Universities in Islamabad & Rawalpindi: contacts

Last checked 30 Sep 2026. Helpline numbers, fees, timings and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources listed at the end on that date. They can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply, pay or travel.

Tips for admissions

• Apply only through the university's official website. Beware of agents promising guaranteed seats.
• Check entry test requirements early. Many universities run their own tests.
• Look at hostel availability and transport if you are moving from another city.
• Keep copies of your documents and your fee payment receipts.

Need a place to stay? Browse hostels or send a request.

Choosing a university

• Check that the university and your programme are recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and that any professional programme has the accreditation its field requires.
• Compare the programme's course outline, faculty and facilities, not only the university's overall name.
• Ask current students about teaching, workload and campus life.
• Consider the total cost: tuition, hostel, transport, books and living expenses.

Admissions: a typical path

1. Follow the university's official website and social media for the admissions announcement.
2. Register for any entry test the university requires, such as NUST's entry test (NET), before the deadline.
3. Prepare scanned copies of your certificates, CNIC or B-Form, and photographs in the format requested.
4. Apply online through the official portal and pay only through the channels it lists.
5. Watch for merit lists and fee deadlines. Seats can be lost if the fee isn't paid on time.

Dates and steps differ between universities, so always follow each university's own instructions.

Scholarships and financial help

Many universities offer need-based and merit scholarships, and HEC runs national scholarship programmes. Look at the financial aid section of each university's website early, as scholarship deadlines can come before or soon after admission. Keep documents that show your family income ready.

Moving to the twin cities

• University hostels fill quickly. Apply as soon as hostel applications open.
• If you need a private hostel, visit in person and ask about security, meals, rules and the total monthly cost.
• Plan your daily route: Islamabad and Rawalpindi have metro bus routes, and some universities run their own transport.

After you graduate

Keep your original degree and transcripts safe. Employers and foreign universities may ask for HEC degree attestation, which is handled through HEC's official process. See HEC's website for the current steps.

Your first weeks

• Attend orientation. It explains registration, timetables, attendance rules and exam policies.
• Get your student card and learn how to use the library and the university's online portal.
• Keep your fee receipts and registration confirmation together, in print and on your phone.
• Find out who your academic adviser is and how to reach them.
• Join a society or two. They are a good way to settle into a new city.

Avoiding admission scams

Be careful with anyone offering guaranteed admission, a seat without a test, or a degree in a short time for a fee. Universities announce admissions on their own websites. Pay only into the official accounts or channels listed there, and keep every receipt. If something looks wrong, contact the university's admissions office directly using the number on its official website, such as the ones listed below.

Studying part-time or online

If you work or live outside the twin cities, some universities offer evening, weekend or distance-learning programmes. Check that any such programme is recognised by HEC before you enrol, just as you would for a regular programme.

Documents to keep ready

• Matric and intermediate certificates or results, or their equivalents for O and A levels, with equivalence certificates where the university asks for them.
• Your CNIC, or B-Form if you are under 18, and a parent's or guardian's CNIC.
• Recent photographs in the size and background the portal asks for.
• Domicile certificate, if the university uses regional quotas.

Scan everything clearly in advance, so you can apply to several universities quickly when admissions open.

Help with choosing a subject

If you are unsure what to study, talk to teachers, students already in the programme and people working in that field. Look at the course list for each year, not only the programme title, and think about where the degree can lead.

Questions