Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has released a list of illegal university and college campuses nationwide. The list includes 157 institutions worldwide, including 31 in Lahore, warns students and parents to choose educational institutions carefully.

HEC, Pakistan’s higher education regulator, has stated that degrees from these unauthorised campuses will not be accepted for admission to any degree programme. While, This move protects students and upholds the nation’s higher education standards.
HEC released the list to guarantee educational institutions satisfy quality requirements and follow the law. Moreover, Any educational institution needs HEC recognition to be credible and have its degrees acknowledged by employers and other higher education organisations.

Prospective students and their parents should avoid any of the listed institutions. Unauthorised institutions may jeopardise students’ academic futures and waste time and money.
HEC recognises degrees from chartered universities, including public and private, and their authorised campuses in approved places. Students should check HEC affiliation before enrolling to avoid issues.
HEC posted the list on its website for students and parents. Students can also check the affiliation status of associated colleges with public sector universities on the internet to make educated education decisions.

Illegal Institutions
Unauthorised campuses in Lahore and other places include respected universities. Global Institute Lahore, Heritage International Colleges, American International University Goldberg, Soft College of Information Technology, and others operate unauthorised campuses.
All Heritage International Colleges (HICs) affiliated with any Private University across Punjab imparting undergraduate and postgraduate education, The Open International University for Complimentary Medicines, (Sri Lanka) and its operations anywhere in Pakistan including Karachi and Islamabad offices and American International University are also among illegal institutions.
Softlogix College of Information Technology, TIU Institute, Pakistan College of Science & Technology, AIMS Institute of Management Sciences are also included.
HEC’s initiative protects Pakistani students from fraud in higher education. Moreover, The Commission strongly advises students to avoid HEC-unrecognized colleges and pursue their studies at reputable universities.

While, As the education landscape changes, students must be cautious and make informed decisions to set them up for success and career progression.