Difference in Pakistani Graduation and International Graduation Levels
The education system in Pakistan differs from international standards, especially concerning the concept of “graduation.” Understanding these differences is crucial for Pakistani students planning to study abroad or seeking to align their education with global standards. This article provides a detailed explanation of education levels in Pakistan and how they compare to international education systems.
Pakistani Graduation
In Pakistan, graduation encompasses all education obtained after the completion of 12 years of schooling, also known as Intermediate education.
Bachelors
In Pakistan, after completing Intermediate education, students pursue a two-year bachelor’s degree, completing 14 years of education in total. This level is commonly referred to as graduation, and students who achieve this milestone are called graduates.
Masters
Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, students may pursue a master’s degree, which involves two additional years of study, bringing the total to 16 years of education. This level is also considered graduation, and students are referred to as either graduates or master’s degree holders.
It is important to note that a four-year degree program after Intermediate, such as a Bachelor of Science (BS), is also classified as a bachelor’s degree, not a master’s. For example, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) is a four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree.
MPhil
The next level is the Master of Philosophy (MPhil), which involves two more years of study after a master’s degree, totaling 18 years of education. In Pakistan, MPhil is considered part of graduation, but there isn’t a specific term for individuals at this level.
PhD
The highest level of education in Pakistan is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which typically involves an additional 2-3 years of study after an MPhil, totaling approximately 20-22 years of education. PhD holders are awarded the honorary title of “Doctor,” though they are distinguished from medical doctors as “Philosophy Doctors.” This is the pinnacle of academic achievement in Pakistan.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Classification in Pakistan
- Pakistani Undergraduate: Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program (13th and 14th years of education) are classified as undergraduates in Pakistan.
- Pakistani Postgraduate: Students pursuing education beyond the bachelor’s level (Masters, MPhil, or PhD) are considered postgraduates in Pakistan. This includes any study beyond the 14th year of education.
International Graduation
Internationally, the concept of graduation is more closely aligned with a higher level of education compared to Pakistan. Graduation refers to education obtained after completing 16 years of schooling.
Bachelors
On an international scale, a bachelor’s degree is typically awarded after 16 years of education. This means that students who complete a four-year degree program after high school (12th grade) are considered bachelor’s degree holders and graduates.
Masters
After earning a bachelor’s degree, students may pursue a master’s degree, requiring an additional 2 years of study and totaling 18 years of education. This level is also considered graduation, and graduates are referred to as master’s degree holders.
MPhil
The MPhil is also considered an 18-year education program internationally, similar to a master’s degree. However, the MPhil often focuses more on research, while a master’s degree may have a broader scope.
PhD and Beyond
Internationally, the PhD is recognized as a high level of academic achievement but not the highest. A PhD involves 2-3 additional years of study beyond the MPhil, totaling approximately 20-22 years of education. However, there are educational levels higher than a PhD, including:
- Doctor of Letters/Literature (Litt.D)
- Doctor of Science (DSc)
- Doctor of Laws (LL.D)
- Doctor of Divinity (D.D.)
The International Standard Classification of Education categorizes all these doctorate levels, including PhD, as Level 8 of education. To be eligible for these programs, candidates typically must:
- Have earned a PhD in the relevant discipline at least 4-7 years before applying.
- Have conducted outstanding research in the relevant discipline.
- Be a permanent faculty member of a university with at least four years of service in that capacity.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Classification Internationally
- International Undergraduate: Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree (up to the 16th year of education) are classified as undergraduates internationally. Even students enrolled in four-year degree programs (e.g., BS) that start after the 12th grade are considered undergraduates.
- International Postgraduate: Any education beyond a bachelor’s degree (post-16th year of education) is considered postgraduate internationally.
Conclusion
| Education Level | In Pakistan | Internationally |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation | 14th year and onward | 16th year and onward |
| Under-graduation | Under 14th year | Under 16th year |
| Post-graduation | Over 14th year | Over 16th year |
In summary, while both Pakistani and international education systems use the term “graduation,” they apply it differently. In Pakistan, graduation encompasses education after 12 years, while internationally, it typically starts after 16 years. Understanding these distinctions is essential for Pakistani students aspiring to study abroad and align their education with global standards.
