Blog

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to navigate these attestation processes efficiently, and what documents are required at each stage.

Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) Attestation

The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) is responsible for attesting Matriculation (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) certificates. It also handles the equivalence of foreign qualifications in case you completed part of your education abroad.

Purpose of IBCC Attestation

The IBCC attestation verifies that your secondary and higher secondary education certificates are legitimate and issued by recognized boards in Pakistan. This attestation is typically required for:

• University admissions abroad.
• Visa applications for study abroad.
• Employment opportunities where secondary education proof is necessary.

Documents Required for IBCC Attestation

To get your certificates attested, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Original Matriculation and Intermediate Certificates: Issued by a recognized educational board.
2. Photocopies of Certificates: One set of clear photocopies for each certificate.
3. CNIC or Passport Copy: For identity verification.
4. Proof of Fee Payment: A paid challan form showing the attestation fee.
5. Duly Filled Attestation Form: Available online or at IBCC offices.
6. Equivalence Certificate (for foreign qualifications): If you studied abroad, this certificate is required.

Steps for IBCC Attestation

1. Create an Online Account: Visit the IBCC portal (www.ibcc.edu.pk) and sign up to create an account.
2. Submit the Online Application: Fill out the required fields including your personal information, educational details, and the purpose of attestation.
3. Pay the Fee: Submit the attestation fee through the specified banks. The fee is generally PKR 400 per original document and PKR 200 for photocopies.
4. Submit Documents: Take the original documents, photocopies, and the fee receipt to an IBCC office or send them via approved courier services.
5. Verification Process: The IBCC will verify the certificates with the issuing boards, which typically takes 3-5 working days.
6. Collection of Attested Documents: You can collect your attested documents in person or have them delivered through courier.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Name discrepancies between CNIC and certificates must be resolved before submission.
• Damaged or defaced certificates will not be accepted for attestation. Ensure they are in good condition.

HEC Degree Attestation for Study Abroad

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is responsible for attesting higher education degrees such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD. This attestation certifies that the degree is issued by a recognized university and meets educational standards.

Purpose of HEC Degree Attestation

HEC attestation is required for:

• International university admissions (for undergraduate and postgraduate studies).
• Visa and immigration processes.
• Job applications abroad, particularly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.

Documents Required for HEC Attestation

1. Original Degree and Transcripts: From recognized universities in Pakistan.
2. Photocopies of Degree and Transcripts: One set of clear, legible photocopies.
3. CNIC or Passport Copy: For identity verification.
4. Matric and Intermediate Certificates: Originals and photocopies.
5. HEC Equivalence Certificate: If your degree was earned from a foreign university.
6. Paid Fee Challan: Showing the payment of the attestation fee.

Steps for HEC Degree Attestation

1. Create an Account on HEC e-Portal: Visit HEC e-Services and sign up.
2. Fill Out the Online Application: Provide details about your degree, personal information, and purpose of attestation.
3. Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents, including degrees, transcripts, and certificates.
4. Appointment Scheduling: Select a date and HEC center (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, etc.) for your attestation.
5. Payment of Attestation Fee: The fee for attesting original degrees is PKR 1000 per document and PKR 700 for photocopies.
6. Visit the HEC Office: On the day of your appointment, visit the HEC office with your original documents and the paid fee receipt.
7. Collection of Attested Documents: After verification, the attested documents are returned the same day or by mail.

Processing Time for HEC Attestation

• 1 to 3 working days is the typical processing time, depending on the workload and accuracy of the submitted documents.

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Degree Attestation

After obtaining attestation from the IBCC and HEC, the final step is attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA attestation is often required when applying for student visas, work permits, or immigration to certain countries. This attestation authenticates the educational document for use abroad.

Purpose of MOFA Degree Attestation

MOFA attestation ensures that documents already verified by IBCC and HEC are legitimate for international use. It is often required by:

• Embassies and foreign universities for visa and admission processes.
• Overseas employers who need to verify documents for employment.

Documents Required for MOFA Attestation

1. Original Degrees/Certificates: Attested by IBCC or HEC.
2. Photocopies of Degrees/Certificates: A clear set of photocopies for each document.
3. CNIC or Passport Copy: For identity verification.
4. Proof of Fee Payment: Paid challan form for MOFA attestation.

Steps for MOFA Attestation

1. Visit the MOFA Office: Attestation is done at MOFA headquarters in Islamabad or regional offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
2. Submit Original Documents: Present the IBCC/HEC attested degrees, certificates, and photocopies.
3. Pay the Attestation Fee: The fee for MOFA attestation is generally PKR 100 per document. You will need to pay the fee at a designated bank and provide the receipt.
4. Wait for Attestation: The MOFA verification process typically takes 1-2 working days.
5. Collection of Attested Documents: Once attested, the documents can be collected from the MOFA office or sent via courier.

Quick Summary of the Attestation Process

1. IBCC Attestation:
   • Attests Matriculation (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) certificates.
   • Requires original certificates, photocopies, and CNIC.
   • Processing time: 3-5 days.
2. HEC Degree Attestation:
   • Attests Bachelor’s, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD degrees.
   • Requires original degrees, transcripts, matric and intermediate certificates, and CNIC.
   • Processing time: 1-3 days.
3. MOFA Degree Attestation:
   • Final attestation for international use.
   • Requires HEC/IBCC attested degrees, photocopies, and CNIC.
   • Processing time: 1-2 days.

Conclusion: A Shorter Path to Success

Navigating the degree attestation process may seem complicated, but with the right planning and understanding, it becomes much more manageable. Begin by getting your secondary education certificates attested by IBCC, followed by HEC attestation for higher education degrees, and finally MOFA attestation for international use. Ensuring that all documents are in order and understanding the timeline will save you time and effort as you move forward with your plans to study abroad.

For more information or to begin your attestation journey, visit the respective websites of the IBCC, HEC, and MOFA:

• IBCC: www.ibcc.edu.pk
• HEC e-Services: eservices.hec.gov.pk
• MOFA: Visit any MOFA regional office in Pakistan for in-person attestation services.