Education for Everyone & Everywhere
The Virtual University of Pakistan was founded in 2002 using modern technology. It is a public, non-profit institution created by the government to offer affordable, high-quality education to students across the country. Whether you live in big cities like Karachi and Lahore or a small town in Gilgit Baltistan, you can join this university for higher education. One advantage is its flexibility, making it suitable for working individuals, those financially supporting their families early on, mothers, single parents, or anyone facing constraints preventing them from pursuing higher education.
This university utilizes free-to-air satellite TV and the Internet for education. Unlike traditional universities in Pakistan, you don’t have to attend lectures at specific times. You can watch lectures and access course materials, including handouts, on the Learning Management System (LMS) at your convenience. The university’s outreach has rapidly expanded to over one hundred cities, with support from more than one hundred and ninety associated institutions.
For exams, the university provides flexibility. You can create a schedule within a 15–18-day window and choose from different timing sessions between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. This adaptability makes it convenient for students with various commitments and constraints.
Recognition & Value/Worth of a VU Degree
The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) holds a valid and recognized status both within Pakistan and internationally. As a public sector university established by the Pakistani government with a federal charter, VU’s degrees bear recognition from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, equating them to degrees from traditional universities. Additionally, VU’s international recognition extends to various universities and accreditation bodies, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. The university facilitates an online degree verification system, allowing easy authentication of VU degrees.
Regarding worth and value, VU has garnered a positive academic reputation within Pakistan, offering quality online education supported by a distinguished faculty and diverse program offerings. While traditional degrees may still hold sway with employers, VU degrees are gaining acceptance in the job market, aided by the flexibility and affordability of online programs. A VU degree opens doors to international opportunities, especially in nations with well-established distance learning programs. Numerous states in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and various European countries actively support distance learning, creating pathways for individuals to pursue advanced education and proceed in their careers.
However, the ultimate value of a VU degree depends on several factors. The specificity of the program and its relevance to the job market can influence its worth. Individual performance, encompassing academic achievements, skills, and practical experience, plays a crucial role in determining the degree’s value in the job market. Moreover, varying employer preferences contribute to the overall evaluation, as different companies may have distinct views on the significance of online degrees.
In conclusion, a VU degree is a valid and valuable qualification, but its market value is subject to the interplay of these diverse factors.
Organizational Structure & the Governors of the Virtual University of Pakistan
The president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, serves as the chancellor of the Virtual University of Pakistan. The university is headed by the rector, who holds the positions of chief executive and chief academic officer. Other key officials within the university structure include the registrar, deans, directors, chairpersons or heads of teaching departments, the director of finance, and the controller of examinations.
The apex body overseeing the university’s general supervision and control of administrative, academic, and financial affairs, as well as the establishment of policies and statutes, is the Board of Governors. Additionally, various authorities contribute to the university’s governance, including the Executive Council, Academic Council, Board of Studies, Advanced Studies and Research Board, Selection Board, Finance and Planning Council, and Affiliation Committee.
Board of Governors
As defined in the Virtual University Ordinance 2002, the composition of the Board of Governors is outlined as follows:
- Chairman: Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
- Member: Rector, Virtual University of Pakistan
- Member: Secretary, Ministry of Education, Islamabad, or nominee not below the rank of joint secretary
- Member: Secretary, Ministry of Information & Media Development, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad
- Member: Chairperson, Higher Education Commission, or nominee not below the rank of an officer of BPS 20
- Member: Chairman, National Telecommunications Corporations, or nominee not below the rank of an officer of BPS 20
- Secretary: Registrar, Virtual University of Pakistan
- Member: One retired judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan
- Members: One serving or retired rector or vice chancellor of a public sector university
- Members: Three eminent educationists or scientists who are not employees of the university
- Member: One expert from the financial sector
- Member: One dean of the university
Faculties & Academic Programs
The university offers a range of academic programs across faculties. Master’s programs, spanning two years, provide in-depth knowledge. Bachelor’s programs, lasting four years, offer a solid foundation. Two-year associate degree programs provide focused training, while one-year diploma programs offer efficient specialization.
For advanced studies, one-year post-graduate diploma programs are available in all faculties, and Ph.D. programs are offered in computer science and information technology (CS&IT), and science and technology. Additionally, deficiency semesters in CS&IT and management ensure readiness for master’s programs.
The management faculty also provides an opportunity for additional specialization certification, allowing individuals to enhance their skills in specific management areas. This reflects the university’s commitment to a comprehensive yet streamlined education across diverse disciplines.
Certificate Courses
The Virtual University presents certificate courses tailored for industry professionals and the general public. These courses serve to retrain professionals in emerging science and technology fields and offer the public an opportunity to explore fundamental subjects of general interest. Available in five disciplines—computer science, general science, humanities, management, and mathematics—each certificate course spans one semester (18 weeks).
The university provides certificate courses in the following categories:
- Accounting, banking, and finance
- Computer science/information technology
- Economics
- English
- Humanities distribution
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass communication
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Probability & statistics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Zero Semester
The introduction of the “zero semester” offers an opportunity for eligible candidates who meet the required qualifications for admission but fall short of the minimum marks or CGPA criteria. Completing the “zero semester” enables these candidates to qualify for subsequent admission into their desired programs.
Specifically tailored for undergraduate programs, the “zero semester” is designed for candidates seeking admission to diploma, associate degree, and bachelor’s (4-year) programs where applicable. Candidates with the prescribed qualifications or degrees but with marks or a CGPA below the specified thresholds (less than 45% or less than 2.0 out of 4) can enroll in the “zero semester.” Upon fulfilling the required completion criteria, they become eligible for subsequent admission to undergraduate programs.
Specialization Certificate
Designed for graduates with a 16-year education background in any discipline, this program aims to refine skills, boost educational and academic qualifications, and minimize study costs. The program enhances students’ knowledge, opening up diverse career opportunities in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
The specialization certificate allows students to choose from distinct groups, including banking, finance, human resource (HR) management, management, and marketing.
For further in-depth details about the VU academic programs, click here.
Virtual University’s Campuses
Virtual University of Pakistan has a network of over 200 campuses across the country, offering on-site facilities to engage students in academic activities. These campuses are classified into two types: the university’s own offices, and private virtual campuses (PVC) managed by affiliated private organizations.
The institution’s virtual campuses and flexible learning options empower students to pursue their studies from any location in the country. Whether attending a physical campus or opting for remote learning from home, Virtual University extends access to higher education through its adaptable education model.
The Virtual University Campus Services encompass various elements such as admission information, registration, counseling, academic support, examination centers, IT support, computer labs for online classes, and overall student support.
In a stride towards advancing scientific research in bio-sciences and technology, the Virtual University of Pakistan has introduced mobile science laboratories. Guided by the mission statement “World-class education at your doorstep,” Virtual University is dedicated to delivering high-quality education to students nationwide.
Virtual University has two main head offices: one in Islamabad and the other in Lahore. The Islamabad head office is located at 19 Ataturk Ave, G-5/1, Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Lahore head office is situated at M.A. Jinnah Campus, Defense Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore, Pakistan. For inquiries, the UAN (landline) is +92 (42) 111 880 880.
Virtual University of Pakistan Admissions 2024
The Virtual University of Pakistan allows students to apply for admission twice a year, either in spring (February/March) or fall (August/September).
Admission Schedule – Spring 2024
- Admission opens: Monday, January 15, 2024
- Last day to apply or seek course exemption: Friday, March 15, 2024
- Final date to pay admission processing fee: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
- Expected release of merit list for biological sciences programs: Monday, March 25, 2024
- Deadline for fee submission for biological sciences programs (BS Bioinformatics, BS Biotechnology, BS Zoology, Diploma in Bioinformatics & Diploma in Molecular): Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Classes begin: Monday, April 1, 2024
For further in-depth details about VU admissions, click here.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
Mr Abdul Basit Siddiq is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Science and Business Administration from the Virtual University of Pakistan. He currently works as an SEO Executive.