Equivalence of Foreign Qualification at Secondary and Higher Secondary Levels:
The primary concept of the equivalence of qualification is to align these qualifications with the appropriate stages in Pakistani education system. This alignment considers factors such as the duration and the subjects studied in foreign systems.
Methods for Determining Equivalence of Foreign Qualifications:
When an applicant seeks equivalence of foreign qualification from IBCC, they are required to fill out the prescribed equivalence form. This equivalence form helps gather information about the following points:
The applicant must provide information or documented proof of the accreditation/recognition status of the institution where they passed the examination. If the certificate/diploma awarding body is a board or university, it must be demonstrated that it is authorized by the government of the country concerned to conduct examinations and issue certificates/diplomas.
In determining the equivalence of the certificate/diploma, the duration of the course leading to the earning of the particular certificate/diploma is considered. The duration of the foreign certificate/diploma should not be less than the duration of a similar certificate or diploma in Pakistan, though it may exceed it.
In addition to the duration of the course of study, the number of days of study in a year and the hours of study per day are also taken into account.
When determining new/fresh cases of equivalence, the syllabus and course contents are compared with similar certificate/diploma programs in Pakistan
In certain cases, the IBCC office may send request information or guidance from either the embassies of the relevant countries in Pakistan or from the Ministries of Education of those countries through Pakistani embassies there.
Many foreign certificates/diplomas are issued in the national languages of their respective countries. In such cases, the certificate/diploma must be translated into English or Urdu language by the concerned Ministries/Department of Education or National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad/Karachi.
In such cases, the advice of subject experts or specialists in the relevant field is sought. Cases may also be referred to Technical Boards of Pakistan for their input.
In some instances, IBCC refers to the British Council Guide to International Qualifications of various countries and other relevant references for additional guidance