HEC plans new rules for students pursuing PhD abroad

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is working on the preparation of a new policy of the government-funded PhD scholars who study abroad to soften the strict rules and make the system more accommodating.

Officials say the proposed policy will remove financial penalties for scholars who fail to complete their degrees within the given time, especially for those selected purely on merit. The commission also wants to ensure that these students do not face harassment or unfair treatment when they return to Pakistan.

HEC sources explained the world failure rate of PhD is approximately 50 percent, and in Pakistan, it is approximately 5 percent, and this indicates that the majority of the students being funded do not fail. The commission is also considering the bond and legal provisions that scholars sign prior to departing such as the five year compulsory service term in institutions in the public sector.

According to the new plan, those failing but returning to Pakistan will not be prosecuted or fined, whereas more stringent measures will be implemented against those failing and then remaining overseas to work or get residence. The HEC also unveiled that over 100 international students who were not successful or even absconded have millions of rupees in penalties still outstanding.

In the next policy, tougher controls to deter the abuse of scholarships may be put in place, including efforts to get political asylum or remain in a foreign country illegally. The aim is to strike a balance between sympathizing with the students who are in fact genuine and to be more accountable on those that misuse the state-funded PhD programme.