education allow an individual to seek admission to two-year
M.Phil Education programs. The M.Ed (2 years) is considered equivalent to M.Phil Education
and allows an individual to seek admission to Ph.D. programs in education.
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
Page 77 of 92
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
•M.Ed (1 year): Generally compares to the completion of one year of senior undergraduate study
in education.
• M.Ed (2 years): Generally compares to the completion of a two-year Master’s degree with a
focus in education.
• MA Education: Generally compares to the completion of two years (or one year) of senior
undergraduate study in education.
IQAS Rationale:
M.Ed (1 year)
The traditional Master of Education (M.Ed) program involves one year of fulltime study, with
entry based on the traditional B.Ed (1 year or 3 years). It represents a minimum of 16 years of
schooling (14+1+1 or 12+3+1). A typical program includes 10 courses plus a thesis or
comprehensive examination for a total of 36 credit hours. Universities running M.Ed programs
may offer various specializations such as Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Early
Childhood Education, and Educational Administration. Following is a sample program structure
of the M.Ed (1 year):
One-Year Master of Education (M.Ed), Abasyn University
Duration: 1 year (3-credit courses x 12 = 36 credits)
Entry Requirement: B.Ed (Second Division or equivalent)
No.
Course
Credits Marks
1st Semester
MED500 Comparative Education
3
100
MED501 Computer in Education
3
100
MED502 Educational Research
3
100
MED503 Advance Educational Psychology
3
100
MED504 Guidance and Counseling
3
100
2nd Semester
Educational Administration and
MED600
3
100
Supervision
Education in Pakistan: Problems Issues and
MED601
3
100
Trends
MED602 Curriculum Development and Implementation 3
100
MED603 Secondary Education in Pakistan
3
100
Page 78 of 92
MED604 Teacher Education in Pakistan
3
Students may choose Research Thesis or any two of the other subjects:
MED650 Adult & Continuing Education
3
MED651 Higher Education
3
MED652 Women Education
3
MED653 Environmental Education
3
MED654 Research Thesis
6
36
Total
100
100
100
100
100
200
1200
MA (Education)
The Master of Arts in Education or MA (Education) involves one year of fulltime study
following a three-year bachelor (honours) degree (BA or B.Sc.) or two years of fulltime study
following a two-year bachelor (pass) degree. It represents a total of 16 years of schooling
(12+3+1 or 12+2+2). As in the traditional M.Ed program, students may choose from a number of
specializations. Following is a sample program structure of MA (Education):
Master of Arts in Education (MA Education), International Islamic University
Duration: 2 years
Entry Requirement: Bachelor (pass) degree with at least 50%
marks or CGPA 2.0 out of 4.0
No.
Course
Credits
1st Semester
UR 201
Functional Arabic-I
3
UR 202
Islamic Studies –I
3
ED 300
Islamic Education History & Institutions
3
ED 301
Western Philosophy of Education
3
ED 302
Educational Psychology
3
ED 303
Research Methods in Education
3
18
Subtotal
2nd Semester
UR 205
Functional Arabic-II
3
UR 206
Islamic Studies –II
3
ED 304
Curriculum Development
3
ED 305
Educational Measurement & Evaluation
3
ED 306
Counseling & Guidance in Schools
3
ED 307
Methods of Teaching
3
18
Subtotal
3rd Semester
UR 209
Arabic-III
3
ED 308
School Organization & Management
3
ED 309
Economics of Education
3
Choose any two of the following:
ED 310
Teacher’s Education
3
ED 311
Functional English
3
ED 312
Higher Education
3
ED 313
Secondary Education
3
ED 326
Moral and Ethical dimensions in Education
3
ED 327
Education in Pakistan
3
15
Subtotal
4th Semester
Choose any two from ED 314-321:
Page 79 of 92
ED 314
ED 315
ED 316
ED 317
ED 318
ED 319
ED 320
ED 321
ED 328
ED 322
ED 323
ED 324
ED 325
Subtotal
Total
Islamic Studies & Its Teaching
Arabic & Its Teaching
English & Its Teaching
General Science & Its Teaching
Biology & Its Teaching
Chemistry & Its Teaching
Physics & Its Teaching
Mathematics & Its Teaching
Pakistan Studies & Its Teaching
Teaching Practice
Choose Dissertation or ED 324-325
Dissertation
Advance Course on Educational Research &
Statistics
Educational Planning & Management
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
6
6
3
3
21
72
Both the M.Ed (1 year) and MA (Education) allow an individual to teach at all levels of school
education (Grades 1-12). Teachers at higher secondary schools (Grades 11-12) must hold an
M.Ed (1 year) or MA (Education), or a master’s degree (e.g. MA or M.Sc. in a school subject)
plus a B.Ed. The M.Ed (1 year) and MA (Education) give access to further education in M.Phil
Education programs.
M.Ed (2 years)
The upgraded M.Ed program involves two years of fulltime study following the four-year B.Ed.
It represents a total of 18 years of education (12+4+2) and is considered equivalent to a
traditional M.Phil in Education. Holders of M.Ed (2 years) may seek admission to Ph.D.
programs in education.
The HEC model curriculum for the M.Ed (2 years) prescribes 8 courses of 3 credit hours each,
plus 2 semesters of thesis research. Universities may offer various specializations, including but
not limited to those listed in the curriculum.
Two-Year Master of Education (M.Ed), Higher Education Commission, 2006
No.
Course
Credits
Core Courses
1
Professional Development of Teachers
3
2
School Improvement
3
Educational Studies (Philosophical,
3
3
Sociological & Economic Perspectives)
9
Subtotal
Research Courses
1
Qualitative and Quantitative Research
3
2
Statistics in Educational Research
3
3
Thesis (two semesters)
6
12
Subtotal
Specialization Courses
(Students choose three courses from any of the following areas of
specialization. Universities may offer any other area of specialization
Page 80 of 92
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Subtotal
Total
subject to availability of faculty and resources.)
Curriculum, Instruction and Design
Measurement and Evaluation
Distance and Non Formal Education
Educational Technology
Educational Management
Inclusive Education
Policy and Planning
9
30
Conclusion
The M.Ed (1 year), with entry based on a traditional B.Ed, represents at least four years of
university study following the completion of school education (12 years). It allows an individual
to teach at all levels of school education and gives access to further education in M.Phil
programs in education. Based the above information and placement recommendations from other
evaluation resources, IQAS compares the M.Ed (1 year) to one year of senior undergraduate
study in education.
The MA (Education), with entry based on a bachelor (pass) degree or bachelor (honours) degree,
represents four years of university study following the completion of school education (12
years). It allows an individual to teach at all levels of school education and gives access to
further education in M.Phil programs in education. Based the above information and placement
recommendations from other evaluation resources, IQAS compares the MA (Education) to two
years (or one year) of senior undergraduate study in education.
The M.Ed (2 years), with entry based on an upgraded four-year B.Ed, represents six years of
university study following the completion of school education (12 years). It is considered
equivalent to the M.Phil Education degree and gives access to further education in Ph.D.
programs in education. Based the above information, IQAS compares the M.Ed (2 years) to the
completion of a two-year Master’s degree with a focus in education.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
45-59
Second Division
33-44
Third Division
Below 33
Fail
Page 81 of 92
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Letter Grade
Grade
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
A
4.0
85-100
Excellent
B+
3.5
77-84
Very Good
Page 82 of 92
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
S
U
P
X
I
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
-
70-76
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
Below 50
50-100
-
Good
Above Average
Average
Fair
Pass
Fail
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
Pass in non-credit course
Exempted
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
Page 83 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Master of Philosophy and Equivalent Degrees
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
Master of Arts (Honours) (MA (Hons))
Master of Science in Commerce (MS Commerce)
Master of Science (Honours) (M.Sc. (Hons))
Master of Science (MS)
Note: These are examples of Master of Philosophy and equivalent degrees and do not constitute a
complete list of such programs.
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• General master degree (e.g. MA, M.Com or M.Sc.), professional bachelor degree or upgraded
four-year general bachelor (honours) degree, representing at least 16 years of education
Program Description:
•Two-year (or one-and-a-half-year, etc.) university graduate degree program
*Program length is typically two years but varies from one and a half to three years.
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
• Admission to Ph.D. programs
Since May 31, 2005, the minimum qualification for admission to Ph.D. programs has been raised
from a general master’s degree to an M.Phil or equivalent degree.
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
Page 84 of 92
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of a Master’s degree with a focus in xxx.
IQAS Rationale:
Master of Philosophy and equivalent degrees fall into three main categories:
(1) Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), with entry based on a traditional general master’s degree
(2) Professional master’s degree, with entry based on a professional bachelor degree
(3) Upgraded general master’s degree, with entry based on a four-year bachelor (honours)
degree
The above three categories of master’s degrees are considered equivalent for the purpose of
admission into Ph.D. programs.
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) is a pre-doctoral research degree that usually involves two
years of fulltime study or three years of part-time study that includes both coursework and
directed research leading to the completion of a thesis.
Entry to the M.Phil program is based on a general master’s degree (e.g. MA, M.Com or M.Sc.), a
professional bachelor degree or an upgraded four-year general bachelor (honours) degree. The
Higher Education Commission’s Minimum Criteria for M.Phil and Ph.D. Education (effective
for students enrolled after May 31, 2005) reiterates the above entry requirement, i.e. 16 years of
schooling or four years of education (130 credits) after higher secondary school, while also
requiring applicants to take an admission test equivalent to GRE.
A typical M.Phil program has two semesters of coursework followed by one year of thesis
research. Programs in some specialized areas may be three years full time. The HEC criteria of
2005 prescribe 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of research for awarding the M.Phil or
equivalent degree. Following is a sample program structure of M.Phil:
M.Phil (History), Department of History, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Duration: 2 years
Entry Requirement: MA (History) with at least 45% marks and NTS
(National Testing Service) admission test
Semester
Code
Course
Credit Hours
HIST-501
Research Methodology
3
st
1
Page 85 of 92
2nd
3rd & 4th
Total
HIST-503
HIST-505
HIST-507
HIST-502
HIST-504
HIST-506
HIST-508
HIST-600
Philosophy of History I
The Freedom Movement
Muslim History of South Asia
Philosophy of History II
Regional History of Pakistan
Muslim Socio-Political Thought
Analysis of Historiography
Thesis
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
6
30
In the traditional system, a general master’s degree, professional bachelor’s degree or four-year
bachelor (honours) degree is the minimum entry requirement for Ph.D. programs. Since May 31,
2005, an M.Phil or equivalent degree in First Division or with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 has been
the new minimum requirement.
Some institutions offer M.Phil/Ph.D. combined programs (usually called M.Phil leading to
Ph.D.). Students who score below CGPA 3.0 in the M.Phil segment or fail the comprehensive
exam may receive a “terminal” M.Phil that does not allow entry into a Ph.D. program.
Professional Master’s Degrees
Master’s degrees in specialized and professional fields such as agriculture, engineering, nursing,
and pharmacy generally involve two years of fulltime study. Programs may be shorter (e.g. three
semesters) or longer (e.g. five semesters). Entry is based on the completion of a professional
bachelor’s degree in the same field. Applicants must meet minimum marks in their
undergraduate study. The program may consist entirely of coursework or a combination of
coursework and guided research leading to the completion of a thesis or project. A professional
master’s degree gives access to further education in Ph.D. programs in the same field.
Following is a sample program structure of M.Sc. in Engineering:
M.Sc. in Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and
Technology, Lahore
Duration: 2 years part time (24 credit hours)
Entry Requirement: Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline with at least 60% marks or CGPA of 3.
Examination Marks
Hours
No.
Course
Part II
Part I
Sessional Viva Voce Credit Contact
Compulsory Subjects
SE-501
Structural Analysis
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-502
Reinforced Concrete Structures
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-503
Properties of Structural Materials
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-504
Prestressed Concrete
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-505
Steel Structures
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-506
Seismic Design of Structures
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
Elective Subjects (Choose Two)
SE-507
Bridge Engineering
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-508
Design of Structures
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-509
Theory of Plates and Shells
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-510
Structural Mechanics
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
SE-511
Stability of Structures
100
60
40
2+1
2+2
Page 86 of 92
GF-501
GF-502
GF-503
GF-505
GF-505
HI-501
HI-503
HI-504
TE-501
TE-503
TE-505
TE-506
TE-510
Total
Advanced Soil Mechanics
Foundation Engineering-I
Foundation Engineering-II
Geotechnical Investigation
Environmental Geo-techniques
Hydraulic Structures
Hydro Power Engineering
Irrigation Engineering & Practices
Application of RS & GIS in Civil
Engineering
Pavement Analysis and Design
Airport Planning and Design
Railway Engineering
Highway Construction Materials
and Equipments
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
100
100
100
100
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+2
2+2
2+2
2+2
16+8
16+16
Upgraded General Master’s Degrees
Along with the introduction of general four-year bachelor (honours) degrees, some institutions
have upgraded their general master’s degree programs to one and a half or two years of fulltime
study after a four-year bachelor (honours) degree. For example, the HEC-approved model
curriculum for the four-year B.Com (honours)/BS Commerce (2006) also includes
recommendations for the MS Commerce program, which comprises 36 credit hours, including 6
credit hours of thesis research, after completion of a four-year upgraded bachelor degree in
commerce.
Conclusion
Admission to Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) and equivalent degrees is based on a bachelor or
master’s degree that represents at least four years of university education. These master’s degrees
usually involve two years of fulltime study consisting entirely of coursework or a combination of
coursework and guided research leading to the completion of a thesis or project. They give
access to further education in Ph.D. programs in the same field. Based the above information and
placement recommendations from other evaluation resources, IQAS compares the Master of
Philosophy and equivalent degrees to the completion of a Master’s degree with a focus in xxx.
Grading:
A combination of percentage marks, letter grades and grade points (also called quality points) are
used in higher education. Grading scale varies by institution, the level and field of the program,
and time period. The marks sheets issued by the universities usually provide grading
information.
Traditionally, the Pakistani system is low marking. There is a traditional scale that features a
33% pass and assigns divisions according to overall marks in all subjects. It may still be in use at
a few institutions.
Traditional Grading Scale, Higher Education
Percentage Marks (%)
Division
75 and above
Distinction
60-74
First Division
Page 87 of 92
45-59
33-44
Below 33
Second Division
Third Division
Fail
Institutions today usually have 40%, 50% or 60% as the minimum pass mark. As the following
examples indicate, there is a great variety in the alignment of percentage marks with letter grades
and grade points.
Grading Scale, Allama Iqbal Open University
Percentage Marks (%) Letter Grade
80 and above
A+
70-79
A
60-69
B
50-59
C
40-49
D
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage Marks (%)
Descriptor
Points
A
4
80-100
Excellent
B
3
65-79
Good
C
2
50-64
Satisfactory
D
1
40-49
Pass
F
0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, Bachelor of Science (BS) program, Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi
Letter Grade
Grade
Percentage
Descriptor
Points
Marks (%)
A
4.0
90-100
Excellent
A3.7
85-89
Very Good
B+
3.4
80-84
Good
B
3.0
70-79
Above Average
C+
2.5
60.69
Average
C
2.0
50-59
Satisfactory
D
1.0
40-49
Pass
F
0.0
Below 40
Fail
Grading Scale, City University of Science and Technology, Peshawar
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
92-100
A+
4.00
86-91
A
3.67
79-85
B+
3.33
70-78
B
3.00
63-69
C+
2.50
56-62
C
2.00
50-55
D
1.50
Below 50
F
Fail
Withdrawal
W
Incomplete
I
Grading Scale for Graduate Programs, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi
Page 88 of 92
Letter Grade
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
S
U
P
X
I
Grade Points
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
-
Percentage Marks (%)
85-100
77-84
70-76
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
Below 50
50-100
-
Descriptor
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Above Average
Average
Fair
Pass
Fail
Satisfactory (for dissertation)
Unsatisfactory (for dissertation)
Pass in non-credit course
Exempted
Incomplete
Grading Scale, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Percentage
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Marks (%)
90-100
A+
4.0
80-89
A
3.5
70-79
B
3.0
60-69
C
2.5
Below 60
F
0.0
Withdrawal
W
0.0
Incomplete
I
0.0
Grading Scales, University of Sindh
Grade Points
Percentage
Descriptor
Marks (%)
Common Grading Scale
4-5
80-100
Excellent
3-<4
60-79
Good
2-<3
50-59
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
40-49
Pass
0
<40
Fail
0
Incomplete
0
Withdrawn from course
0
Research in progress
Grading Scale for Pharmacy Programs
4-5
85 and above Excellent
3-<4
71-84
Good
2-<3
61-70
Satisfactory/Average
1-<2
50-60
Pass
0
< 50
Fail
Grading Scale for Business Administration Programs
4-5
87 and above Excellent
3-<4
72-86
Good
2-<3
60-71
Satisfactory/Average
0
< 60
Fail
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
R
A
B
C
D
F
A
B
C
F
Page 89 of 92
Country: PAKISTAN (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
Doctor of Philosophy
Date Entered: Dec 2008
Category: University
Credential Actual Name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Time Period Credential Offered: Current
Issuing Body: Universities and Degree-Awarding Institutions (DAIs)
Admission Requirements:
• Before May 31, 2005: General master degree (e.g. MA, M.Com or M.Sc.), professional
bachelor degree or upgraded four-year general bachelor (honours) degree, representing at least
16 years of education
• After May 31, 2005: Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) or equivalent degree, generally
representing 18 years of education
Program Description:
•Advanced research-based graduate degree program
Provides Access to in the Home Country:
•Employment
•Post-doctoral studies
Placement Recommendations:
The placement recommendations in the following published references were considered in
the formulation of IQAS’ recommendations.
•
IERF (International Educational Research Foundation): New Country Index, Ten Speed
Press, 2004 (US)
•
NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). Country Education Profiles
Online: https://aei.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/Information/CEP.htm
•
PIER (Projects for International Education Research): The Admission and Academic
Placement of Students from South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,
1986 (US)
Page 90 of 92
•
UK NARIC – National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom,
International Comparisons. http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk
IQAS Recommendations:
Generally compares to the completion of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The scope and
quality of research can only be determined by an expert in the field.
IQAS Rationale:
In the traditional system, the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) typically involved three to five years
of fulltime study following the completion of a master’s degree or Master of Philosophy
(M.Phil.). Minimum entry credential was a general master’s degree or a professional bachelor’s
degree in the relevant field that represents at least 16 years of schooling. Holders of M.Phil might
be able to complete the Ph.D. program in a minimum of two years.
Along with the upgrading of general bachelor degrees from two and three years to four years,
entry requirement for Ph.D. programs has been raised. According to HEC’s Minimum Criteria
for M.Phil and Ph.D. Education, Ph.D. admission after May 31, 2005 is based on an M.Phil or
equivalent degree in First Division or with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. GRE (subject) test or
locally developed equivalent test is also required. The following criteria are prescribed for the
award of the Ph.D. degree:
• At least 18 credits of coursework followed by comprehensive exam
• Ph.D. dissertation evaluated by at least two experts from technologically advanced
countries
• Acceptance/publication of at least one research paper in an HEC-approved journal
Some institutions offer M.Phil/Ph.D. or MS/Ph.D. combined programs (usually called M.Phil
leading to Ph.D. or MS leading to Ph.D.) that admit applicants with a general master’s degree, a
professional bachelor’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. Students
who score below CGPA 3.0 in the M.Phil/MS segment or fail the comprehensive exam may
receive a “terminal” M.Phil or MS that does not allow entry into a Ph.D. program.
Examples of other doctoral programs include Doctor of Science (D.Sc), Doctor of Literature
(D.Litt), and Doctor of Law (LLD). They may require a longer length of study than the Ph.D.
Conclusion
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in Pakistan require applicants to have an M.Phil or
equivalent degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 and pass the GRE (subject) test or locally
developed equivalent test. They usually require three or more years of fulltime study including at
least 18 credits of coursework and the completion and defence of a dissertation. A Ph.D. gives an
individual access to academic, research and other employment opportunities as well as postdoctoral studies. Based on the above information and the placement recommendations of other
evaluation resources, IQAS compares the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) to the completion of a
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, with a recommendation that the scope and quality of the
research can only be determined by an expert in the field.
Page 91 of 92
Page 92 of 92