University of the Punjab

THE PROCEDURE OF ADMISSION, ISSUING / RENEWAL OF VISA OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITIES AND DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTIONS OF PAKISTAN ON SELF FINANCE BASIS

The Higher Education Commission Islamabad has a mandate to promote higher education within the country and to encourage and to facilitate Pakistani nationals settled abroad to seek admission in universities of Pakistan. HEC has now also been entrusted to facilitate the foreign students seeking admission in Pakistani Universities and to curtail their difficulties in getting NOC, Visas and its extension.

Higher Education Commission Islamabad has therefore, discussed the issue with all relevant agencies and after obtaining concurrence of Ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Economic Affairs Division and I.S.I. Islamabad has streamlined the admission procedure (mentioned below) of all the streams of studies except professional subjects (i.e. MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy and BS Engineering). The new procedure of admission of foreign students will be effective from 1st November, 2006.

However, admission of foreign students in MBBS, BDS, D-Pharmacy and BS Engineering under Pakistan Technical Assistant Programme (PTAP) will be processed directly by Economic Affairs Division (EAD) as per previous practice and the admission under Self Finance Scheme (SFS) for the foreign as well as Pakistani origin (having dual nationality) students will be processed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad.

STEPS FOR THE ADMISSION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS

Foreign student seeking admission in Pakistani University/Degree Awarding Institution has to apply for admission direct to the concerned university/institution and get the letter of confirmation of his/her admission.

i. University will send a copy of admission letter to HEC
ii. HEC to conform and endorse admission to MOI
Student approaches the Pakistani mission abroad for the visa and submits the the following documents

i. Application Form (Student Visa Form)
ii. Photocopy of passport
iii. Photograph
iv. Educational Documents
v. Admission letter of university
The Pakistani mission abroad forwards all the documents to MoFA Islamabad for further processing
MoFA forwards all documents to Ministry of Interior for security clearance

i. Copy to Ministry of Education/Health
ii. Copy to HEC
Ministry of Interior as per policy to complete all process with in 4 weeks and sends visa advice to Mission concerned

i. Copy to HEC
ii. Copy to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
HEC send information of visa advice by email to

i. University
ii. Ministry of Education/Health
Visa to be issued for duration of studies to be renewed annually inclusive of security clearance

STEPS OF RENEWAL OF VISA

It is the responsibility of the Institution where the student is studying to certify

i. Visa Extension Form
ii. Bonafide student (certificate)
iii. Recommended to extend visa or otherwise
The student takes the material to the concerned passport office for extension of visa.
Extension of visa is granted by the Passport Office.
Intimation of any student leaving the Institution or not remaining a full-time student is sent to the HEC.

i. HEC forwards this information to the Ministry of Interior.

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