COMSATS University Islamabad
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 75.8%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (16,884 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:20
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 79.0%
- Retention Rate
- 79.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $1,500
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $10,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
The Islamabad campus provides a modern university environment with facilities for study, research, and student activities. The campus includes laboratories, libraries, computing facilities, and gathering spaces where students congregate between classes. The atmosphere is studious, reflecting the technical focus and career ambitions of most students. Student organizations range from technical clubs that explore computing and engineering topics to cultural groups, sports teams, and community service organizations. Technical competitions and hackathons draw participation from students eager to test their skills and build portfolios. The computing culture means informal learning happens constantly, with students helping each other master programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Most students commute to campus, though some who come from distant parts of Pakistan rent accommodations nearby. The area around the campus includes food options, shops, and services that support student life. Islamabad itself is one of Pakistan's most organized and green cities, with parks, markets, and cultural facilities accessible to students. Social life follows Pakistani cultural patterns, with gender dynamics and social interaction structured differently than at Western universities.
Location & Surroundings
Islamabad, Pakistan's planned capital city, provides a setting quite different from the country's older, more chaotic urban centers. The city was built from scratch beginning in the 1960s, with organized sectors, wide avenues, and abundant green space. It sits at the base of the Margalla Hills, which provide a scenic backdrop and opportunities for hiking and escape from urban pressures. The CUI Islamabad campus is located in the Park Road area, a sector that has developed as an educational hub with several institutions nearby. The location provides access to the commercial centers of Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi while maintaining some distance from the most congested areas. Transportation around the city includes buses and a newer metro system, though many students use ride-sharing apps or private vehicles. The climate features hot summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season that brings significant rainfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Islamabad offers relative safety and calm compared to larger Pakistani cities, though students should still exercise normal urban precautions. The twin cities area provides shopping, restaurants, cultural events, and the kind of services a capital city offers. Living costs run higher than in smaller Pakistani cities but remain reasonable by international standards.
Costs & Career Outcomes
CUI operates as a semi-public institution with tuition rates that fall between purely public universities and private institutions. The fees represent a significant investment for many Pakistani families but remain accessible to middle-class students, particularly with scholarships and financial aid that the university provides to qualified applicants. Living costs in Islamabad add to the overall expense, though students can economize through shared accommodations and careful budgeting. Career outcomes for CUI graduates have been strong, particularly in technology fields where demand outstrips supply. Graduates find positions in Pakistani tech companies, telecommunications firms, banks, and multinational corporations operating in the country. The university's focus on practical skills and industry connections helps graduates hit the ground running in their first positions. Some graduates use their CUI education as a foundation for further study abroad, pursuing master's or doctoral degrees at universities in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere. The alumni network continues to grow as the relatively young university produces more graduates. Former students now hold positions throughout Pakistan's technology sector and in companies abroad. This network provides mentorship, job leads, and professional connections for current students and new graduates. Career services helps students prepare for the job market and connects them with recruiting employers.
Campus Location
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