HEC's fully online, paperless degree attestation system has been live since May 2026. Here's what changed, how to apply, and what happened to the old process.
HEC e-Attestation: Everything Pakistani Students Need to Know
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan officially launched its fully online, paperless e-Attestation Certificate system on 11 May 2026. If you've been through the old process, you know exactly how painful degree attestation used to be: physical visits, original document submission, queues, and weeks of waiting.
That era is over. Here's exactly what changed and what it means for you.
What Changed?
• No more physical HEC office visits required.
• No more sending original documents.
• Applications can now be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the HEC e-Services Portal.
The system issues a digital e-Attestation Certificate directly through the portal. This certificate can be verified online at www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification — making it easier for foreign universities, employers, and embassies to authenticate your documents without any back-and-forth with HEC.
Where to Apply?
Submit your attestation application at www.eservices.hec.gov.pk.
What Happened to the Old System?
The transition grace period for students who had already paid under the old system closed on 30 June 2026. If you're applying now, the e-Attestation portal is the only route — there is no parallel "old system" option left. If you started an application under the old process and never completed it, you'll need to reapply fresh through the new portal.
Are Old Attested Documents Still Valid?
Yes. All attestations completed by HEC before the e-Attestation launch remain valid and can still be verified at www.hec.gov.pk/site/verification. Nothing you've already attested becomes invalid.
Why This Matters for Students Applying Abroad?
For Pakistani students applying to universities in Europe, Canada, the US, or the Gulf, degree attestation has historically been one of the biggest process delays. A digital certificate that can be verified instantly by a foreign admissions office is a significant improvement — especially for applications where courier timelines used to kill opportunities.
Pro tip: Complete your e-Attestation as early as possible before your application deadlines, even if you don't need it immediately right now.
Aether Take
This is genuinely good news for Pakistani students, especially those pursuing scholarships, international graduate admissions, or overseas employment. The old system was a known pain point that cost students time and sometimes entire application cycles. The digital shift removes a real structural barrier — and by now, the process has had time to stabilize.
If you're in the middle of scholarship applications and need help understanding how to integrate e-Attestation into your document checklist, or need support with your SOP or CV, Aether can help.
Need help with your scholarship or overseas admission documents? Get in touch with Aether.