Documents and attestation for Pakistani students

In short: academic documents from Pakistan need two layers of attestation before a Malaysian university application. Matric and Intermediate certificates are attested by IBCC, and university degrees by HEC; MOFA then attests them. Alongside them you need a passport valid for at least 18 months, your CNIC, a bank statement and, if you are employed, an NOC. Your counsellor reviews the full set before anything is submitted.

In what order are documents attested?

MOFA's own rules say that BISE certificates must be countersigned by IBCC and university degrees attested by HEC before MOFA attests them. MOFA's camp offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta attest at par with the Ministry in Islamabad.

How does IBCC attestation work?

1. Make sure your board has verified your result online. IBCC needs the board's verification in its attestation portal before you submit.
2. Apply at attest.ibcc.edu.pk and choose an appointment, courier or express.
3. Submit the original certificates and mark sheets with one copy of each for IBCC's record, and photocopies of your own and your father's CNIC.
4. Only you or a blood relative can apply.

IBCC lists the requirements on its attestation page.

How does HEC degree attestation work?

HEC's degree attestation is now fully online and paperless, at eservices.hec.gov.pk:

1. Sign up or log in, and choose Degree Attestation.
2. Enter your personal details exactly as on your CNIC, then your degree details (title, campus, session, registration or roll number).
3. Select the documents to attest and upload clear scans of the front and back of your CNIC and of each degree and transcript.
4. Pay Rs. 3,000 per document through 1-Link (1-Bill), then click Verify Payment.
5. HEC checks the application, your university verifies it, and HEC issues an e-Attestation Certificate that you download from your account.

HEC no longer attests photocopies, and it does not start an attestation if your details differ between your CNIC and your documents. See HEC's degree attestation page.

What is on the Pakistan document checklist?

Identity and academic

• Passport, valid for at least 18 months
• CNIC, or your B-Form if you do not have a CNIC yet
• Matric and Intermediate certificates and mark sheets, attested by IBCC and MOFA
• O and A Level certificates, with an IBCC equivalence certificate if your university asks for one
• Bachelor's and master's degrees and transcripts, attested by HEC and MOFA
• Proof of English: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or a medium-of-instruction letter
• Passport-size photographs on a white background
• Statement of purpose and recommendation letters; a CV for postgraduate applicants and a research proposal for PhD applicants

Personal and financial

• Birth certificate
• Bank statement for the last three months, typically showing USD 6,000–8,000 (see costs in PKR)
• Bank solvency letter
• Sponsor letter and a copy of your sponsor's CNIC
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer, if you are employed
• Medical report

University and visa

• University application form and offer letter
• EMGS visa application form and health declaration
• Proof of payment of the visa processing fee, and the insurance receipt
• Proof of accommodation, flight ticket and arrival form

The general document checklist explains each item.

Which mistakes delay Pakistani applications?

• A name spelt differently on the passport, CNIC and certificates
• Applying to IBCC before the board has verified the result online
• Sending HEC photocopies or blurred scans
• Starting attestation late: allow time for IBCC or HEC, and MOFA, before your application deadline
• Missing sponsor details or an unsigned form