HEC Post Doctoral Fellowships

The HEC is taking a holistic approach to the development of the higher education sector in Pakistan. Pakistan with a population of 140 million has one of the lowest tertiary education enrolment rates in the world, estimated 2.6% in 2000- Even compared to other countries in the South Asia region such, as Bangladesh with 5% tertiary enrolment, Pakistan stands out as having a strikingly low level of participation. The country has 117 university-level institutions: 51 public universities and 9 degree awarding institutes, and in private sector 39 universities, 18 degree awards institutes. The public institutions have poorly trained, generally low-quality faculty and poor academic facilities (i.e. weak computer, laboratory, - and library infrastructure.). Post-doctoral research and training facilities are occasionally offered under a number of different foreign assistance programs. Research within the universities is infrequent and of generally poor quality, as measured by international publications and research expenditure. The faculty have little opportunity or incentive for enhancing their knowledge base, conducting research, or improving their overall competence and performance.