You finally have your degree in hand. You are ready to move abroad, apply for a foreign job, or pursue higher studies overseas. But then someone tells you, you need HEC degree attestation first.

Suddenly, confusion sets in. Where do you go? What documents do you need? How long will it take? What if your appointment gets delayed?

You are not alone. Thousands of Pakistani students and professionals face the same struggle every year.

The good news? The HEC degree attestation procedure in Pakistan is actually straightforward  once you know the steps. This complete 2026 guide by Alrehaf International walks you through every stage, from document preparation to final collection.

Let’s get started.

What is HEC Degree Attestation?

HEC stands for Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. It is the government body responsible for regulating and verifying higher education degrees in the country.

HEC degree attestation is the official process through which the HEC verifies that your degree is genuine and that the awarding university is recognized.

In simple terms, HEC puts its official stamp and signature on your degree. This makes your degree acceptable to foreign governments, embassies, employers, and universities.

Without HEC attestation, your degree holds little value outside Pakistan. Embassies and foreign institutions simply will not accept it.

Who Needs HEC Degree Attestation in 2026?

HEC attestation is required in many situations. You need it if you fall into any of these categories:

•       Students going abroad for higher studies , Foreign universities require attested degrees before admission.
•       Job seekers applying for overseas employment,Employers in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Canada require attested educational certificates.
•       Immigration applicants , Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany require HEC attestation as part of immigration document verification.
•       Embassy processing , Most embassies require HEC attestation before further attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
•       Professionals seeking licensing abroad,Medical, engineering, legal, and other professionals need attested degrees to get foreign professional licenses.

Documents Required for HEC Attestation (2026 Updated List)

Before you visit the HEC office or apply online, make sure you have all these documents ready. Missing even one can cause rejection or delays.

Mandatory Documents:

•       Original degree certificate (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)
•       Original transcript of marks / detailed marks certificate
•       Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) – original and photocopy
•       Two passport-size photographs (recent, white background)
•       Photocopy of your degree certificate (clear, legible)
•       Photocopy of your transcript
•       HEC online application form (printed after online registration)
•       Proof of fee payment (bank receipt or online payment confirmation)

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

•       Authorization letter – if someone else is submitting on your behalf
•       Passport copy – required for overseas applicants
•       Name change affidavit – if your name on the degree differs from your CNIC

Step-by-Step HEC Degree Attestation Procedure in Pakistan (2026)

Follow these steps carefully. Each step builds on the previous one, so do not skip any stage.

Step 1: Online Registration on the HEC Portal

Visit the official HEC Attestation Portal at hec.gov.pk. Create a new account using your CNIC number and a valid email address.

Make sure to use a working email as all confirmations and appointment details will be sent there. Keep your login credentials safe.

Step 2: Profile Creation and Application Filling

After registration, log in and create your applicant profile. Fill in all required information accurately, including your personal details, university name, degree title, and year of graduation.

Any mismatch between your profile data and your actual documents can lead to rejection. Double-check everything before proceeding.

Step 3: Document Upload

Upload scanned copies of all required documents on the portal. Make sure the scans are clear and high-resolution. Blurry or incomplete uploads will result in rejection.

Accepted file formats are usually PDF and JPEG. Check the portal for the latest file size requirements.

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the required HEC attestation fee through the online payment gateway or via a bank deposit. Save your payment receipt as proof.

Without a valid payment confirmation, your application will not be processed. Always keep a digital and physical copy of the receipt.

Step 5: HEC Online Appointment Booking

After payment, book your appointment through the portal. Select your nearest HEC office (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, or Quetta) and choose an available date and time slot.

This is where many applicants face their first major hurdle. Available appointment slots often fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Alrehaf International helps clients secure HEC online appointments even during high-demand periods. Contact us if you are struggling to get a slot.

Step 6: Visit the HEC Office on Your Appointment Date

On the day of your appointment, arrive at the HEC office on time. Bring all original documents along with photocopies and your appointment confirmation printout.

Submit your documents at the designated counter. HEC staff will verify your originals against the uploaded scans.

Step 7: Verification Process and Degree Collection

HEC will verify your degree with your university. This can take several working days depending on the degree level and university response time.

Once verified and attested, you will receive a notification to collect your documents. You may collect them personally or authorize someone else with a written letter and their CNIC.

HEC Attestation Fee Structure 2026

HEC charges a fee for the attestation service. The fee varies depending on the type of degree and the urgency of the request.

Generally, the fee structure covers the following categories:

•       Normal Attestation: Standard processing with normal timelines.
•       Urgent Attestation: Expedited processing at an additional fee.
•       Overseas Applicants: A different fee may apply for applicants residing abroad.

It is important to always check the official HEC portal for the latest fee amounts. Fees are updated periodically and old information available online can mislead applicants.

If you are confused about which fee category applies to you, Alrehaf International can guide you through the correct fee selection before you make payment.

HEC Urgent Attestation Is It Possible?

Yes ,HEC does offer urgent attestation for applicants who need their degree attested quickly. This service is available for an additional fee.

However, urgent attestation is not always straightforward. Here is what you need to know:

•       Urgent slots are limited and book up very fast.
•       You still need all documents properly prepared. No shortcuts on paperwork.
•       University response time still plays a role in verification speed.

Many applicants approaching visa deadlines or employer cut-off dates find themselves stuck trying to get an urgent slot.

This is where Alrehaf International steps in. We have experience handling urgent HEC attestation cases and work to get your documents processed as quickly as possible. Our team monitors appointment availability and guides you to act at the right time.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

A rejected application means wasted time, wasted money, and more stress. Here are the most common mistakes applicants make  and how to avoid them.

•       Incomplete document submission: Always check the document checklist twice before submission.
•       Name mismatch: Your name on the degree, CNIC, and application form must match exactly. Even a minor spelling difference can cause rejection.
•       Blurry or low-quality scans: Always use a proper scanner. Mobile photos are often rejected.
•       Wrong fee category selected: Selecting the wrong fee type delays processing. Confirm your category before paying.
•       Missing appointment confirmation: Always print your appointment confirmation and bring it with you.
•       Degree from an unrecognized university: HEC only attests degrees from HEC-recognized universities. Verify your university’s status on the HEC portal first.

How Alrehaf International Makes the HEC Attestation Process Easy

Alrehaf International is a trusted documentation and attestation service provider for Pakistani students and professionals.

We understand that navigating the HEC system can be overwhelming. That is why we offer end-to-end support so you can focus on your future, not paperwork.

Here is how we help:

•       HEC Appointment Booking: We monitor the HEC portal and secure appointment slots for our clients, including during high-demand periods.
•       Document Preparation Guidance: We review your documents before submission to prevent rejection due to missing or incorrect paperwork.
•       Urgent Attestation Support: We handle time-sensitive cases and work to get your attestation done as fast as possible.
•       Overseas Verification Assistance: We help Pakistanis living abroad complete the attestation process remotely through proper authorization procedures.
•       Complete Attestation Support: From HEC to MOFA and beyond, we offer full documentation services for international use.

Our clients save valuable time and avoid the stress of navigating the system alone. We have helped hundreds of Pakistanis successfully complete their HEC attestation — and we are ready to help you too.

HEC Offices in Pakistan, Where to Go

HEC has attestation offices in major cities across Pakistan. You must visit the office for which you booked your appointment.

•       Islamabad (HEC Headquarters): H-9 Campus, Islamabad the main office for all degree attestation services.
•       Lahore Regional Office: Serving Punjab applicants based in Lahore and surrounding areas.
•       Karachi Regional Office: Serving Sindh province applicants from Karachi and nearby cities.
•       Peshawar Regional Office: Serving applicants from KPK and surrounding tribal regions.
•       Quetta Regional Office: Serving Balochistan province applicants.

Always confirm the current address and working hours of your regional office on the official HEC website before your visit, as office details may be updated.

HEC Degree Verification Pakistan , A Key Part of the Process

HEC degree verification Pakistan is the backend check that happens during the attestation process. HEC contacts your university to confirm that you are a genuine graduate with a valid degree.

This is why it is critical that your degree is from an HEC-recognized institution. If your degree is not on their system, attestation will be denied regardless of your documents.

You can also check your university’s recognition status on the HEC official website before you begin the attestation process. This step can save you considerable time and money.

Final Tips for Quick HEC Attestation Approval in 2026

Follow these expert tips from Alrehaf International to make your attestation experience smooth and hassle-free.

1.     Start Early: Do not wait for the last minute. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your deadline.
2.     Verify Your University First: Confirm your university is HEC-recognized before applying.
3.     Use Clear, High-Quality Scans: Invest in proper scanning. Blurry uploads are the top reason for initial rejection.
4.     Check Name Consistency: Your name on all documents must match exactly. Fix discrepancies before applying.
5.     Book Your Appointment Fast: Slots fill up quickly. Log on to the portal early in the morning when new slots become available.
6.     Keep Multiple Copies: Always carry extra photocopies of every document. You may be asked for additional copies on the day of your appointment.
7.     Get Professional Help if Needed: If the process feels confusing or your deadline is approaching fast, contact Alrehaf International for fast, reliable support.

Conclusion

The HEC degree attestation procedure in Pakistan does not have to be a nightmare. With the right information and proper preparation, you can complete the process smoothly and on time.

This 2026 guide has covered everything  from understanding what HEC attestation is, to the complete step-by-step process, documents required, fee structure, urgent options, and common mistakes to avoid.

Remember: preparation is everything. Start early, gather your documents, verify your university status, and book your appointment as soon as possible.

And if you ever feel stuck — whether it is a delayed appointment, an urgent need, or confusion about documents — Alrehaf International is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does HEC attestation take in 2026?

A: Normal attestation typically takes 5–15 working days depending on university response time; urgent attestation can take 2–5 working days.

Q2: Is online appointment mandatory for HEC attestation?

A: Yes, an online appointment through the HEC portal is mandatory — walk-ins are not accepted at HEC offices.

Q3: Can someone else collect my attested documents on my behalf?

A: Yes, you can authorize another person with a written authorization letter and a copy of both your CNIC and theirs.

Q4: Is urgent HEC attestation available in 2026?

A: Yes, HEC offers urgent attestation at an additional fee, though slots are limited and must be booked quickly through the portal.

Q5: What if my degree is not verified by HEC?

A: If HEC cannot verify your degree, attestation will be denied — contact your university for a verification letter and reapply after resolving the discrepancy.