Pakistani Intermediate Certificates to Be Accepted for Direct Foreign University Admissions 1st time

Pakistani Intermediate Certificates

In a landmark move for Pakistani education, Pakistani Intermediate Certificates are poised to receive direct recognition from foreign universities, according to Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of the Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC).1

In an exclusive interview with a national daily, Dr. Mallah unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at digitizing and globalizing Pakistan’s academic certification system. These changes are designed to ease the academic journey for students aspiring to study abroad.

Collaboration with ECCTIS UK

The IBCC is currently working closely with UK’s ECCTIS (formerly NARIC), a global authority on academic qualification comparability, to secure direct recognition of Pakistani Intermediate Certificates. This will eliminate the need for lengthy and often cumbersome equivalence processes that previously discouraged international university applications.

Moreover, Dr. Mallah revealed that similar collaborations are in progress with other international education boards to extend recognition across various countries and continents.

Major Technological Overhaul

One of the most significant reforms is the elimination of sealed envelope verification, a decades-old requirement. Now, all 29 educational and technical boards in Pakistan have adopted online verification systems, streamlining document authentication and drastically reducing verification times.

In addition to conventional academic certifications, the IBCC is also working on launching online verification for religious seminary credentials, expanding the scope of verified Pakistani qualifications abroad.

Digital Equivalence Certificates with QR Code

The IBCC has launched a digital equivalence and attestation system. Students can now apply online and receive certificates that include a QR code for real-time authentication. This innovative feature enables universities and institutions worldwide to instantly verify the legitimacy of Pakistani qualifications enhancing transparency and trust.

Legal and Structural Reforms

Formerly known as the Inter-Boards Committee of Chairmen, the IBCC underwent major restructuring in 2023 through an Act of Parliament. Now operating under a new legal framework, the organization has enhanced regulatory powers to assess and approve foreign educational boards through a 15 point evaluation criteria hosted on a live digital portal.

This digital ecosystem will ensure accountability and real-time updates in Pakistan’s equivalence policies and board registrations paving the way for improved student mobility and academic recognition abroad.

What This Means for Pakistani Students

These reforms are game changers for students who plan to study in foreign universities. By enabling direct recognition of Pakistani Intermediate Certificates:

• Students will save time and money on verification processes.

• Admissions into foreign universities will be faster and more transparent.

• Digital tools will ensure security and reliability of Pakistani credentials globally.

Final Thoughts

With these developments, Pakistan’s education system is entering a new digital and global era, where Pakistani Intermediate Certificates can stand on par with international qualifications. These advancements not only help students pursue global education opportunities but also enhance Pakistan’s educational credibility on the world stage.