Quick Summary
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is a public founded in 1991, located in Islamabad, Pakistan. Ranked #353 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 19500 students including 1.5% from outside Pakistan. Known for strengths in Engineering & Technology, Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 5-10%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
NUST is the #1 ranked university in Pakistan for Engineering and Technology, offering world-class infrastructure and high global employability.
Subject Strengths
Engineering & TechnologyComputer SciencePetroleum EngineeringMechanical EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Founded1991
TypePublic
Total Students19500
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio17:1
CampusResidential / Urban
Campus Size707 acres
Affiliated HospitalsArmy Medical College (AMC) affiliated hospitals, CMH Rawalpindi
AccreditationHEC, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Washington Accord, AACSB (Business School - in process)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#353
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501–600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelors, Masters, PhD, Executive Education, Certifications
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (through Professional Development Centre)
Online Programs
Research Center for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National Science & Technology Park (NSTP), Center for International Peace & Stability (CIPS)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
HEC, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Washington Accord, AACSB (Business School - in process)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate5-10%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA3.0/4.0 for Masters; 60% in HSSC/A-Levels for Undergrad
GRERequired for PhD and certain MS programs (GAT/GRE)
GMATRequired for MBA (GMAT/GAT)
SATMinimum 600 in SAT Mathematics for SAT Stream seats
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
A high score in the NUST Entry Test (NET) is crucial as it carries 75% weightage for engineering and science programs. Focus on Mathematics and Physics concepts.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Pakistani Rupee
UG Tuition
₨320,000/yr
per year · PKR
Living Cost
₨550,000/yr
per year · PKR
PG Tuition
₨380,000/yr
per year · PKR
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₨950,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · PKR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$850
Financial AidNUST Need-Based Scholarship, PEEF, USAID, and interest-free loans available.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelors, Masters, PhD, Executive Education, Certifications programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| BBA | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Software Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$6,500
Average Salary After Graduation
90%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExcellent; integrated with industry through Corporate Advisory Council (CAC).
Industry Connections
TelenorJazzSystems LtdFauji FoundationNESCOMHuawei
Notable Alumni
Fawad Khan (Actor), Maria Memon (Journalist), many senior military leadership and tech entrepreneurs.
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Indoor Gym, Olympic-size Swimming Pool, Cricket Grounds, Football Pitch, Tennis Courts
Student Clubs
NUST Debating Society, Science Society, Adventure Club, Community Service Club
Library Resources
Main Central Library, access to HEC Digital Library, and specialized departmental libraries.
Exchange Programs
Yes (Erasmus+, IAESTE, and partnerships with universities in Turkey, China, and USA)
Summer Programs
Available