To get into MS or MPhil in Pakistan, you need a HAT score of at least 50 out of 100. But HAT is just one part of the process. Here is how the full admission works, from HAT result to enrolment.
The HAT requirement, in HEC's own words
The HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023 says:
- All MS and MPhil admissions at HEC-recognised universities must use either HAT or GRE Subject as the main entry test.
- The test score must have at least 50% weightage in the merit formula.
- Minimum passing score: 50 out of 100 in HAT.
- For PhD: minimum 60 out of 100.
So if a university gives 60% weight to HAT and 40% to your undergraduate GPA, that is HEC-compliant. But no university can give HAT less than 50% weight.
The full MS admission process
- Take the HAT for your field (HAT-I for engineering/CS, HAT-II for business, HAT-III for arts/social sciences, HAT-IV for medical sciences).
- Get your result. It is valid for 2 years. Download the result card from the ETC portal.
- Find universities and programs you want to apply to. Check their admission notice for deadlines, fee, and specific HAT score requirement.
- Apply to the university. Most universities have an online form. Attach your HAT result, transcripts, degree, CNIC, and photos.
- Appear for the interview if the department calls you. HAT score gets you shortlisted; the interview decides final selection at many universities.
- Get the admission letter and pay the semester fee by the deadline.
Documents usually required for MS admission
- HAT result card (downloaded from etc.hec.gov.pk)
- Bachelor's degree or provisional certificate
- Official transcripts of your Bachelor's degree
- CNIC copy
- 2 passport-size photos
- Domicile or PRC (some universities ask for this)
- 2 reference letters (some universities ask, some do not)
- Statement of Purpose or research proposal (for research-based MS)
This list is a general guide. Always check the specific university's admission notice for the exact documents they need.
HAT score vs your GPA: what matters more?
Under HEC policy, HAT has at least 50% weight. That means for most universities, your HAT score matters as much as or more than your undergraduate GPA. A student with a 3.5 GPA and a 45 HAT will usually lose to a student with a 2.8 GPA and a 65 HAT.
My advice: if your HAT score is close to the minimum, consider retaking it before applying. One more month of preparation can make a real difference in which university and department you get into. See our HAT retake guide for a study plan.
What if a university runs its own test?
Some universities run an internal entry test in addition to HAT. This is allowed if the total test component still has at least 50% weight. If a university tells you their own test replaces HAT, ask them to confirm this is HEC-approved. HEC's graduate policy is binding on all recognised universities.
Can you apply to multiple universities with one HAT score?
Yes. Your HAT result is a certificate. You can show it to as many universities as you want. Apply to 3 or 4 universities at the same time to give yourself more options. Each university has its own merit list so you may get called to some and not others.
When do most universities open MS admissions?
Pakistani universities usually open MS admissions in two cycles: spring (January–February) and fall (August–September). If you have your HAT result by November 2026, you can apply for spring 2027 admission. Check each university's website for their specific dates.
Common questions
What HAT score is needed for MS admission in Pakistan?
HEC Graduate Education Policy 2023 requires at least 50 out of 100 in HAT for MS and MPhil. Individual universities may set higher requirements.
Is HAT mandatory for all MS programs in Pakistan?
For HEC-recognised universities, yes. HEC policy says MS/MPhil admission must be based on HAT or GRE (subject). Some universities also do their own test. Check with your university.
Can I apply for MS before my HAT result comes?
Some universities accept applications before your HAT result. You can apply and submit the result later. Ask the university's admission office directly.
Is GRE accepted instead of HAT for MS admission?
Some universities accept GRE (subject test) instead of HAT. Check with your specific university and program.
What is the 50-50 rule for MS admission?
HEC policy says at least 50% weightage must go to the HAT or GRE score in the merit formula. The other 50% can be academic record, interview, or other criteria.