Is a Turkish Degree Recognised in Pakistan? HEC Equivalence Process Explained

Before you make any payments to a Turkish university, you must know the answer to this question:

“Can I use this specific Turkish university and qualification in Pakistan in the future?”

Although a degree obtained from a Turkish university may eventually get recognized in Pakistan through the HEC foreign degree equivalence process, that will not automatically mean every degree granted by every university will get recognized.

Many students and their parents make this costly mistake. They investigate whether a certain university is operational in Turkey, receive their offer letter, and think for certain that the degree will get recognized in Pakistan.

What Things Need To Be Considered About Your Turkish Degree

Before you make your investment and the considerable time that it takes to earn a degree, contact Glommico to answer all these questions. Our assessment provides an understanding of the potential recognition and equivalence of the university and qualification that you have an interest in.

HEC standards used as references: September 2026

Is a Turkish Degree Valid in Pakistan?

A Turkish degree may be accepted through HEC’s foreign-degree equivalence, but you should not expect it to be automatically recognized. HEC assesses foreign qualifications in accordance with its specific standards. Its process includes the degree and the transcript, previous qualifications, and the evaluation of the foreign qualification.

In essence, the question is not:

“Is Turkey recognized by HEC?”

The better question is:

“Will this specific Turkish university and qualification satisfy my needs in Pakistan?”

This is of particular concern to students who are not yet enrolled. If you continue to look at Turkish universities, Glommico can evaluate your selected university and qualification before you spend your money.

Post-graduation, for those who travel back to Pakistan, this service works in the opposite direction. You must have a grip on the HEC application process, documentation, and verification of universities and IBCC or professional councils, when needed, in relation to your specific case.

Examples of Turkish Universities to Check Before Enrolment

Some Turkish universities that Pakistani students may encounter when researching study options include:

1. Turkish university

2. Middle East Technical University

3. Boğaziçi University

4. Istanbul Technical University

5. Hacettepe University

6. Ankara University

7. Istanbul University

8. Marmara University

9. Ege University

10. Dokuz Eylül University

11. Erciyes University

12. Yıldız Technical University

13. Gazi University

15. Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa

16. Çukurova University

17. Fırat University

18. Sakarya University

Turkish Degree Recognition: YÖK Recognition, Denklik and HEC Equivalence

The terms recognition, Denklik and equivalence while describing different processes, are used interchangeably. Knowing this is important and should be the first thing you should know about studying in Turkey.

YÖK recognition: Recognition of the Turkish institution?

The Council of Higher Education of Türkiye (YÖK) offers information regarding the recognition of higher education institutions and programs.

YÖK provides instructions to prospective students regarding the Okul Tanıma Belgesi. This document contains information regarding the recognition of a foreign higher education institution and the program. YÖK also advises the students to check recognition before studying abroad. This is one of the first things a student from Pakistan must check.

What is Denklik?

Denklik is a Turkish equivalence process for higher education diplomas. This should not be confused with an Okul Tanıma recognition document.

HEC equivalence: How Does Pakistan Assess the Degree

HEC manages a different evaluation process for foreign degree recognition and equivalence in Pakistan. These are the three questions:

YÖK recognition is not HEC equivalence. Denklik is not HEC equivalence.

If an education consultant tells you that a Turkish university has “Denklik”, then this means that your Pakistani HEC equivalence is assured; this should be confirmed.

Your choice should not depend on fees, ranking or anticipated admission chances. You should first check the recognition status of the institution and the program as a whole, then see what HEC stipulates for the terminal degree. This is the kind of pre-enrol assessment that Glommico provides.

Check Your Turkish University Before You Enroll

The highest risk is rarely after graduation. It is before you pay. Recognition issues discovered after four years of study are completely different from recognition issues that are identified before you confirm the first installment of payment. This four-part check will help you:

When checking the recognition before studying abroad, YÖK has some helpful documentation. However, there is a second and very important step. Just because a Turkish institution is recognized, this does not automatically answer the Equivalence issue posed by HEC.

Prior to registration, you should confirm the university and programme and not assume that all Turkish institutions or degrees will qualify for HEC equivalence.

Not Sure Whether Your University Passes the Check?

You may have the following questions:

• Is the specific programme recognized?

• What is the awarding institution of the qualification?

• Does the method of study/delivery create a problem?

• Will your education require IBCC equivalency?

• Does the degree fulfill the requirements of a regulated profession?

• What documentation should be retained during the study?

• Glommico’s pre-enrolment assessment may be of help to you to answer your questions.

This is not a promise of a future HEC decision. The purpose of this assessment is to identify the possible recognition and equivalence issues as early as possible in the process.

Do You Need IBCC Equivalence Before HEC?

This is one of the most commonly overlooked elements of the procedure. In case your previous school leaving certificate is foreign, the current procedure of HEC requires that relevant IBCC equivalence be obtained prior to HEC determination.

For a bachelor's application, HEC's procedure points out the Intermediate/HSSC/FSc/Grade 12 qualification or IBCC equivalence for a foreign qualification. Likewise, it highlights the Matric/SSC/Grade 10 qualification or IBCC equivalence for a foreign qualification.

The same applies to students applying for HEC equivalence of higher qualifications where their previous university qualifications were obtained abroad.

IBCC handles equivalence of foreign school qualifications at the relevant secondary and higher-secondary levels.

If you are still planning your education, discovering an IBCC requirement now is much better than discovering it after graduation.

Glommico can review your academic pathway as part of your assessment, including the relationship between your previous qualification, proposed Turkish degree and eventual HEC equivalence process.

What Does HEC Assess?

An HEC foreign degree equivalence application is not simply a test of whether you attended university in Turkey. The relevant factors can include the institution, qualification, academic record, previous qualifications, study arrangements and verification.

University and qualification status

HEC's procedure requests data and verification on foreign qualifications.

Study duration and mode of delivery

Particularly for online, distance, virtual or blended qualifications, the structure of your studies might matter.

Entry requirements and prior qualifications

Your prior qualifications are pertinent to your application. This is one of the reasons IBCC equivalence is important.

Think beyond the degree title

Two students may both graduate with a "Master's degree from Turkey," but their situation may not be the same. Their universities, programs, study modes, prior qualifications and academic backgrounds may differ.

Therefore, the best approach is to evaluate each case individually, rather than assuming that Turkish degrees are "accepted.

How to Apply for HEC Equivalence for a Turkish Degree

HEC's current process is through its online eServices. The broad steps are as follows:

HEC states that for the issuance of the equivalence letter, the verification of the foreign degree from the respective foreign university is a necessary requirement.

The exact instructions for each step of an equivalence application can differ, so applicants should follow the instructions presented in their HEC account.

Where Glommico Steps In

For many degree holders, the greatest challenge is the misunderstanding that an HEC process exists. It is more about gathering the application documents correctly.

Glommico can provide clarity on the pathway, draft the necessary documents, and spot potential problems before you submit your documents.

Documents Required for HEC Equivalence

The specific documents vary by degree level and academic background. Your typical application requires:

• Foreign degree/diploma

• Academic transcript(s)

• Previous degrees

• Relevant IBCC equivalence

• Documents of support

HEC's published procedure is the controlling source, so requirements may have changed.

A useful preparation rule

Don’t wait to collect your academic records once you return to Pakistan. You should keep your degree records and transcripts for each year of your studies kept safe as well throughout your time in Turkey. Glommico can review your preparatory records for degree study in Turkey.

HEC Foreign Degree Equivalence Fee and Processing Time

Source: HEC - September 2026

HEC indicates Rs. 5,000 per degree/diploma/certificate. HEC advises the fee is made and is non-refundable. Verification fees charged by some foreign universities are not included in the HEC fee.

How Long Does HEC Foreign Degree Equivalence Take?

There is no responsible reason to promise every applicant the same number of days. Foreign university verification, missing documents, prior qualification equivalence and application queries can all affect the overall timeline.

Glommico may have internal case data showing how long particular applications have taken, but those figures should be presented as Glommico's internal experience, not HEC's official processing time.

If you need an assessment before applying, Glommico can also help you identify potential document and verification issues that may otherwise cause avoidable delays.

Does HEC Recognise Online or Distance Degrees From Turkey?

Do not rely on a blanket statement that HEC "accepts" or "rejects" all online Turkish degrees. HEC has specific materials on foreign qualifications awarded through virtual, online, distance and blended learning. Its foreign degree FAQs direct applicants to the corresponding notification and requirements.

Therefore, if your Turkish degree is:

• Fully online

• Distance learning

• Blended

• Offered outside the country

• Offered through multiple campuses, locations or countries

• Verify the qualification and check the current requirements and the HEC policy before you enroll

Another instance where a pre-enrolment assessment is perhaps more useful than a post-graduation remedy.

What HEC Might Not Recognize

We can’t say with certainty that “all Turkish degrees are recognized.” The existence of, or recognition given to, a Turkish university does not guarantee HEC’s equivalence to any of that university’s programs.

Questions can arise regarding:

• The university

• The program

• The level of the degree

• The method of instruction

• The length of the program

• The terminal degree or other prerequisite degrees

• Confirmation of degrees obtained from a foreign university

• The legal requirements of a profession

The appropriate course of action is to verify the degree earned, not just the country.

Before paying the tuition, ask these 5 questions:

1. Is the university recognized?

2. Is my program recognized?

3. How is the program delivered?

4. Are equivalence of my prior degrees required?

5. Will I eventually need professional registration?

If you can’t answer any of these questions, do not pay the tuition. Glommico’s university and qualification assessment is for exactly this purpose.

HEC Equivalence and MoFA Attestation: Different Purposes

HEC equivalence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) attestation are two different processes. HEC deals with foreign higher education and their equivalence.

MoFA is about attestation and authentication of documents for the purpose for which they are required. MoFA’s guidance is specific to educational documents and foreign documents.

Therefore, obtaining an HEC equivalence letter does not imply that every subsequent use of the document requires or excludes MoFA attestation. The requirement is dependent on the authority or organization that requires the document.

HEC Equivalence for Regulated Professions

For those of you studying engineering or other regulated professions, do not stop at HEC. HEC equivalence and professional registration are two separate issues. For instance, an engineering graduate may also have to check the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) requirements, along with HEC.

Other regulated professions may also have their own professional bodies and requirements. This is particularly important before you enroll because changing your qualification after completing your degree may be even more difficult.

Why Choose Glommico Before You Enroll?

The lowest pricing is not necessarily the least risky option if you are choosing Turkish universities. A university with lower tuition can become expensive if its qualification causes problems later.

For this reason, Glommico can engage a potential student even before they are admitted, whereas other companies consider their services only after the visa and equivalence document issuance. A Glommico pre-enrollment assessment can be done:

University Status: We assist you in reviewing the institution you are considering, rather than relying on the recommendation of an agent.

Qualification Pathway: We will analyze your proposed degree program in Pakistan and your intended activities.

Study Mode: Examples of study modes that warrant further consideration include Online, distance, and blended.

Previous Education: Your O Levels, A Levels, Intermediate, Matric or other foreign qualifications may impact the equivalence pathway.

Post Graduation Plans: If you are looking to work in a regulated profession, you may need to consider further additional recognition.

The goal is not to promise HEC will issue an equivalence certificate. It is to assist in making a better university selection when a significant amount of time and money will be expended on a chosen qualification.

Already Graduated From a Turkish University?

Your situation is different if you have already completed your degree. You may now need assistance with:

• HEC foreign degree equivalence

• University verification

• Previous foreign qualification equivalence

• Document preparation

• Application requirements

• Professional registration

• Understanding the next steps after receiving your equivalence letter

Glommico can assist in evaluating your existing qualification and advising you on the next appropriate steps based on your academic background.

Why HEC Equivalence Applications Get Delayed

Most applicants are seeking a straightforward answer to the question, 'How long does it take for HEC equivalence?'. Rather, a better question is:

What is there that can make my application take longer?

One such factor is foreign-university verification. Poor documentation, difficulties in meeting existing qualification equivalence requirements and further application requirements can also cause issues. HEC specifically requests that foreign qualifications be provided to receive issuance of the final equivalence letter.

That's where Glommico's support can come into play, even if the final decision lies with HEC. We can assist you in preparing for the process, but the final decision on equivalence is with HEC.