Ruqayya Yar Muhammad is a fresh graduate of political science from the University of Peshawar and a keen enthusiast of current and international affairs.
Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) is a leading public research-oriented university in Pakistan, in which ideas are collected, futures are shaped, and an eternal imprint of enlightenment is marked across generations. The institute not only preserves historical wisdom but also pioneers of innovation.
History of QAU, Pakistan
Quaid-i-Azam University was originally named Islamabad University when it was founded in July 1967 through an order from the National Assembly. It was later renamed in honor of Quaid-i-Azam himself. Initially focusing on MPhil and PhD programs, the university expanded its offerings over time to include undergraduate degrees.
As a public sector university, it attracts numerous students from around the globe because of its highly skilled faculty and range of academic offerings; furthermore, it also admits numerous students from various regions within the country. The university was originally located in the Satellite Town of Rawalpindi before relocating to its campus in October 1971.
Vision and Mission
The main aim of the organization is to offer top-notch and affordable education to students throughout Pakistan to promote inter-provincial harmony and advance the nation towards a knowledge-driven economy. It also supports faculty and staff in their intellectual pursuits, encouraging camaraderie among individuals from different regions of the country.
As stated by Martin Luther King Jr., “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively, and to think critically’’
Key Statistics and Global Standing
Currently, more than 11,000 students are enrolled on campus. About 90% of the faculty members at QAU hold PhD degrees, which symbolizes qualified and professional staff. QAU spreads out into 4 main faculties, which are then subdivided into 34 departments. A total of 16 colleges are affiliated with QAU. There are 6 specialized institutes located within the university, each of which is devoted to a particular field of study or research.
Around 36% of students are enrolled in MPhil or PhD programs, which shows a significant emphasis on advanced research degrees. According to the QS World University Rankings, QAU is ranked between 400th and 500th globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings.
Diverse Academic Offerings
The 4 main faculties of QAU are subdivided into 34 main departments which are listed below:
Biological Science Faculty
The faculty of biological sciences adopts a diverse approach to teaching students the essence of practical education. The university, in the beginning, was operating at a department level. Eventually, in 2006, it was raised to a faculty level.
Departments
- Department of Biochemistry
- Department of Biotechnology
- Department of Pharmacy
- Department of Zoology
- Department of Environmental Sciences
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Plant Sciences
Institutions
- National Center for Bioinformatics
The faculty of biological sciences aims to introduce courses in forensic science and food and science technology for the students shortly.
Natural Sciences Faculty
Departments
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Physics
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Statistics
- Department of Computer Sciences
- Department of Electronics
- Department of Earth Sciences
Institutions
- Institute of Information Technology
Social Sciences Faculty
In Pakistan, the faculty is the academic heart of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and the largest of all other 3 faculties, which aims to broaden the minds of students by giving them the know-how of contemporary political and social issues.
Departments
- Department of English
- Department of Anthropology
- Department of History
- Department of Defense and Strategic Studies
Schools
- Quaid-i-Azam School of Management Studies
- School of Law
- School of Sociology
- School of Politics and International Relations
- School of Economics
Institutions and Centers
- Area Study Center for Africa, North and South America
- Center of Excellence in Gender Studies
- National Institute of Pakistan Studies
- National Institute of Psychology
- National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research
- Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations
Faculty of Medicine (Affiliated)
The list of affiliated institutions is:
- Pakistan Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture (PIASA), Islamabad.
- Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad
- Army School of Kuldana College Murree
- Al-Shifa School of Public Health, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rwp
- Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rwp
- Islamabad Business School
- Quaid-i-Azam Postgraduate Medical College (QPGMC)
- Al-Mizan Institute of Legal Studies
Until 2012, QPGMC was offering several degree programs. However, in 2013, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 5(3) of the SZABMU Act, all these programs were transferred to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad.
The Research Frontiers at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
The university aims to excel in research and innovation while fostering creativity and applying knowledge to benefit society through research programs the Higher Education Commission helped set up the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) to support faculty members in accessing research opportunities and resources and securing funding grants ORICs establishment promotes incentives and fosters innovative endeavors both within and beyond Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. The university has submitted a huge number of research projects, with some ongoing international and national projects.
Supporting Your Education: Quaid-i-Azam University Scholarship Program
QAU makes it possible for hardworking and needy students to secure scholarships and attain education in an inexpensive way. The Institute Scholarship Committee analyses students based on their needs and merit for the eligibility of the scholarship. Quaid-i-Azam, in collaboration with HEC of Pakistan, has set up OFSA—the Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance—to assist students in attaining admission affordably.
Numerous kinds of financial grants and scholarships are offered. These scholarships are periodically made public to the students. Many individual donors and local and international donors contributed to these scholarships, which amounted to a total of Rs. 208,437,999 between 2019 and 2022.
Campus Environment and Academic Heritage
The vibrant and diverse campus life at QAU leads to the personal and professional development of the students, instilling a lot of skills and value in the students. From seminars to festivals, the institute has a vibrant campus life with tonnes of extracurricular activities. Students from all across the country under one roof take part in activities that foster inter-provincial harmony.
Many international festivals, i.e., the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, the International Nauroz Cultural Festival, the International Conference, and the Art Festival on Buddhist Heritage, were held at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. QAU holds many national and international conferences in which the guests and the faculty’s discussions are based on ongoing national and international issues, social issues, gender issues, and other intellectual debates.
Directing Admissions: Mapping Your Path to Quaid-i-Azam University
The university offers admissions to the following degree programs:
Undergraduate Programme
The Undergraduate Morning and Self-Support Program starts usually in the middle of the year once the HSSC results are announced.
Admission Requirements
- A student who has obtained at least 50% marks in their HSSC exam.
- For Pharm-D, at least 60% of marks have been obtained by students in their FSc exam (PreMedical) or have an equivalent certificate.
- 50% passing marks in HSSC and 50% LAT score are required for the eligibility of the LLB program.
Age Limit
The maximum age for entry to the BS program is 22 years however exceptions may be made with the Vice-Chancellor’s agreement in specific circumstances.
Faculty and Departments
The students can secure admission to the following faculties:
| Natural Sciences | Computer Sciences, Electronics, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Chemistry. |
| Social Sciences | Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, Defense and Strategic Studies, Political Science, Commerce, Sociology, Gender Studies, Anthropology, English, Economics, History, IR, Pakistan Studies, Tourism Management, Archaeology, LLB, Social Work. |
| Biological Sciences | Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Botany, Biotechnology, Zoology, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology |
Application procedure: The applicant can apply on the QAU online application portal.
Fee Submission: The processing costs of the application must be paid at approved banks as part of the application process.
Document Submission: The fee challan/invoice, including other required documents, must be uploaded to the online application.
MPhil/MS and PhD Degree Programs
| Natural Sciences | Computer Sciences, Electronics, Geophysics, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Chemistry. |
| Social Sciences | Asian Studies, American Studies, Business Administration, Psychology, Public Administration, Defense and Strategic Studies, Political Science, Commerce, Sociology, Gender Studies, Anthropology, English, Economics, History, IR, Pakistan Studies |
| Biological Sciences | Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology |
Application Procedure: The students must submit an online application on their official website. Once the online form is finished, candidates must print a fee invoice or challan to cover the application processing fees.
The fee is Rs. 2215 (at Habib Bank Ltd.) or Rs. 2200 (at Askari Bank Ltd.), which is then payable to the treasurer of Quaid-i-Azam University and must be placed at any branch of these institutions within Pakistan. The bank invoice, as well as the other required documents, must be uploaded during the online application process. Without this, the student application will not be considered.
Admission Period: The admissions process begins twice a year, often between January and June, for the Spring and Fall semesters.
A Global Community for International Students
QAU welcomes students from around the globe. About 10% of seats are reserved for international students. The university offers a plethora of courses on its official website for international students and provides a detailed guideline on admission, eligibility criteria, seat reservations, and fee submission procedures. Hostel accommodations and advisory services are provided to the students to help them in adjusting.
According to QAU, foreign citizens, dual nationals (having Pakistani and some other nationalities), and refugees that are recognized by the Government of Pakistan come under the definition of foreign students. The students have to take and pass the tests required for admission to the university that serves as the basis for their admission.
- SAT 1 or the university’s admission test should be taken by the students.
- Certain remedial courses are offered to the students, which they need to take and complete throughout their 1st semester to make up for any deficiencies.
QAU Alumni Network
Based on the prominence gained among alumni, Quaid-i-Azam University ranks 2,151st in the world, 514th in Asia, and 7th in Pakistan. Some of the notable alumni include Maleeha Lodhi, Abdul Rashid Ghazi, Shamshad Akhtar, Abrar-ul-Haq, Abdul Basit, and Muhammad Imran Qadir.
Based on its history, development over the years, and future potential, the University is and will remain a hub for scientific research and career development for the curious minds of the nation.
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