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National Defence University

Islamabad, 🇵🇰 Pakistan Public
#49 National
National Defence University campus
1,000 students Urban $1.5k - $3k/yr

About National Defence University

National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a prestigious institution focused on national security and defense studies. Established in 1970 and upgraded to university status in 2007, NDU offers a unique civil-military academic environment. It aims to develop future leaders from both Pakistan and allied countries through multidisciplinary education and research.

Academics


NDU offers a diverse range of academic programs at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, primarily through its Faculty of Contemporary Studies (FCS) for civilian students. Key programs include International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Government and Public Policy, Strategic Studies, Leadership and Management Studies, and Economics. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating social scientific research methodologies with critical theoretical constructs to foster academic excellence and applied research.

International Students


The university actively encourages and facilitates foreign students, offering English-taught programs across its faculties. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan supports international students with admissions, visa processes, and extensions. NDU aims to prepare future leaders from friendly countries through its multidisciplinary educational and research programs, fostering professional exchanges and outreach. While specific diversity statistics are not readily available, the university's mission highlights inclusivity and the promotion of a homogenous society.

Campus & Location


NDU is situated in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital city, offering an urban campus with a view of the Margalla Hills. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities including a library, computer labs, lecture halls, conference rooms, a gymnasium, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. NDU offers transportation facilities for students from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with bus services available. While on-campus housing is not provided, private hostels are available in the nearby vicinity.

Career Outcomes


NDU aims to produce graduates who can meet the challenges of the 21st century, preparing future leaders for both public and private sectors. The university has an Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) that promotes high-impact research, innovation, and academic-industry collaboration to support national development goals. NDU also has an Inter Disciplinary Professional and Leadership Development Center (IPLDC) to provide professional development services to the industry and corporate sector, enhancing management and leadership performance. The university offers counseling services to guide students in career choices and personal development.

Highlights

  • National security and defense focus
  • Civil-military academic environment
  • Diverse, interdisciplinary academic programs
  • Fosters international student leadership
  • Strategic Islamabad campus location

Subject Areas

Strategic StudiesDefense

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (4)

BS Defence and Diplomatic Studies

Defence and Diplomatic Studies

48 months English Full-time

BS Government and Public Policy

Government and Public Policy

Political Science
48 months English Full-time

BS International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
48 months English Full-time

BS Strategic Studies

Unique

Strategic Studies

International Relations
48 months English Full-time

Master Programs (10)

MS Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

General Computer Science
24 months English Full-time

MS Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
24 months English Full-time

MS Government and Public Policy

Government and Public Policy

Political Science
24 months English Full-time

MS International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
24 months English Full-time

MS Leadership and Management Studies

Leadership and Management

Business Administration
24 months English Full-time

MS Management Sciences

STEM

Management Sciences

Business Administration
24 months English Full-time

MS Mass Communication

Mass Communication

24 months English Full-time

MS Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

24 months English Full-time

MS Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
24 months English Full-time

MS Strategic Studies

Unique

Strategic Studies

International Relations
24 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (9)

PhD Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

General Computer Science
36 months English Full-time

PhD Economics

STEM

Economics

Economics
36 months English Full-time

PhD Government and Public Policy

Government and Public Policy

Political Science
36 months English Full-time

PhD International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
36 months English Full-time

PhD Leadership and Management Studies

Leadership and Management

Business Administration
36 months English Full-time

PhD Management Sciences

STEM

Management Sciences

Business Administration
36 months English Full-time

PhD Mass Communication

Mass Communication

36 months English Full-time

PhD Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
36 months English Full-time

PhD Strategic Studies

Unique

Strategic Studies

International Relations
36 months English Full-time
3+ GPA
Required GRE
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall
Application Deadline 2026-01-29
Tuition (per year) $1.5k - $3k/yr
Teaching Language English, Urdu
Accreditation
Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

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