I AM one of the unfortunate souls who graduated from a low category university to find disappointment, suffering and rejection. This has destroyed two of my precious years and at the same time made me ineligible for admission in any university abroad for higher education.

I was refused admission by two Australian campuses because the university I graduated from was a third category university (ranking done by an independent organization NOORS) which has been made part of the eligibility criteria for students from developing countries like Pakistan wishing to study in Australian universities.

The university I have graduated from is based in Lahore, with a charter given by the Punjab government as a Category C university. The degree awarded by this university is recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

I request the authorities, especially the HEC chairman to closely monitor and regulate the affairs of private universities.

Shadman Zain

Chitral

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2015

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