Quaid-i-Azam University
Innovating minds, shaping Pakistan's future.
📍 Islamabad, Pakistan 🇵🇰
🏆 #1 in Pakistan · QS World #354 · THE World #401 · ARWU #901
Quick Facts about Quaid-i-Azam University
- Type: Public
- Students: 13,000
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $2,000 – $4,000/year
- Language: English, Urdu
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Quaid-i-Azam University
Academics
QAU boasts four main faculties: Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and an affiliated Faculty of Medical Sciences. The university emphasizes a research-oriented educational model, fostering critical inquiry and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Notable programs are offered in Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics, Statistics, Anthropology, Defence and Strategic Studies, History, Law, Animal Sciences, Microbiology, and Medicine. The Department of Plant Sciences is ranked 125th worldwide, while Physics and Mathematics departments are also highly ranked globally. Many of QAU's professors hold doctoral degrees and have international teaching experience.
International Students
QAU attracts a significant number of international students, with over 90 international students currently enrolled. While specific support services for international students are not extensively detailed, the university generally provides comprehensive facilities including on-campus housing for over 2,000 students, extensive library resources, counseling, and career guidance. International students seeking admission are typically required to submit their applications through the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan. The university fosters a culturally diverse environment with over 40 active student clubs and societies, promoting cultural integration and extracurricular engagement.
Campus & Location
The university is situated on a scenic 1,700-acre campus at the foothills of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. Islamabad offers a vibrant city life with various attractions such as the Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument Museum, and Daman-e-Koh. The university provides its own fleet of buses and other transport vehicles, offering concessional rates for students and staff for travel between the campus and major locations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A shuttle service also operates between the campus and Abpara at regular intervals.
Career Outcomes
QAU is recognized for producing graduates who are accepted into universities and research institutions worldwide. The university has strong industry connections, with its Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) actively supporting innovation and collaborating with industries to translate research into commercial benefits. Graduates from departments like Anthropology serve in senior positions in the development sector, including UN agencies, and many pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies at top-ranked global universities. Some alumni also join civil services or become faculty members in other universities. QAU has also entered into research collaboration agreements with international institutions like the University of Cambridge, focusing on areas such as clean energy, aerospace, healthcare, and digital innovation, which can further enhance career opportunities for its graduates.
Information for International Students at Quaid-i-Azam University
Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Urdu
Admissions Requirements for Quaid-i-Azam University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Quaid-i-Azam University:
- IELTS minimum: 5.5
- GPA minimum: 2
- GRE required
- Application fee: $2115
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: 02-02-2026
Programs at Quaid-i-Azam University (3 programs)
Quaid-i-Azam University offers 3 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- BS Physics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
The BS Physics program offers a strong foundation in fundamental physics principles, including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics, preparing students for advanced studies or technical careers.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher - BS Sociology (BSc) — 48 months · English
This program examines social structures, human behavior in groups, and societal issues, providing a critical understanding of social dynamics and cultural diversity.
Field: Sociology
Career outcomes: Social Researcher, Community Development Worker, Policy Analyst, Journalist
Master Programs (1)
- MPhil Urdu (MA) — 24 months · Urdu
This MPhil program offers advanced study and research in Urdu language and literature, exploring classical and modern texts, literary criticism, and linguistic aspects.
Field: Urdu Literature
Career outcomes: Lecturer, Writer, Editor, Translator
Scholarships & Tuition at Quaid-i-Azam University
Annual tuition for international students: $2,000 – $4,000/year
✅ Quaid-i-Azam University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Quaid-i-Azam University
- National Ranking: #1 in Pakistan
- QS World University Ranking: #354
- Times Higher Education (THE): #401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #901
- Ranking tier: Top 500
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Quaid-i-Azam University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Top-ranked Pakistani university
- Strong research focus
- Diverse academic programs
- High global department rankings
- Significant international student body
- Scenic Islamabad campus
Accreditation
- Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC)
Fields of Study at Quaid-i-Azam University
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine
Notable Alumni
- Atta-ur-Rahman
- Samar Mubarakmand
- Ishfaq Ahmad
- Maleeha Lodhi
- Shamshad Akhtar
Frequently Asked Questions about Quaid-i-Azam University
What is Quaid-i-Azam University?
Quaid-i-Azam University is a public university located in Islamabad, Pakistan. It has approximately 13,000 students.
How much does it cost to study at Quaid-i-Azam University?
Tuition fees at Quaid-i-Azam University for international students range from $2,000 – $4,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Quaid-i-Azam University?
IELTS minimum: 5.5. GPA minimum: 2. GRE required. Application fee: $2115. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: 02-02-2026.
What language are courses taught in at Quaid-i-Azam University?
Courses at Quaid-i-Azam University are taught in English and Urdu. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
How many programs does Quaid-i-Azam University offer?
Quaid-i-Azam University offers 3 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 1 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Quaid-i-Azam University ranked?
#1 in Pakistan · QS World #354 · THE World #401 · ARWU #901.
Does Quaid-i-Azam University offer scholarships?
Yes, Quaid-i-Azam University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Quaid-i-Azam University provide visa support?
Yes, Quaid-i-Azam University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
Apply to Quaid-i-Azam University with Abroadly
Use Abroadly's AI-powered platform to manage your application to Quaid-i-Azam University. Get matched to programs, track deadlines, and organize documents — all in one place.