Islamabad is home to some of the country’s most prestigious higher education institutions, renowned for their academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and state-of-the-art facilities. These universities offer exceptional learning opportunities across various fields, nurturing innovation and shaping future professionals.
1. Riphah International University, Islamabad
Location:
Gulberg (Islamabad): +92 302 8281328
I-14: +92 304 4186120
Al-Mizan: 0322 5757395
G-7: 0322 5757396
Overview:
Riphah International University, Islamabad is a private University, chartered by the Federal Government of Pakistan in 2002. The University was established to produce professionals with Islamic moral and ethical values. It is sponsored by a not-for-profit trust; namely, Islamic International Medical College Trust (IIMCT), created in 1995. The first project of the IIMCT was the Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, established in 1996 by its Founding Managing Trustee; Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Zulfiqar Ali Khan, TI(M), TBt (Late). Currently, the University has 7 faculties various academic departments, and an overseas project.
2. Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU)
Location: Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
Overview: Quaid+ Azam University is an international seat of higher, advance, intellectual learning that illuminates the human minds and broadens the vision bringing back home all kinds of opportunities and development.Quaid-i-Azam University (once named Islamabad University) was established in July 1967 under the Act of National Assembly and started teaching and research programm es for PhD and MPhil degrees. It was, however, gradually and later decided to offer Master’s, graduate, and now undergraduate programmes. The University, for its international repute, faculty and programmes attracts a large number of foreign students although it offers admission to a measured number of students from all regions of the country as it is a federal public sector university.
It has been able to establish it s links with some selected universities in Europe, South Asia and the United States. The international educational and research institutions including UNESCO, IRSIP, Agencia Espanole de Cooperation International (Spain) etc. collaborate in their research activities with the Quaid-i-Azam University. Moreover a reasonable size of the faculty members of the University have been working in the international universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Heidelberg etc. earning applause and awards such as International Peace Award from Brussels.
Currently, the Quaid-i-Azam University has four faculties and nine other teaching and research Institutes, Centre and Schools. Briefly included; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine (affiliated), Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America, Centre of Excellence in Gender Studies, National Institute of Pakistan Studies, National Institute of Psychology, National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research, National Institute of Asian Civilizations and the Computer Centre.
For growing educational and technical needs of the country, the University imparts quality education and training on lower strata of life in the field of computers and runs a wide range of short term certificate and diploma courses. Overall, the University’s academic programmes, have an enrollment of over 11,000 students.
The University also maintains a high standard in providing services. It has well equipped classroom s, state of the art labs and libraries. Other facilities like hostel s for male and female students, sports and play fields, transport, mosque, bank, utility shop, post office, photocopying and thesis/paper/ printing binding, telephone exchange, cafe etc. are centrally located on the Campus.
3. National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
Location: Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
Overview: NUST is Pakistan’s top-ranked engineering university, recognized for its cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and industry linkages. The university offers world-class programs in engineering, computer science, business, and social sciences, attracting students from across the globe.
4. International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Location: Sector H-10, Islamabad
Overview:
The foundation of the Islamic University, Islamabad was laid on the first day of the fifteenth century Hijrah i.e. Muharram 1, 1401 (November 11,1980). This landmark of the beginning of the new Century symbolizes the aspirations and hopes of the Muslim Ummah for an Islamic renaissance. The university was created to produce scholars and practitioners who are imbued with Islamic ideology, whose character and personality conforms to the teachings of Islam, and who are capable to cater to the economic, social, political, technological and intellectual needs of the Muslim Ummah. Islamic Research Institute and few other units like Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue, Dawah Academy, Shariah Academy and Institute of Professional Development are situated within the premises of majestic Faisal Mosque (spread over an area of 189,705 square meters) which is a symbol of International Islamic brotherhood and unity. In conformance with the Islamic precepts, the university provides academic services to men and women through separate campuses for each segment. These campuses, along with the central library, administrative wing and hostels, are located in sector H-10.
5. COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI)
Location: Park Road, Tarlai Kalan,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Overview: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) is an innovative institution of learning and development. The main focus of CUI in the coming years will be to transform CUI to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing technological environment as well as societal needs through the best affordable academic programs at par with leading global standards, within Pakistan. The COMSATS University Islamabad envisions assuming a truly national character for itself in the years to come. It envisions having presence in all provinces of the country. It sees for itself a position among the top five (5) universities in the country; among top 100 universities in the developing countries and top 300, 200, 100 universities in the world respectively in the 5, 10 and I5-years’ time horizon. The COMSATS University Islamabad, founded in the belief that understanding enriches all people, is Dedicated to the search for truth through advancement of learning and extending the frontiers of knowledge; to the sharing of this knowledge through education in an academically diverse range of disciplines and subjects; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of Pakistan, the Muslim Ummah, and the World, at large.
6. Iqra University Islamabad
Location: Khayaban-e-Johar, Sector H-9/1 H 9/1 H-9, Islamabad
Overview: Ranked Number-1 by the Higher Education Commission in the Business Education category, this institution is chartered by the Government of Sindh under Ordinance VI of 2000 and holds HEC recognition. It has been rated the best private sector university in Sindh by CEIC, earning a prestigious Six Star Institution status and placement in the highest “W4” category by HEC. With a network of campuses across Pakistan’s federal and provincial capitals, it maintains the most economical fee structure among leading private institutions. Programs in Advertising, Animation, and Film & TV Production are supported by state-of-the-art technology, while the Fashion Design program stands as the most modern and comprehensive in Sindh. Boasting the largest number of PhD faculty members among private universities in the country, it collaborates with internationally renowned institutions for student and faculty exchange programs. Its globally recognized curricula ensure high employability, achieving the highest pre-graduation employment rate among universities. Students benefit from a fully integrated digital ecosystem, including an online Student Information Center, virtual faculty lectures, and a digital library with over 40,000 books and journals. The research output is among the highest in Sindh’s business and engineering schools, with numerous publications from faculty and students. A dedicated Executive Development Center frequently hosts training sessions and workshops in a spacious auditorium accommodating 400-450 attendees. Beyond academics, a well-equipped sports complex, swimming pool, and gymnasium foster a vibrant student life. Sports teams have earned the most awards among private institutions and have even represented Pakistan in the Asian Games, while students have won top honors in national and international advertising and film production competitions. Combining academic excellence, innovation, and professional development, this university stands as a leader in higher education.
7. Air University
Location Service Road E-9 / E-8, Islamabad, Pakistan, E-9, Islamabad
Overview: Air University aspires to be among the leading national universities, excelling in teaching, learning, research, innovation and public service. The mission of Air University is to achieve excellence in teaching and research for producing graduates with sound professional knowledge, integrity of character, a keen sense of social responsibility and a passion for lifelong learning. The University shall stand committed to creating an environment conducive for attracting the best students, faculty and supporting staff for contributing to the development of a prosperous, peaceful and enlightened society.
8. Bahria University
Location:
Head Office Shangrila Road, Sector E-8, Islamabad
E-8, Islamabad Campus Shangrila Road, Sector E-8
H-11, Islamabad Campus Plot 83, Islamabad H-11/4
Overview: Bahria University is a Federally Chartered Public Sector University. The principal seat of Bahria University is at Islamabad and campuses are at Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Bahria University was established by the Pakistan Navy in 2000, and since then it has steadily grown into one of the leading higher education institutions in Pakistan.
It plays a major role in grooming future leaders who can make a positive difference to the world around them. Bahria is a comprehensive university having multidisciplinary programs that includes Health Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Computer Sciences, Management Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Psychology and Maritime Studies.
9. National Defence University (NDU)
Location: E-9/3 E-9, Islamabad
Overview: NDU is Pakistan’s premier institution for national security, strategic studies, and defense policy. It offers specialized programs in international relations, leadership, and security studies, attracting professionals from military, government, and academia.
10. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU)
Location: Sector G-8/3, Ravi Road, Islamabad
Overview: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad was established through an Act of Parliament on 21st March 2013. The first Vice Chancellor was appointed by the Chancellor – President of Pakistan, on the recommendations of Search Committee on 7th January 2014. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad is the Teaching Hospital of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University.
The Federal Medical College and School of Dentistry are the Constituent Medical and Dental Colleges of the University. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (largest tertiary care hospital in the capital) and the Dental Hospital are the attached teaching hospitals. There are over 20 Medical, Dental, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Institutions in the Federal Capital Territory that are affiliated with SZABMU.
Since its inception, SZABMU has successfully standardized the curricula, brought uniformity in the quality of healthcare education, examinations transparency and the award of Undergraduate and Postgraduate qualifications on merit. Over the last 7 years, there have been number of peer reviewed publications in both National and International Impact Factor Journals, highlighting the emphasis placed on quality research.
The University offers structured Residency Training programmes in 40 disciplines of Medicine and Allied, Surgery and Allied, Dentistry and Allied Health Sciences. M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes are offered in Basic Medical Sciences as per HEC policy.
The degrees awarded by the University are recognized by HEC and our Graduates/Postgraduates have received appointments as faculty members, clinicians and researchers both at National and International level.
11. Ibadat International University
Location: 6.7 km Japan Road Sihala
Islamabad
Overview: Ibadat International University has established state of art facilities with fully developed infra-structure for Engineering, IT, Artificial Intelligence, Allied Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Pharmacy, Law, and Management Sciences.
12. Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
Location: Capital University of Science & Technology
Islamabad Expressway,
Kahuta Road, Zone-V
Islamabad.
Overview: Capital University of Science and Technology is an academic and research institution that prepares its students to become responsible and well-engaged global citizens who work towards the betterment of their communities. We are committed to deliver an exceptional educational experience that is built through engagement with scientific, social and humanistic ideas.
13. Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU)
Location: Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
Pitras Bukhari Road, H-8/4
Islamabad
Overview: Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) is a federally chartered multi-discipline University which is jointly sponsored by Shifa Foundation, Tameer-e- Millat Foundation and Shifa International Hospitals Ltd.
STMU aims at the revival of the Islamic philosophy of education and establishment of the progressive system, which was the foundation of Muslim civilization. Taking this philosophy forward, STMU aims to develop facilities and provide opportunities to the younger generation to get themselves educated and acquire the most modern knowledge. STMU envisages to pay full attention to character building in light of the noble, spiritual and moral values of religion and the rich cultural tradition of the Pakistani society.
The University through its constituent colleges, departments and institutes has a hub of foreign qualified, highly experienced and motivated faculty. It thus provides a highly conducive, encouraging academic & research environment. STMU will further provide its students a research based curriculum upon which they will strengthen their knowledge and skills. It will focus on development of competencies and attitudes necessary for professional success & development.
STMU symbolizes quality and has a legacy of excellence. Its highly qualified and motivated faculty and state of the art infrastructure provides students with the best academic and research environment ad par to the worlds best universities.
- Merit based selection therefore recruiting only the most talented students and inculcating a competitive academic environment.
- A multi-disciplinary federally chartered University offering quality education in a wide variety of study options.
- Academic programs duly accredited by their respective councils and all qualifications recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
- State of the art University teaching hospitals for quality training and clerkships.
- Adoption to international and quality best practices and standards.
- Special focus on students and faculty professional development.
14. Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST)Location: Kuri Road Islamabad, 45570
Overview: The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology enjoys the unique distinction of being the first ever university in Pakistan, which ultimately aims at using Urdu as the main language of instruction and teaching. The university was established on 13th November 2002 under Ordinance No. CXIX of 2002 promulgated by the President of Pakistan. As per proVision of this ordinance the university has its principal seat at Islamabad. The university started functioning in November 2002 by taking over two federal government colleges namely Federal Urdu Science College, Karachi and Federal Urdu Arts College, Karachi. The principal seat of the university at Islamabad commenced its teaching programs in November 2003. To begin with, the university established two faculties viz Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences and Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science with immediate focus on teaching the subjects of Business Administration and Computer Science.
