Northern University Nowshera among 44 institutions where HEC halts fresh admissions in certain computing programmes

Northern University, Nowshera has again come under public attention after the Higher Education Commission included it in a list

Islamabad: Northern University, Nowshera has again come under public attention after the Higher Education Commission included it in a list of institutions where fresh admissions in certain computing related programmes have been temporarily suspended under the National Skill Competency Test 2026 quality assurance process.

This development is important for students and parents because concerns had earlier been reported about the accreditation status and quality issues related to the university’s BS Computer Science programme. The latest HEC advisory now places Northern University, Nowshera among institutions identified for review before fresh intake in certain computing programmes can continue.

However, the advisory does not declare any university guilty of wrongdoing. It says admissions in certain computing related programmes have been temporarily halted at selected institutions until institutional evaluations are completed and approval is given by the competent authority. The matter is therefore being treated as a quality assurance review, and students have been advised to verify the status before applying.

According to the HEC advisory issued on June 22, fresh admissions and intake in certain computing related programmes have been temporarily stopped in selected institutions under review as part of the NSCT 2026 process.

HEC said the step has been taken as a quality assurance measure. The commission advised students and parents to check the admission status of computing programmes before seeking admission.

The advisory said the purpose is to protect students’ future and guide them toward quality-assured computing programmes. It also advised students to visit the HEC website for more information.

The institutions listed for review include Alhamd Islamic University, Islamabad Campus; Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar; Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan; Hazara University, Mansehra; MNS University of Engineering & Technology, Multan; Women University Mardan, Mardan; The Women University, Multan; Lahore Leads University, Lahore; University of Swabi, Swabi; and Emaan Institute of Management and Sciences, Karachi.

The list also includes Gomal University, DI Khan; Ghazi National Institute of Engineering and Sciences, Dera Ghazi Khan; ILMA University, Karachi; Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur; University of FATA, Darra Adam Khel; University of Kotli, AJ&K; University of Jhang, Jhang; Kohsar University, Murree; University of Technology, Nowshera; and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi.

HEC also named Green International University; University of Makran, Panjgur; Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur; University of Baltistan, Skardu; University of Science & Technology, Lahore; Women University Swabi, Swabi; University of Loralai, Loralai; University of Agriculture, Peshawar; Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar; and Preston University, Islamabad.

Other institutions included in the advisory are Women University of AJ&K Bagh, Bagh; Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta; University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat; Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam; Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar; Northern University, Nowshera; The University of Larkano, Larkana; University of Sufism & Modern Sciences, Bhitshah; University of Buner, Buner; and Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak.

The remaining institutions named in the advisory include BRAINS Institute, Peshawar; Millennium Institute of Technology & Entrepreneurship, Karachi; Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, Trarkhal, AJ&K; and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand.

The HEC advisory is important because computing programmes such as computer science, software engineering, information technology and related fields are among the most popular choices for students. Many families spend large amounts of money on admission, hostel, transport, books and other expenses.

Students often apply to such programmes hoping to get jobs in software houses, IT companies, government departments, banks, telecom companies and international technology markets. If a programme is not properly reviewed or approved, students may face problems in the future.

HEC has therefore asked students and parents to be careful before applying. The commission said they should verify the status of the programme, not only the name of the university.

Education experts say students should check whether the specific computing programme is approved, whether admissions are open, whether the programme has valid recognition, and whether the institution has fulfilled quality requirements.

Parents have also been advised not to rely only on advertisements, banners, social media posts or admission campaigns. They should confirm details from HEC and relevant accreditation bodies before paying admission fees.

The advisory does not mean that all programmes of the listed institutions are closed. It specifically refers to certain computing-related programmes that have been temporarily suspended for fresh admissions until review and approval.

This distinction is important because a university may offer many programmes, but the advisory is about selected computing programmes. Students should therefore check the exact programme before applying.

The HEC message is simple: students should not rush into admission without checking the status. Their future, money and time are important.

For Northern University, Nowshera, the latest advisory has added fresh importance because its name had already appeared in earlier public concerns linked with computing programme accreditation. The university now has an opportunity to clarify its position and complete any required process before fresh admissions are allowed in the affected computing programmes.

Students and parents seeking admission in any of the listed institutions should visit the HEC website, contact the university in writing, and ask for proof of programme status before making any payment.