Pakistan Higher Education
HEC Higher Education Services & Opportunities
Official Higher Education Services Hub
Higher Education Commission Services Hub
Find official Higher Education Commission services for students, graduates, researchers and universities, including degree attestation, equivalence, scholarships, ETC admission assessments, digital library access, research support and quality assurance.
Official Quick Links
7 linksHEC / ETC Exams
6 assessmentsThe Education Testing Council (ETC), established 25 January 2017 under HEC, administers standardised admission and assessment tests. USAT covers 6 subject streams for undergraduates; HAT covers 5 discipline categories (HAT-I to HAT-IV plus HAT-General) for postgraduate and scholarship pathways. HAT scores are valid for 2 years. Confirm open registration, schedules, sample papers, and fees through the official ETC portal and HEC announcements.
HEC Services & Facilities
6 servicesExplore HEC Service Areas
4 areasUse official HEC pages to confirm current procedures, eligibility, deadlines, document requirements and participating institutions.
Student & Graduate Services
3 itemsCredential services for graduates and students who need verified academic documentation.
Official Services
Scholarships & Student Support
3 itemsOfficial scholarship listings and support programmes for eligible learners.
Official Opportunities
Universities & Quality Assurance
2 itemsInformation supporting recognized institutions and higher-education quality.
Institutional Services
Research & Knowledge Resources
2 itemsResearch literature and grant opportunities for institutions, faculty and researchers.
Research Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for HEC degree attestation?
HEC states that degree attestation applications are submitted online through its e-Services portal and processed through scrutiny and verification with the relevant university or degree awarding institute.
Where can I apply for degree equivalence?
Use HEC e-Services after reviewing the official equivalence procedure and document requirements for local, foreign or Deeni qualifications.
Where can I find HEC scholarship opportunities?
Use the official Scholarships & Grants directory and the relevant programme page to confirm eligibility, process and any applicable deadline.
Which admission and assessment tests are offered through HEC ETC?
ETC administers USAT (6 subject-stream variants for undergraduates), HAT (5 discipline categories for MS/MPhil/PhD and scholarships), LAT (for LLB admissions), LAW-GAT (for law graduates enrolling with the Bar Council), SEE-Law (special equivalence when announced), and IPFP Pre-Assessment (for fresh PhD fellowship applicants).
Where can I view the current ETC test calendar?
Use the official HEC ETC Test Calendar page at hec.gov.pk. HEC publishes an updated Test Calendar listing all scheduled sittings for the year.
How long is a HAT score valid?
According to the official HEC HAT information sheet, a HAT score is valid for 2 years from the date of the test. Always confirm with the programme or scholarship notice as some schemes may have stricter requirements.
Is USAT mandatory for all university admissions?
No. As of June 2024, HEC clarified that USAT is optional — universities may use USAT as one component of their admission process but cannot make it the sole admission criterion. Always check your target university's specific admission policy.
What is the fee for the HAT test?
Per the official HEC HAT information sheet, the test fee is PKR 2,000 per candidate, deposited in the designated HBL account. Verify the current fee through the official ETC portal before payment, as it may be updated.
How do I verify university or programme recognition?
Use the official HEC university and quality-assurance resources before making an admission or credential decision.