PAKISTAN · ISLAMABAD
National University of Sciences and Technology (Pakistan)
public · Founded 1991 · Languages: en
In short
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is a top-ranked public research university in Pakistan, offering globally recognized degrees in various fields. It provides an affordable education with a research-intensive environment, located in the capital city of Islamabad.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 17,841
- International students
- 500
- Acceptance rate
- 10%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Islamabad, Pakistan
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is Pakistan's top-ranked public research university, established in 1991 and headquartered in Islamabad. Ranked #371 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #127 in QS Engineering & Technology, NUST offers undergraduate, master's, and PhD programmes across engineering, computer science, business, health sciences, and natural sciences through 18 constituent institutions nationwide.
Why study here
- QS World Ranking #371 and #127 in Engineering & Technology — among the best value for money globally.
- Research-intensive environment with national-level laboratories and international collaboration.
- Very affordable tuition for a top-400 globally ranked university.
- English-medium instruction with internationally recognized degrees.
- Located in Islamabad, Pakistan's safest and most planned city, with strong STEM industry links.
Student life
NUST's Islamabad campus features modern hostels, sports facilities, a medical center, and numerous student societies in engineering, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The capital city environment offers a blend of cultural events, hiking in the Margalla Hills, and proximity to Pakistan's growing tech startup ecosystem.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately EUR 2,000–5,000 per year depending on programme. NUST is among the most affordable QS top-400 universities globally.
HomeDomestic students pay approximately PKR 80,000–200,000 per semester depending on programme (EUR 250–600).
LivingLiving costs in Islamabad are approximately EUR 3,000–5,000 per year including university accommodation, food, and local transport.
Fee structures vary across the 18 constituent institutions. Hostel and living costs are separate.
Admissions
Undergraduate12 years of schooling with strong grades in science/mathematics; NUST Entry Test or SAT.
Postgraduate16 years of education (bachelor's degree) in a relevant field; competitive GPA.
IELTS6.0
TOEFL iBT79
SAT1100+ (evidence-based reading and math)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026371
QS Engineering & Technology Rankings 2025127
QS Computer Science Rankings 2025Top 200
QS Global Sustainability Rankings 2026349
University scholarships
NUST Need-Based ScholarshipUp to 100% tuition waiver
HEC Indigenous Scholarship (PhD)Full funding for Pakistani citizens
NUST Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition waiver
Accreditation
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC); ABET accreditation for select engineering programmes
Programs
a selectionNational University of Sciences and Technology (Pakistan) · Pakistan
Bachelor of Laws
The Bachelor of Laws program at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) provides a comprehensive education in legal principles and practices. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in various branches of law, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning. This program aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths within the legal field and beyond.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
National University of Sciences and Technology (Pakistan) · Pakistan
Finance for Non-Financial Executives
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) offers a 2-day "Finance for Non-Financial Executives" training program. This course is designed to equip professionals with essential financial concepts, enabling them to understand and predict the financial implications of their managerial decisions. Participants will learn basic financial principles and how to apply financial analysis and ratios to drive informed decision-making.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
National University of Sciences and Technology (Pakistan) · Pakistan
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Admissions
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan offers a wide range of academic programs designed to foster quality and excellence. With a dedicated faculty, industrious students, and robust support infrastructure, NUST provides an academic environment comparable to leading global universities. The university offers numerous undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs across diverse disciplines.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Pakistan
living only fundingThe World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and ICCBS, University of Karachi
TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme
Open to citizens of developing countries other than Pakistan who are 35 years of age or younger by 31 December of the application year. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in the natural sciences, be registered PhD students in their home country, provide a preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS and a no-objection certificate from their home university, supply a recent medical certificate and two reference letters, and prove English proficiency. Candidates must commit to returning home after the fellowship and must not hold residency in Pakistan or any developed country.
living only
Funding
€7k
Max
13d left
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the rankings of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)?
+
NUST is ranked #371 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #127 in QS Engineering & Technology Rankings 2025. It is also ranked in the Top 200 for QS Computer Science and #349 for QS Global Sustainability.
What is the tuition fee for international students at NUST?
+
International students can expect to pay approximately EUR 2,000–5,000 per year, depending on the program. NUST is recognized as one of the more affordable universities globally within the QS top-400.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Islamabad?
+
Living costs in Islamabad, including university accommodation, food, and local transport, are estimated to be around EUR 3,000–5,000 per year.
How can international students apply to NUST?
+
International students can apply through the NUST International Admissions Office. Admission is competitive and may be based on SAT or equivalent standardized test scores, in addition to academic qualifications.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79. SAT scores of 1100+ (evidence-based reading and math) may also be considered.
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