Best Universities in Pakistan – List of Top 30 Pakistani Universities

Universities play a significant role in the education system of a country. After independence in 1947, Pakistan had only one university, the University of Punjab. Now there are many best universities in Pakistan

Today, Pakistan has more than 170 universities and other degree-awarding institutions across the country.

Universities play a key role in professional education. The universities are also responsible for graduation which further leads to post-graduation and doctorate degrees in various degrees. 

Most universities have their own staff but they also rely on visiting faculty to boost their teaching staff. In this way, they take the services of the most experienced teachers from other universities.

Pakistani universities also offer admission to foreign students. Students from Gulf countries, Afghanistan, Africa, China and East Asian countries like to study in Pakistani universities.

Recently many students from above-mentioned countries are studying in top universities of Pakistan.

List of Best Universities in Pakistan

Now will discuss best universities in Pakistan with attracting features and the detail of their offering programs and faculties:

1. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)

The Lahore University of Management Sciences is a private non-profit university. It was founded in 1984 and located in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province. It was founded by Pakistani businessman and philanthropist Syed Babar Ali.

The Lahore University of Management Sciences is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Bar Council and Association of  Commonwealth Universities.

In 2016, LUMS ranked the top university in Pakistan and 111th in Asia by QS University Rankings. It was also ranked among the world’s top 700 Universities in the same year.

The LUMS offers undergraduate and graduate programs for domestic and international students. 

Graduate programs include: 

• BS Chemical Engineering
• BS Electrical Engineering
• BS Computer Science
• BS Biology
• BS Chemistry
• BS Mathematics
• BS Physics
• BSc (Honours) Political Science
• BSc (Honours) Accounting and Finance
• BSc (Honours) Anthropology and Sociology
• BSc (Honours) Management Science
• BSc (Honours) Economics
• BSc (Honours) Politics and Economics
• BSc (Honours) Mathematics and Economics
• BA- LLB (Honours)
• BA (Honours) English
• BA ( Honours) History

Graduate programs include:

• Executive MBA
• MBA
• MPhil Education and Management
• MS (Business and Public Policy)
• MS (Healthcare Management and Innovation)
• MS ( Technology Management and Entrepreneurship)
• MS Biology
• MS Chemistry
• MS Physics
• MS Mathematics
• MS Economics
• MS Computer Engineering 
• MS Electrical Engineering

2. National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

The National University of Sciences and Technology is a public university under the control of Pakistan Armed Forces. This university is established in 1991 and its main campus is in Islamabad.

NUST is playing an important role in the development of Pakistan’s education system in various fields like engineering, technology and mathematics. 

NUST is one of the best universities in Pakistan. Many times it has been the number one university in Pakistan and among the best universities in Asia. It offers undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. programs to students.

Graduate programs of NUST include:

• Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Telecommunication Engineering
• Bachelor of Environmental Engineering
• Bachelor of Geoinformatics Engineering
• Bachelor of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
• Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering
• Bachelor of Avionics Engineering
• Bachelor of Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Military Art and Science
• Bachelor of Science in Management Information System

Masters programs of NUST include:

• MS Electrical Engineering
• MS Mechanical Engineering
• MS Computer Engineering
• MS Chemical Engineering
• MS Geotechnical Engineering
• MS Transportation Engineering
• MS Environmental Engineering
• MS Environmental  Science
• MS Urban and Regional Planning
• MS Structural Engineering
• MS Aerospace Engineering
• MS Avionics Engineering
• MS Naval Architecture
• MS Cyber Security
• MS Software Engineering

3. Quaid-i-Azam University

Quaid-i-Azam University was founded in 1967 in Islamabad. Its former name was the University of Islamabad. It is a public research university.

The university is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The QAU is one the best, biggest and high ranking universities of Pakistan. It is famous for its research and international interaction.

The QAU offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programs to national and international students.

Undergraduate programs of QAU include:

• BS International Relations
• BS Political Science
• BS Chemistry
• BS Physics
• BS Earth Sciences
• BS Zoology
• BS Electronics
• BS Mathematics
• BS Statistics
• BS Biochemistry
• BS Microbiology
• BS Plant Sciences
• BS Biotechnology
• BA LLB
• BA English
• BA History
• BA Public Administration

 Masters programs of QAU include:

• MS International Relations
• MS Political Science
• MS Computer Sciences
• MS Chemistry
• MS Physics
• MS Zoology
• MS Statistics
• MS Mathematics
• MS Microbiology
• MS Biotechnology
• MS Information  Technology
• MA English
• MA History

4. University of Engineering & Technology (UET Lahore)

The University Engineering and Technology, commonly called UET is a public university situated in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province of Pakistan. This university mainly deals with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

UET Lahore, being one the oldest is the most favorite engineering university in the country. It was established in1921 in Lahore. The former names of UET Lahore are Mughalpura Technical College and Maclagan Engineering College.

UET Lahore is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Engineering Council, and Pakistan Council for Architects and Planners.

The UET Lahore offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programs to domestic and foreign students.

Its undergraduate programs:

• BSc. Civil Engineering
• BSc. Electrical Engineering
• BSc. Computer Engineering
• BSc. Computer Science
• BSc. Environmental Engineering
• BSc. Architectural Engineering
• BSc. Geological Engineering
• BSc. Mining Engineering
• BSc. Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
• BSc.Mechanical Engineering
• BSc. Mechatronics and Control Engineering
• BSc.Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
• BSc. Petroleum and Gas Engineering
• BSc. Polymer Engineering
• BSc. Transportation Engineering
• BSc. Chemical Engineering
• BSc. City and Regional Planning
• BSc. Computer Science
• BSc. Product and Industrial Design
• BSc. Chemical Technology
• BBA

The postgraduate programs of UET Lahore include:

• MSc. Disaster Management
• MSc. Hydropower Engineering
• MSc. Geotechnical Engineering
• MBA 

5. NED University of Engineering and Technology

The NED University of Engineering and Technology is a public university situated in Karachi, the capital of the Sindh province of Pakistan. NED stands for Nadirshaw Eduljee and Dinshaw. It was established in 1921.

The NED University is affiliated with the Pakistan Engineering Council, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Washington Accord.

In 1921 NED University was established as Prince of Wales Engineering College to train civil engineers for the construction of Sukkur Barrage. After the completion of the project, the college was abandoned by the British government but with the efforts and financial assistance of above mentioned three persons, the engineering college re-established and was named after their names.

The university has campuses namely the main campus, the campus and LEJ campus. It offers different programs to students in engineering, science and technology for undergraduate, masters and doctorate degrees in the following fields:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Textile Engineering
• Food Engineering
• Polymer and Petrochemical Engineering etc

6. Mehran University of Engineering & Technology

Mehran University is situated in Jamshoro district of Sindh. It is Public Sector University and established in 1973. Its former name was Sindh University Engineering College as a campus of Sindh University but after one it was granted full independence.

Mehran University is recognized by the Pakistan Engineering Council and Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Its nickname is MUET. It was ranked 6th best engineering university in Pakistan by Higher Education Commission. 

Mehran University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in the following fields:

• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer  and Software Engineering
• Mining Engineering etc

7. University of Karachi

The University of Karachi is a public university, situated in Karachi the capital of the Sindh province of Pakistan. The university was established in 1951.

The University of Karachi is Pakistan’s largest university spreads over 12000 acres of land with over 40,000 students. Furthermore, the university has around 4% enrollment of international students which come mostly from Central Asia, South Asia and other countries.

The university is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Engineering Council, Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, and Pakistan Bar Council.

It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in the following faculties:

• Social Sciences
• Management and Administrative Services
• Education
• Islamic Studies
• Law
• Medicine
• Pharmacy

8. COMSATS University

COMSATS University is a public university situated in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan and established in 1998. Earlier it was known as COMSATS Institute of Information Technology.

 The university is under the supervision of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in South Asia an intergovernmental body with the primary objective of the promotion of sustainable growth in developing countries by science and technology. 

This university has a strong reputation in the fields of information technology and computer science and many times it ranked Pakistan’s top university in the computer sector. According to QS University rankings, COMSATS University ranked first in time Pakistan and among the top 250 universities of Asia in 2014.

COMSATS University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the following fields:

• Computer Sciences
• Accounting & Finance
• Bioinformatics
• Biotechnology
• Biosciences
• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Information Security
• Health Informatics
• Management Sciences

9. University of Sindh

The University of Sindh is a public university located in Jamshoro district of Sindh. It was established in 1947 in Karachi but relocated at Hyderabad in 1951. The university is 15 km away from Hyderabad o the right of the Indus River.

The University of Sindh is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Its motto is ‘seek knowledge from cradle to grave’.

The university is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. It is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth universities. It is famously known for its research in Sindhology, Literature, Natural Sciences and Philosophy.

This university offers degrees of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate in the following fields:

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Commerce and  Business Administration
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Islamic Studies
• Faculty of Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology

10. Sukkur IBA University

Sukkur IBA University is a public sector university located at Sukkur. It was established in 1994 as Sukkur Institute of Business Administration which was affiliated with Karachi Institute of Business Administration.

Sukkur IBA institute achieved degree-awarding status in 2006 from Sindh Government. In 2013 Sindh Government promoted Sukkur IBA Institute to Sukkur IBA University.

Sukkur IBA University is one of the best business schools in Pakistan. In 2013, this university ranked third among the best business schools of Pakistan by the Higher Education Commission.

Main departments of Sukkur IBA University include:

• Faculty of Business Administration
• Faculty of Computer Science
• Faculty of Software Engineering
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Physical Education
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Mathematics

11. Dow University of Health Sciences

The Dow University of Health Sciences is located in Karachi and is among the oldest universities in Pakistan. The Dow was established in 1945.It was founded by Sir Hugh Dow and the university is named after his name.

Dow University mainly focuses on economics biomedical, medical and health research programs. It is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Health Research Council.

This university is ranked number one medical university by HEC from 2010 from 2014. The Dow University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programs in all fields related to medical sciences.

Undergraduate programs include:

• MBBS
• BDS
• Pharm-D
• BS Genetic Nursing
• Doctor of Physiotherapy
• BS in Dental Care Professional
• BS Medical Technology
• BS Nutritional Sciences
• BS Radiology
• BS Biotechnology

12. Agha Khan University

The Agha Khan University is a private institution located in Karachi, the capital of the Sindh province of Pakistan. This university is established in 1983.

This university is a part of programs of higher education that works to improve the standard of living in developing countries. It has also initiated different programs in different countries to uplift their education standard like Afghanistan, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania 

The Agha Khan University offers undergraduate, postgraduate programs in the following fields:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery)
• Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Midwifery

13. Bahria University 

Bahria University is a public research based university. It is situated in Islamabad. This university was established by Pakistan Navy in 2000 and other campuses are located in Lahore and Karachi.

This university is affiliated with Higher HEC, PMDC, PEC, ACU, and NCEAC. It is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth universities.

The Bahria University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in the following faculties:

• Engineering Sciences
• Philosophy
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Computer Sciences
• Law
• Management Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Environment Sciences 
• Psychology 
• Maritime Studies

14. Bahauddin Zakaryia University

Bahauddin Zakariya University is non-profit public university located in Multan. It is one of the largest universities in Punjab and it established in 1975. ‘Knowledge is power’ is the motto of this university.

The Bahauddin Zakariya University offers degrees in more than 60 courses.  Main academic departments of this university include:

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Islamic Studies
• Faculty of  Languages
• Faculty of  Law
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Public Administration
• Faculty of Commerce
• Faculty of Veterinary Sciences
• Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

15.Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology

The Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institue of Engineering Sciences and Technology is a private university. This university is located in the Swabi district of KP. It was established in 1993 by the former president of Pakistan Ghulam Ishaq Khan. 

This university is affiliated with HEC, PEC and WA. It offers different degrees and courses officially recognized by HEC. The main faculties of this university include:

• Faculty of Engineering Sciences
• Faculty of Computer Science
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Civil Engineering
• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Faculty of Management Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Materials and Chemical Engineering

16. Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS)

The Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences is situated in Islamabad and it is a public university. This university was established in 1997.

In 2017 Higher Education Commission of Pakistan ranked the number one engineering university in the country. This university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees to students. The main departments of this university are:

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Medical Sciences
• Nuclear Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
• Computer and Information Services
• Communication and Management Services
• Physics and Applied Mathematics.

17. University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila

The University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila was established in 1975 as a campus of UET Lahore but in 1993 it was granted university status. It is a public university based Taxila district of Punjab.

This university is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Engineering Council and Washington Accord. These affiliations make this country on the favorite university of students.

The UET Taxila offers undergraduate, masters and PhD degrees to the domestic and international students. The main faculties and departments of this university are:

• Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Faculty of Electronics and Electrical Engineering
• Faculty of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
• Faculty of Telecommunication and Information Engineering
• Faculty of Industrial Engineering
• Faculty of Basics Sciences and Humanities

18. Institute of Business Administration-Karachi

The Institute of Business Administration is a university based in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. This university was founded in 1955 as a business school. It is among the oldest business schools in Pakistan.

The IBA Karachi is affiliated with CFA, SAQS. In the present time this institute is among the highest ranked business schools in Pakistan.

This university offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in the following faculties:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Economics and Mathematics
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Finance and Accounting
• Social Sciences
• Management Sciences
• Journalism

19. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST)

The Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology is located in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province and it is a private institute. It was founded in 1995 with an aim to support the education system of Pakistan especially Sindh.

Javaid Laghari was the first president and director of this institute. ZSABIST is one of the most famous higher studies institutes in Pakistan. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate in various categories.

In 2014, according to HEC ranking, ZSABIST stood among Pakistan’s top three institutes in the field of business and technology.

ZSABIST offers different programs in the following departments to its students:

• Management Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Computer Science
• Media Sciences
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Public Health and Biosciences

20. Islamia University Bahawalpur

The Islamia University Bahawalpur was established in 1925 as Jamia Abbasia as a religious institute. It is a public university with a sole aim to upgrade the educational standard of the masses.

In 1975 Jamia Abbasia turned into a general university and renamed as Islamia University Bahawalpur. The university has about 45 departments and offers degrees in more than 75 programs. It is one of the largest universities in Pakistan.

The Islamia University Bahawalpur offers different degrees in the following departments:

• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Computing
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Islamic Learning
• Faculty of Arts and Languages
• Faculty of Management Sciences and Commerce
• Faculty of Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
• Faculty of Agriculture and Environment
• Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences

21. Riphah International University

The Riphah International University is a non-profit private university funded by the Federal government of Pakistan. This university was established in 2002 with the sole aim of producing professionals with Islamic morals and values.

This university is affiliated with HEC, PEC and Washington Accord. It offers undergraduate and graduate and postgraduate programs in the following faculties and departments:

• Medical Sciences
• Dental Sciences
• Management Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computing
• Media Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics
• Public Policy
• Social Sciences
• Health Improvement and Safety
• Medical Education
• Game Design and Production

22. University of Peshawar

The University of Peshawar is a public university and famously called as Peshawar University. This university was established in 1950 in Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Peshawar University is among the oldest and highest ranking universities of Pakistan. It has an affiliation with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

This university offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees in the following faculties:

• Art and Design
• Archaeology
• English and Applied Linguistics
•  History
• Philosophy
• Tourism and Hotel Management
• Social Sciences
• Islamic and Oriental Studies
• Life and Environmental Sciences
• Numerical and Physical Sciences
• Management and Information Sciences

23. University of Health Sciences, Lahore

The University of Health Sciences, Lahore is a public university located I Lahore, the capital Punjab province. It was established in 2002 to produce world class professionals.

The university is affiliated with HEC, PMDC, and Pakistan Nursing Council. This university is internationally recognized and is one of the most attractive universities in Pakistan.

The University of Health Sciences Lahore offers different degrees in the following faculties:

• Medicine
• Pharmacy
• Nursing
• Dentistry
• Biomedical Engineering and
• Allied Health Sciences

24. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad is a public university situated in Punjab’s city Faisalabad. It was established in 1906 by British government in undivided Punjab.

In 2019 this university ranked first in agricultural sciences by Higher Education Commission. It offers different degrees in the following faculties:

• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Veterinary Science
• Faculty of Sciences
• Faculty of Animal Husbandry
• Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Food Science
• Faculty of Nutrition Science
• Faculty of Home Science

25. Iqra University Karachi

The Iqra University is a private learning center, situated in DHA Karachi. It was established in 1998 to promote business education in Pakistan.

 Iqra University is one of the leading business schools in Pakistan. In 2016 it ranked first in Pakistan in the business school category by Higher Education Commission.

This university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate degrees in the following programs:

• Education
• Business Administration
• Fashion and Design
• Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science
• Health Sciences

26. National Textile University

The National Textile University is situated in Faisalabad Punjab. It is a public university and is Pakistan’s premier university in textile education. This university was established in 1959 to promote the textile sector of the country.

The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following disciplines:

• Textile Engineering
• Polymer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Computer Science
• Textile Design and Technology
• Fashion Design and Technology
• Apparel Merchandizing
• Visual Arts
• Business Administration (BBA)
• Mathematics
• Advanced Materials Engineering
• Textile Management and Marketing

27. Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology

The Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology was established in 1997 in Karachi, the capital city of Sindh to promote the education standard of Pakistan.

It offers degrees in various programs which are as:

• Management Sciences (BBA and MBA)
• Marketing
• Finance
• Computer Sciences

28. National Defense University

The National Defense University is a public military institution situated in Islamabad.  It was established in 1970 to promote the study in the field of military science and international relations.

This university offers degrees in the following fields:

• International Relations
• Leadership and Management Studies
• Government and Public Policy
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Strategic Studies

29. King Edward Medical University

The King Edward Medical University is a public medical university situated in Lahore Punjab. It was founded in 1860 by the British government and named after King Edward VII of Great Britain.

The university offers degrees in different programs which are as under:

• MBBS
• BSc. In Allied Health Sciences
• Doctor of Physical Therapy

30. Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology

The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology is a private engineering university based in Karachi. It was established in 1993 to promote technical education in Pakistan. The university is affiliated with HEC and PEC. 

Sir Syed University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the fields:

• BS in Civil Engineering
• BS in Computer Engineering
• BS in Electrical Engineering
• BS in Electronic Engineering
• BS in Telecommunication Engineering
• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Bioinformatics
• BS in Mathematics
• BS in Software Engineering
• BS in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Architecture
• BBA

Conclusion: Best Pakistani University

To sum up, Pakistan has a wide range of universities for technical and general categories. Every type of education is being provided in different universities of the country from history to advance engineering and business education.

These universities are providing the necessary education to the masses of Pakistan and supporting the growth of the countryside by side.

Many students from different nationalities are studying in various top universities in Pakistan which is a distinction for the country.

If you are interested in engineering and technical education then NED University of Karachi and UET Lahore are best in this regard.

For general category students Quaid-e-Azam Islamabad, Sindh University, Punjab University alike is best suited.

For medical education, Pakistan has a large number of internationally reputed universities like Dow University, King Edward Medical University, etc.