June 25, 2026 · abdulrahimabbassi
HEC Degree Attestation Process in Pakistan 2026: New online System
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has introduced a fully online, paperless Degree Attestation System (DAS), replacing the earlier process that required visiting HEC offices or sending original documents through courier. In this guide, we explain the new system, the updated fee structure, and how certified translation fits into your overall attestation and visa documentation process.What is HEC Degree Attestation?
HEC degree attestation is the official process through which the Higher Education Commission verifies that your degree was issued by a recognized Pakistani university. This attestation is generally required before your educational documents can proceed to MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation and then to the relevant embassy, for purposes such as work visas, study visas, or immigration.
HEC’s New Online, Paperless Attestation System
According to HEC’s official announcement, the commission has introduced a fully online and paperless Degree Attestation System, removing the need for applicants to visit HEC offices or submit original documents in hard copy. Applications can be submitted anytime, 24/7, through the official portal at eservices.hec.gov.pk.
Applicants are advised to carefully read and understand all instructions before submitting an online application, since the new system relies entirely on the accuracy of information and documents uploaded digitally.Important: Double-Check Your Details Before Submitting
HEC has specifically advised applicants to enter all information on the Attestation Portal exactly as it appears on their educational documents, paying special attention to:
- Name and Father's Name spelling
- Date of Birth
- Degree Title(s)
- Registration / Seat / Student ID Number
- Campus / College
- CGPA / Marks
After successful submission of your attestation application, you are advised to regularly check your dashboard for updates through the "Track Application" feature.HEC Degree Attestation Fee Structure (2026)
HEC has revised its fee structure as part of the transition to the new online attestation system. The table below summarizes the current fee categories.
| Attestation Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Online Attestation | Rs. 3,000 per document | Applies to degrees, transcripts, provisional certificates, and HEC equivalence letters |
| Payment Methods | — | Online via 1-Link, debit/credit card, or mobile wallet |
HEC has stated that a portion of the collected fee is being transferred to universities to support document verification services. Fee structures can be revised periodically, so always confirm the current amount directly on the official HEC portal (eservices.hec.gov.pk) before making payment.
Documents Required for HEC Attestation
Under the new system, you will generally need clear, high-resolution scanned copies of:
- Your final degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Educational documents from Matric onward (HEC typically requires your complete academic history, not just your final degree)
- CNIC
- Other supporting documents depending on your specific case (such as PMDC/PNMC registration for medical/nursing degrees)
If your documents are not already in English, they will generally need certified translation before they can be used for HEC attestation, MOFA attestation, or embassy submission.Foreign Degrees Are Handled Differently
According to HEC’s official guidance, degrees awarded by foreign universities are not attested by HEC. Instead, HEC issues equivalence letters against foreign qualifications, and only these equivalence letters are processed through the HEC portal. If you have a foreign degree, you should apply for an equivalence letter rather than standard degree attestation.
What Happens After HEC Attestation? MOFA and Embassy Attestation
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, degrees issued by Pakistani universities should be attested by HEC, while certificates from the Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) should instead be countersigned by the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC). Once HEC (or IBCC, where applicable) attestation is complete, documents typically proceed to MOFA for further attestation, followed by the relevant embassy for final legalization, depending on the destination country.
Where Does Certified Translation Fit In?
If your degree, transcript, or supporting documents are not in English, you will generally need a certified translation before they can be submitted for HEC attestation, MOFA attestation, or embassy legalization. At Transverge Translation Services, we provide certified translation of degrees, transcripts, and academic documents that can be used as part of your attestation and visa application process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entering name, date of birth, or degree details that don't exactly match your CNIC and original documents
Submitting blurry or low-quality scanned copies
Submitting an application for a degree from a university not recognized by HEC
Applying for standard attestation instead of an equivalence letter for foreign degrees
Submitting fake or fraudulent documents — HEC explicitly states these will be confiscated and may lead to legal action
Entering name, date of birth, or degree details that don't exactly match your CNIC and original documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit an HEC office under the new system?
HEC’s new system is designed to be fully online and paperless, reducing the need to visit HEC offices in person. However, processes can vary by case, so always check your specific application status and any instructions provided through your HEC portal dashboard.
How much does HEC degree attestation cost in 2026?
Under the new online system, HEC’s attestation fee is Rs. 3,000 per document, covering degrees, transcripts, provisional certificates, and equivalence letters. Always confirm the current fee on the official HEC portal before paying, as fees may be updated periodically.
Are foreign degrees attested by HEC?
No. HEC does not attest foreign degrees directly. Instead, HEC issues equivalence letters for foreign qualifications, which are processed through the same online portal.
Do I need certified translation before applying for HEC attestation?
If your documents are not already in English, you will typically need certified translation before they can be processed for HEC attestation and onward submission to MOFA or an embassy. Contact us for certified translation of your academic documents.
Note: This guide reflects HEC’s degree attestation process and fee structure as confirmed through HEC’s official announcements and independent reporting at the time of writing. Government processes and fees can be revised, so always confirm the latest requirements directly on the official HEC portal at eservices.hec.gov.pk before applying.
Need certified translation of your degree, transcript, or academic documents for HEC attestation or visa submission? Transverge Translation Services provides certified academic document translation accepted by HEC, MOFA, and embassies. Contact us today via WhatsApp at 0312-5687390 for a free quote within 1 hour.