COMSATS University Islamabad
A multi-campus federal university built on computing and engineering, admitting on a published merit formula with an NTS test.
- Students
- 39,100
- International
- 1%
- of students
- Tuition
- PKR 297K
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1998
About CUI
COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) began in 1998 as the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, a project of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), an inter-governmental organisation with 27 member countries. It received a federal charter in 2000 and became a federally chartered university in April 2018. The President of Pakistan chairs its Senate as Chancellor.
CUI is a system of eight campuses: the main campus in Islamabad, city campuses in Lahore, Abbottabad, Wah Cantt, Attock, Sahiwal and Vehari, and a virtual campus. It reports 39,100+ students, 1,935+ faculty (more than 1,100 with PhDs), six faculties (Engineering, Information Science and Technology, Business Administration, Science, Health Sciences, and Architecture and Design) and 116+ programmes. Research output is a point of pride: 28,324+ publications, 118 patents filed and 46 granted.
Admission is on open merit through a published formula that combines school results with an NTS entry test, and teaching is in English. CUI suits students who want an affordable, research-active public university with strong computing, engineering and science programmes, and who are comfortable with a competitive, test-based entry.
Why students choose CUI
Merit is transparent: for bachelor's programmes it is 10% Matriculation, 40% Intermediate and 50% NTS test score.
One application covers up to seven programme choices across CUI's campuses.
Fees are modest for Pakistani students: about 297,000-367,000 rupees a year for new entrants in Fall 2026.
International students have two intakes a year and scholarships for nominees of D-8, OIC/ICESCO, SCO and COMSATS member countries.
Admissions
Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes
Selectivity
CUI does not publish an acceptance rate. Pakistani applicants are ranked on an aggregate of Matriculation (10%), Intermediate (40%) and NTS test (50%) scores, and merit lists are published by each campus; engineering programmes also require a valid NTS score of at least 33% under PEC policy. International applicants are admitted under HEC policies for foreign students.
Typical entry requirements
| Intermediate (HSSC) / A-levels | At least 50% marks for most programmes (60% for engineering and some health programmes), in the relevant stream such as Pre-Engineering or ICS; A-levels and other foreign qualifications need IBCC equivalence |
|---|---|
| International applicants | 12 years of schooling in the relevant field from an accredited institution, with at least 60% cumulative marks for engineering and 50% for non-engineering programmes |
| Merit formula (Pakistani applicants) | Matriculation 10% + Intermediate 40% + NTS test 50%; B.Arch uses 5% Matric, 10% Intermediate, 10% NTS, 40% Creative Aptitude Test and 35% interview |
Deadlines
- Pakistani students, Fall 2026, Islamabad campus (reference, past) Non-binding Passed10 July 2026
Applications opened 31 May 2026; other campuses closed between 31 July (Lahore) and 5 September (Wah). NTS tests were held in June and July 2026.
- International students, Spring 2027 Non-binding Next deadline · In 40 days15 November 2026
Applications opened 4 September 2026; classes start in February 2027. The Spring 2027 announcement sets 15 November; CUI's standing admission schedule page still lists 30 November as the usual Spring deadline, so apply by 15 November.
- International students, Fall 2027 Non-bindingEnd of June 2027
CUI's international admission schedule lists the Fall deadline as '31st June'; classes start in the first week of September.
Spring 2027 international dates are current. Domestic Fall 2027 dates had not been announced; the Fall 2026 dates shown (applications from 31 May 2026) have passed.
How to apply
Pakistani students apply on the CUI Online Admission System in 12 steps (personal and education details, NTS details, up to seven programme choices, document upload and fee), then wait for campus merit lists and pay dues to confirm a provisional offer. International students apply directly through CUI's international admissions portal; CUI's International Office forwards admission letters to HEC for a No Objection Certificate and visa support.
What admissions looks for
- A strong NTS test score, which carries half of the merit weighting.
- Good Intermediate (or equivalent) marks, worth 40% of merit, in the stream required by the programme.
- Minimum eligibility of 50% (non-engineering) or 60% (engineering) marks in 12 years of schooling.
- For architecture and design, drawing ability and creative aptitude shown in the departmental test, portfolio and interview.
Tips for applying to CUI
- 1 Take the right NTS NAT-I variant for your stream (for example NAT-IE for engineering, NAT-ICS for computing) and enter its result in the application.
- 2 Use all seven programme choices, ranked carefully, since merit lists are programme by programme.
- 3 If your final results are pending, apply with a Hope Certificate, but submit the result within 20 teaching days or the offer is cancelled.
- 4 Foreign-qualification holders should get IBCC equivalence early: missing equivalence cancels admission.
- 5 International applicants should check D-8, OIC/ICESCO, SCO or COMSATS HQ nomination scholarships before applying.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in PKR
International students pay in US dollars: per semester USD 472 (Management Sciences) to USD 630 (Architecture and Design), for example USD 548 for Computer Sciences and USD 570 for Engineering, plus a one-time USD 100 admission fee. CUI offers scholarships for nominees of D-8, OIC/ICESCO, SCO and COMSATS member countries, and need-based scholarships, stipends and Qarz-e-Hasna loans for Pakistani students through its Financial Support Programs.
- USD 472-630 per semester (about USD 944-1,260 a year)
- International undergraduate tuition
- 27,000 rupees (one time)
- Admission fee, Pakistani new entrants
- 10,000 rupees on completion
- Degree fee
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall from early September, Spring from early February)
BS Computer Science
Offered at several campuses; Computer Sciences programmes cost 160,500 rupees a semester for Fall 2026 entrants.
BS Artificial Intelligence / BS Data Science / BS Cyber Security
Newer computing degrees open to international applicants alongside the core CS programme.
Electrical Engineering
One of the programmes where CUI's international students are enrolled; entry needs 60% marks and a valid NTS score under PEC policy.
Pharmacy programmes
Pharmacy programmes are among CUI's higher-fee undergraduate offerings (176,500 rupees a semester for Fall 2026).
Bachelor of Architecture
Admission weights a departmental Creative Aptitude Test (drawing and critical thinking) and an interview above school marks.
Research
- CUI reports 28,324+ research publications, 118 patents filed, 46 granted and 3 licensed technologies.
- The international admissions site says CUI is ranked first in Pakistan by the Nature Index.
- Six research centres operate across the CUI system.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Information Science and Technology
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Architecture and Design
Student life
CUI's student body is spread across eight campuses, from the main campus at Park Road, Tarlai Kalan in Islamabad to city campuses in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, so campus life depends on where you study. The university lists societies and clubs, sports and hostels among its student services, and all new students attend a mandatory orientation session where they also register for courses. International students are supported by the International Office in Islamabad and admission units on each campus, with on-campus accommodation and medical assistance.
- Mandatory orientation session for all new students, including course registration.
- Societies, clubs and sports facilities across campuses.
- International Office at the Principal Seat plus International Admission Units on each campus.
- Over 1,700 international students from 39 countries have studied at CUI since it opened.
Housing. CUI lists hostels among its student services and says international students have on-campus accommodation.
Location
Islamabad is Pakistan's federal capital. CUI's main campus and Principal Seat are on Park Road in Tarlai Kalan (Chak Shahzad). Other campuses are in Lahore, Abbottabad, Wah Cantt, Attock, Sahiwal and Vehari, so check which campus offers your programme.
Nearest airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Notable alumni
- AB Asif BashirRescue worker recognised for saving pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj heat disaster; degree in computer systems engineering
- AM Aisha MughalTransgender rights expert and researcher; MPhil in human resource management
- SS Sohail SakhiHigh-altitude mountaineer and expedition operator from Hunza; studied physics at the Islamabad campus
Frequently asked questions
What entry test does COMSATS require?
Pakistani applicants need a valid NTS NAT-I score; merit is 50% NTS test, 40% Intermediate and 10% Matriculation.
What are COMSATS fees for Fall 2026?
For new entrants, per-semester fees are 148,500 rupees (most programmes) to 183,500 rupees (Architecture and Design), about 297,000-367,000 a year, plus a one-time 27,000 admission fee.
How much do international students pay at COMSATS?
International undergraduates pay USD 472-630 per semester depending on the programme, plus a one-time USD 100 admission fee.
When is the COMSATS deadline for international students?
For Spring 2027 the deadline is 15 November 2026, with classes starting in February 2027; the Fall intake deadline is at the end of June.
What marks do I need for COMSATS?
At least 50% in Intermediate or equivalent for most programmes and 60% for engineering, but admission is competitive on the combined merit score.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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