Pakistan: Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There are over 130 recognised universities and degree-awarding institutes (DAIs) in Pakistan, split between the private and public sector. A list is available on the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan  website.

The qualifications framework is similar to that in the UK, with postgraduate courses available at Masters and Doctoral level.

What courses are available?

Although courses are available in a wide range of subjects, there is especially strong provision in science, technical and engineering subject areas as well as business and finance. Courses are usually taught in English.

Where can I study?

A list of recognised universities and degree-awarding institutes (DAIs), both public and private, in Pakistan can be found at the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan  website.

For world university rankings and Asian university rankings, searchable by subject, check Top Universities .

Applying for postgraduate study

The Higher Education Commission in Pakistan (HEC) is responsible for the equivalence of degrees and diplomas from other countries with regards to studying in Pakistan.

Currently there are two broad categories under which foreign students can apply to study in Pakistan:

• the self-finance scheme - for entry on to medicine (MBBS), dentistry (BDS), pharmacy (Pharm-D) and BSc engineering courses;
• the general scheme - for all subjects of study except the professional subjects listed above.

For the self-finance scheme, students must submit their application form to the HEC. For the general scheme, students apply directly to the university they wish to study at. See the HEC website for full details.

Admission dates vary between universities so check individual university websites for details. Some universities advertise their course recruitment in national newspapers at particular times of the year.

Applications are often via an online application form. You may need to include the following information with your application:

• passport photos;
• copies of your education/degree certificates;
• photocopy of your passport.

Some courses, for example in science, technology, economics and MBAs, require successful completion of an entry test. See individual university websites for specific entry requirements.

Fees and scholarships

Course and administration fees vary between institutions according to the type of course (e.g. Masters, PhD or MBA) and whether the institution is public or private. Fees can be charged per month or per semester, depending on the institution. Costs are generally much lower than in the UK. Overseas students may need to pay their fees in US dollars.

Other fees may include a one-off admission/application processing fee, a registration fee, refundable security deposit, exam fees and accommodation costs.

Scholarships are rarely available for UK nationals. Financial assistance is generally targeted at domestic students from poorer backgrounds and from other Asian and African countries, who make up the bulk of overseas students. 

Are there any exchange programmes?

Despite the strong ties between the UK and Pakistan, formal student exchange programmes are rare and, where they do exist, greater emphasis is placed on allowing students from Pakistan to study in the UK. Check the international office at your university to see if any links exist with institutions in Pakistan.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Information about the equivalency of qualifications and skills from Pakistan to the UK’s national qualifications framework is provided by UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) .