Mandatory Internship for BS Students Under HEC Policy

The Higher Education Commission HEC of Pakistan has introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the Undergraduate Education Policy. This transformative policy entails the completion of 120 to 144 credit hours for students pursuing their Bachelors degrees. A well-rounded academic experience is envisioned, comprising 30 credits for general education, a minimum of 72 specialization credits, and the integration of interdisciplinary courses. An essential facet of this policy requires students to actively participate in an internship lasting six to eight weeks, and additionally, to undertake a practical project equivalent to three credits. This innovative approach to education is set to be implemented across all universities starting from the autumn semester of 2023. The students can get the detailed information about Mandatory Internship for BS Students Under Revised HEC Undergraduate Policy.

Mandatory Internship Program for Graduation

Integral to the graduation criteria, each student is mandated to fulfill an internship program spanning at least nine weeks. This period can be completed subsequent to the fourth semester, typically during the summer break. Universities will collaborate with employers to facilitate the availability of adequate internship opportunities. Notably, the internships prescribed by the Undergraduate Education Policy UEP are not limited to specific subjects or fields. Students possess the flexibility to engage in internships diverse in nature, including placements within various organizations or even within their own university.

Time Commitment and Structure

For bachelors degree programs, a continuous internship of nine weeks is required. In exceptional cases where completion of a full nine-week internship is unfeasible due to compelling circumstances, students may opt to fulfill the requirement by undertaking a maximum of two internships of roughly equal durations. Such exceptions must be documented and justified.
For Associate degree programs, a distinctive approach is adopted. Internships for AD students need not be continuous, and they have the flexibility to accumulate a minimum of 360 hours across various semesters, working with different host institutions.

Diverse Internship Modalities

The policy outlines various types of internships. Irrespective of the specific type, all interns must adhere to the stipulated internship requirements. Internships can be either paid or unpaid. On-site internships necessitate physical presence at the host institution, while virtual internships can be carried out remotely, eliminating the need for physical workplace attendance.