The Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with Coursera, launched the third phase of the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI) on Friday, aiming to equip Pakistan’s youth and educators with world-class digital skills. This phase will provide 100,000 university students and faculty members from public and private institutions with free access to over 12,000 online courses and guided projects, empowering them to thrive in the digital era.
University students and faculty can register now through the HEC e-portal to take advantage of this groundbreaking opportunity. The Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI) program, initiated in 2018, has already achieved remarkable milestones, with over 45,000 individuals completing skill-based certifications and more than 267,000 courses successfully completed. Over 200 universities in Pakistan have also benefited from access to Coursera’s comprehensive library of high-quality educational content.
During the launch ceremony, HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed reflected on the program’s transformative impact, describing it as a critical step toward bridging the skills gap in Pakistan. “This initiative not only develops digital literacy but also enhances employability, empowering students and educators to meet the demands of the modern workforce,” he said. He called on universities and their faculty to integrate Coursera’s offerings into their academic and professional development programs, ensuring the benefits reach as many people as possible.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the HEC-Coursera partnership is designed to follow a building-blocks approach, incrementally expanding the scope and scale of digital education in Pakistan. “By leveraging this platform, we can prepare a new generation of skilled professionals who will play a vital role in driving innovation and economic growth,” he stated.
Matt Klein, Director of International Governments at Coursera, applauded Pakistan’s efforts to stay ahead in the global digital economy. “Coursera is proud to support HEC in bringing job-relevant skills and credentials to the youth of Pakistan,” he said. “Through initiatives like DLSEI, we are fostering a culture of lifelong learning and enabling students and educators to unlock their full potential.”
DLSEI 3.0 offers an expansive array of courses in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, business management, digital marketing, and more. Participants will also benefit from guided projects and hands-on learning experiences designed to enhance practical skills and job readiness.
With Pakistan’s young population poised to make a significant impact on the global economy, DLSEI 3.0 represents a forward-thinking investment in human capital. It promises to not only increase employability but also foster innovation, creativity, and leadership across industries. This initiative is a testament to HEC’s commitment to creating a brighter, more digitally empowered future for
