What is the difference between Pakistani and international education levels? This question is usually essential for those students who are planning to study abroad or want to understand which education system is better.
In Pakistan, a bachelor degree in Pakistan usually takes four years to complete and is considered the standard graduation level. However, the requirements and structure are different for international bachelor’s degrees. Students can become confused due to this difference.
In this article, we will explore how the concept of a graduation degree in Pakistan differs from international education standards for all degree levels. Let’s explore this blog in detail.
Pakistani Graduation
What is graduation in Pakistan?
Graduation in Pakistan means starting after completing higher secondary education, which means intermediate. Pakistan’s educational system offers several graduating levels, each with different academic requirements and durations of time.
Bachelors
After completing intermediate education, when you start education for four years, it’s called graduation in Pakistan; 16 years of education means in Pakistan. Then, you called a Graduate. A Bachelor’s degree is your first step into higher education and is the foundation for many professional careers. For example, a BS in Computer Science (BSCS) for four years is a Bachelor’s degree in CS.
Master’s / MPhil
What is MS degree in Pakistan? After obtaining your Bachelor’s degree in four years, if you continue your studies for another two years, you complete a Master’s or MPhil degree.
PhD
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is Pakistan’s highest level of academic achievement. It includes completing graduate study, original research, and writing a thesis or dissertation. The duration of a PhD program varies, with fields like Political Science often requiring three years to complete.
Pakistani Undergraduate or Postgraduate
- In Pakistan, a student who is studying for bachelor’s is called an undergraduate. This means if you are studying in the 13th or 14th year of education, you are considered an undergraduate.
- On the other hand, a student who continues their studies after completing a Bachelor’s degree is called a postgraduate. If you are studying for a Master’s, MPhil, or PhD, you are considered a postgraduate in Pakistan.
International Graduation
The international education system is slightly different from that of Pakistan. In most countries, graduation starts after 16 years of education.
Bachelors
It is called a bachelor’s degree when you complete your degree in four years as an international student. You’re considered a Graduate.
Masters / MPhil
After completing your Bachelor’s degree, if you study for two more years (18 years of education), you earn a Master’s degree, which is considered part of Graduation. MPhil is a master of philosophy degree that is a research base degree from a master’s degree.
PhD
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral-level degree, but it’s not the highest level internationally. There are higher degrees such as Doctor of Science (DSc), Doctor of Letters (Litt.D), and Doctor of Laws (LL.D).
International Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Undergraduate: A student studying for a Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) is considered an Undergraduate internationally, even if it’s a 4-year course like the BS degree in Pakistan.
Postgraduate: All education beyond a Bachelor’s degree is considered Postgraduate internationally, including Masters, MPhil, and PhD.
Conclusion
In summary, the main difference between Pakistani Graduation and International Graduation lies in each degree’s duration and naming conventions. Bachelor degree in Pakistan is typically 14 years of education, while internationally, it is 16 years. Additionally, postgraduate education (like Master and PhD) is considered a higher level of education worldwide, and certain degrees, such as PhD in Pakistan, may not be the final academic achievement internationally.
Maham Muneer is a passionate content writer with expertise in writing engaging blogs on education and study abroad topics. Her writing aims to guide readers in making informed decisions about their academic and international opportunities. Whether it’s exploring top universities, understanding visa processes, or finding scholarships, her goal is to provide valuable insights that inspire and empower students to achieve their dreams.
