Habib University has been granted “Candidate for Accreditation” status by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the federally recognized accrediting body for some of the world’s most distinguished universities, including Harvard University, MIT, Brown, Dartmouth, Amherst, and Williams College.
This milestone marks the culmination of a multi-year process of institutional self-study, peer review, and external evaluation. On November 20, 2025, a Habib University delegation led by President Wasif A. Rizvi appeared before NECHE’s full Commission, which formally recognized that the University has met the rigorous initial standards required to enter the accreditation pathway. The decision affirms the University’s mission, governance maturity, academic coherence, and its sustained commitment to global benchmarks of quality.
U.S. regional accreditation, particularly from NECHE, which is a 140 years old institution, is exceptionally rare for institutions outside North America. Habib enters this process as a university defined by a pioneering national commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, an inspiring pedagogy rooted in reparative thinking, and cutting-edge learning experiences that span design thinking, interdisciplinary inquiry, and real-world problem solving. Coupled with an unprecedented access model that enables talented students from all backgrounds to enter without financial barriers, Habib has also revitalized a larger societal narrative: that Pakistan can build lasting, world-class institutions grounded in intellectual ambition, equity, and civic responsibility.
Habib’s progression to candidacy has been made possible through the dedication of its faculty and academic leadership; the vision and support of its founding family and Mohsineen; and the strength of its long-standing academic partnerships with institutions such as Stanford University, Carleton College, the Claremont Colleges, and Texas A&M University. The University also expresses deep appreciation for the engagement of NECHE President Lawrence M. Schall and Vice President Carol Anderson throughout this phase of the review.
Toward the conclusion of the Commission’s decision, the University notes NECHE’s formal definition that Candidacy is a formal affiliation with NECHE. It indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing towards accreditation. Candidacy is not accreditation nor does it ensure eventual accreditation.
Inspired by this recognition, Habib University looks forward to pursuing full accreditation in the months ahead. The University anticipates a period of further rigorous review, continuous strengthening of its academic practices, and active engagement with NECHE as it prepares for subsequent stages of evaluation. With this momentum, Habib reaffirms its mission of Yohsin, the cultivation of thoughtful, ethical, and engaged individuals, and its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the evolution of higher education in Pakistan and beyond.
“Candidate for Accreditation” is a status of affiliation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is actively progressing toward full accreditation. It is not accreditation and does not guarantee eventual accreditation.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s affiliation status with the Commission should be directed to:
The New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803
Direct line to Commission offices: (781) 425-7785
E-mail: info@neche.org
Website: www.neche.org
