The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced that students holding associate degrees will now qualify for government jobs.
Provincial Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi stated that the decision aims to expand opportunities for students and make the education system more flexible.
He explained that the two-year, four-semester associate degree program will now be accepted alongside BS programs in colleges and universities across the province. Only those BS programs with low enrollment have been shifted to associate degree tracks.
Under this system, students can complete an associate degree in two years and either apply for jobs or continue their studies to earn a BS degree at any recognized institution.
Afridi noted that the move is in line with the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) policy, which allows associate degree holders to pursue further studies without any limitations.
The step has been welcomed by education experts and students, who believe it will ease financial burdens on families, improve access to higher education, and broaden career opportunities for the youth in KP.