Setting up a Pakistani university is a difficult endeavor, calling for strict observance of several rules and university setup that guarantee good quality education. You have to select between a virtual university or a physical campus before launching. Virtual universities typically involve lower overhead but require advanced technical expertise.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) controls Pakistan’s higher education system by monitoring financing, research, and instructional criteria. Including military institutions, private universities, and public universities. Since independence, the number of universities has grown with support from the former University Grants Commission. Pakistan produces roughly 445,000 graduates and 12,000 computer science graduates each year.

SARDAR KHAN & CO provides guidance for establishing universities, ensuring compliance with HEC requirements through a structured multi-step approach.

Legal Registration Requirements

The initial step involves registering the institution under the relevant legislation, such as the Companies Ordinance, Societies Registration Act, or Trust Act. This applies to private universities, forming a foundation, society, or trust. Public sector universities are exempt from this registration.

Feasibility Report Submission

After registration, institutions must submit a detailed feasibility report using the HEC’s General Institutional Requirements Proforma (Form PU-01), along with a non-refundable evaluation fee of Rs. 20,000 (subject to change). The report is submitted to the HEC Chairman in five printed copies plus one soft copy.

Document Scrutiny

HEC evaluates the initial submission for completeness. If deemed potentially viable, a panel will scrutinise the feasibility report for further consideration.

Campus Inspection

Following approval of the report, an HEC-appointed Inspection Committee examines the university’s intended location, amenities, and infrastructure on-site. An inspection fee of Rs. 30,000 (liable to change) must be non-refundable. The evaluation includes discussions with faculty, students, support personnel, and administrators.

Charter Recommendation

The Inspection Committee’s report is reviewed by the HEC. If satisfactory, a draft charter is prepared according to the Federal Universities Ordinance (FUO), 2002. The HEC then recommends the charter to the Federal or Provincial Government.

Charter Issuance

The relevant authority, either the Parliament/President for federal universities or the Provincial Assembly/Governor for provincial institutions, formally grants the charter.

Financial Requirements

Institutions must demonstrate financial stability:

• Adequate resources for long-term sustainability.
  
  
• Establishment of a non-transferable endowment fund in the institution’s name.
  
  
• Minimum funding requirements for private universities:
  
  
  • Endowment Fund: Rs. 50 million
    
    
  • Tangible Assets (land/buildings): Rs. 100 million
    
    
  • Working Capital: Rs. 50 million
    
    
  • Total: Rs. 200 million
    
    

Key Guidelines

• Applications for provincial universities go to the respective education department; federal universities apply to HEC.
  
  
• The HEC reviews infrastructure, faculty, financial stability, academic programs, admissions, fee structures, and quality assurance mechanisms.
  
  
• Minimum land requirements: 10 acres for universities, 3-1/3 acres for institutes (excluding virtual universities).
  
  
• Institutions with four or more departments may qualify as universities; fewer departments qualify as degree-awarding institutes.
  
  
• Adherence to HEC Forms PU-01, PU-02, and PI-02 is mandatory.
  

Academic and Organisational Standards

• Adequate facilities for teaching, research, hostels, and student welfare.
  
  
• Transparent organisational structure with faculties and departments.
  
  
• Proper rules for staff discipline and service conditions.
  
  
• Minimum 10% scholarships for students based on need.
  
  
• 10% of the budget is allocated for research.
  
  
• Course expansions must follow HEC accreditation procedures.
  
  
• Permission for sub-campuses or branches requires prior HEC approval.
  

Strategic Planning and Compliance

Creating a sustainable and accredited Pakistani higher education institution, SARDAR KHAN & CO guarantees that universities satisfy HEC demands, uphold high academic standards, and abide by legal, financial, and operational rules.