Picking the best universities can be challenging for a student. However, for many Pakistani students, Iqra University has always been on their radar as the right university. Founded in 1998, this institution has emerged as one of the country’s prominent private universities for its strong programs in business, information technology, and media. Iqra University is worth considering if you are looking for a decent university in Pakistan.
Brief History of Iqra University
Founded in 1998, this institution has emerged as a multi-campus university with a significant number of students enrolled across its campuses in Pakistan. The primary campus of this university is located in Defence View, on Shaheed-e-Millat Road Extension, in Karachi. This has been considered the flagship location and the centre of most university activities.
Over the years, this university has established its reputation for offering theoretical knowledge alongside practical applications. The same philosophy has been applied in designing the curriculum of its programs.
Where is Iqra University Located?
Among the most frequent questions candidates ask is a very simple one about the university’s location. Iqra University is not confined to only one city. While the university’s main campus is in Karachi, it also has a campus in Islamabad, called the Iqra University Islamabad Campus. This Islamabad campus, also known as the H9 or Chak Shahzad Campus, has been an independent educational establishment in Islamabad since the university was young.
The multi-city presence is an important advantage for students because it enables the university to be a national educational institution that accepts students from all around Pakistan and even from abroad. International students also choose this university among many other options.
Why is Iqra University so popular in Pakistan?
The reason Iqra University remains a preferred private university in Pakistan after more than two decades is pretty clear.
Reputation in business and technology education
The university is known for providing quality education in its Business Administration and Computing and Technology departments, which receive a high number of applications every year.
Applied learning approach
In addition to theoretical education, Iqra University ensures that students gain practical knowledge through internship programs and industry-related projects during their studies.
Modern facilities
Students have access to laboratories, libraries, media studios, and computer centres, which is especially important for media studies and computing students.
Variety of programs
Iqra University offers various programs across several key departments, including Business Administration, Fashion & Design, Computing & Technology, Social Science, Media Studies, and Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.
Focus on innovation
Students are encouraged to participate in community projects and research, as well as attend lectures, to foster innovative thinking and action.
Inclusion on campus
The university implements programs and policies that help students with disabilities and those who need financial aid because they come from low-income families.
Which Programs Are Offered at Iqra University?
The academic programs available at Iqra University are quite varied and cover undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including MS, MPhil, and PhD programs, as per departmental/campus requirements. Some of the main departments are as follows:
- Department of Business Administration, which happens to be one of the leading departments of this university
- Department of Computing & Technology, which includes computing and information technology-related studies
- Department of Media Studies, with dedicated media production labs for this purpose
- Department of Fashion & Design, an unusual offering for a private university in Pakistan
- Social Sciences Department
- Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, which includes program options such as BS Nursing and Pharm-D.
This variety ensures that students can pursue specialized academic paths without having to look elsewhere, which is why this university attracts a wide range of students, usually aged 17 to 30.
Iqra University Fee Structure
The fee structure is one of the most important considerations for every student and their parents when choosing a university, and Iqra University’s fee structure varies by campus and program.
For instance, the fee structure at the Karachi campus includes an initial one-time admission fee, a per-semester registration fee, and a per-credit-hour fee. Based on recent information published about these fees, the admission fee at the Karachi campus is approximately Rs. 10,000, the registration fee is approximately Rs. 1,000, and the per-credit-hour fee is approximately Rs. 6,200.
Likewise, the fee structure of Islamabad Campus includes an admission fee, a per-semester registration fee, an annual student ID card fee, and a tuition fee, which is charged from the first semester onward and is divided into departments such as Business Administration, Fashion and Design, Computing and Technology, Social Sciences, and Pharmacy.
The fee structure for overseas Pakistani students, Pakistani students who hold foreign citizenship, and other international students differs from that of local students. It is available only from the admission office of the respective university. It should also be noted that there are additional fees for comprehensive exams and thesis evaluation in PhD programs, as well as for clinical rotations for Allied Health Sciences, BS Nursing, and Pharm-D students.
Because universities may change their fee structures and amounts at their discretion, it is suggested that the latest fee amount and structure be confirmed only with the respective campus’s finance office.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
For those concerned about tuition costs, Iqra University offers scholarships and financial aid to help low-income students. Besides, some campuses offer other forms of assistance that students can access; for instance, the Qarz-e-Hasna facility at the Islamabad campus provides an interest-free loan to help needy students cover their fees. There is also a fee waiver in certain cases, such as cancellation of the course with no alternative provided, dropping out of the class within the stipulated time, or official freezing of the semester as per the academic calendar.
Campus Environment and Diversity of Students
Beyond academics, Iqra University has created a campus environment that reflects the diversity of its students. There is a relative balance in gender composition across different programs, although most students in business and education classes are female. Iqra University maintains an inclusive policy encompassing on-campus activities, student involvement in the community, and international collaborations through academic conferences and faculty exchange programs.
Is Iqra University the Right Choice for You?
In essence, choosing a university always involves aligning your personal educational objectives with the institution’s actual offerings. If a student is interested in pursuing a career in business administration, information technology, media studies, or the health care field, such as pharmacy and nursing, then Iqra University will be a well-balanced choice, having established its reputation as one of the leading private universities in Pakistan. It offers its students an excellent opportunity to learn through practical experience, along with modern facilities across its multi-campus grounds in Karachi and Islamabad.
As with any major decision in education, the next step is to contact the campus the student is interested in (either Karachi or Islamabad) and ask about the latest fee structure, scholarship eligibility, and admission requirements. Since the fee structure and programs offered change from time to time, this will ensure that the student receives all relevant, up-to-date information regarding their personal situation.
FAQ
The campuses of Iqra University include Karachi and Islamabad.
The courses offered include Business Administration, Computing u005cu0026amp; Technology, Media Studies, Fashion u005cu0026amp; Design, Social Sciences, and Pharmacy u005cu0026amp; Allied Health Sciences.
The fee varies by campus and program, and tuition is usually charged per credit hour.
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