Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad is one of the most respected public universities in Pakistan. It is a federal university established in 1967, and every year thousands of FSc, FA and ICS students from all over the country dream of studying on its green campus near the Margalla Hills. If you are planning to apply for a BS programme at QAU, this guide explains the eligibility rules, the application process, the fee structure and the common mistakes to avoid. For a quick overview of the university itself, you can also read our QAU university profile.
Why Students Choose QAU
QAU is a research-focused public university located in Islamabad. Because it is federal, students from every province, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the former FATA areas apply here. The campus is known for its strong science departments, an active academic culture and relatively low fees compared with private universities. Many QAU graduates go on to higher studies abroad or join government and research organisations.
Another reason students prefer QAU is the wide choice of subjects. Unlike some universities that only focus on engineering or business, QAU offers natural sciences, biological sciences and social sciences under one roof, so a student with pre-medical, pre-engineering, ICS or arts background can find a suitable programme.
BS Programmes Offered at QAU
QAU organises its undergraduate programmes into three broad faculties. The list below is based on the current admission information; always confirm the exact programmes in the official advertisement for the year you apply.
Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electronics
- Geophysics
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology
- Botany
- Environmental Sciences
- Microbiology
- Pharm-D
- Zoology
Faculty of Social Sciences
- Anthropology, Archaeology, History and Pakistan Studies
- BBA and Public Administration
- Defence and Strategic Studies, International Relations and Political Science
- Economics, Sociology, Social Work and Psychology
- English, LLB and Tourism
Eligibility Criteria for BS Admission
The basic eligibility rule at QAU is simple. Applicants must have passed HSSC (FSc, FA, ICS or equivalent) with at least 50% marks. Students who are waiting for their Part-II result may apply on the basis of HSSC Part-I marks, which must also be at least 50%.
Some programmes have extra conditions:
- Pharm-D: requires pre-medical background with at least 60% marks.
- LLB: applicants must have appeared in the HEC Law Admission Test (LAT). The LLB merit is calculated as 50% weight for HSSC, 30% for LAT and 20% for SSC (Matric).
- Science programmes: usually require the relevant subjects at intermediate level, for example Mathematics for Computer Science or Physics. Check the subject requirement for your chosen department.
Students with A-Levels or other foreign qualifications must attach an IBCC equivalence certificate. If you need help understanding tests like LAT, visit our entry tests section.
How to Apply Online: Step by Step
QAU admissions are announced once a year, normally in June, for the Fall semester. The whole process is online through the undergraduate admission portal at ugadmissions.qau.edu.pk. Follow these steps:
- Create an account on the admission portal with a working email address and mobile number.
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, Matric and Intermediate marks and the programmes you want to apply for.
- Pay the processing fee of PKR 2,860 through Kuickpay or 1-Bill from any bank app, ATM or mobile wallet.
- Upload the payment receipt along with scanned copies of your documents (Matric and Intermediate certificates or result cards, CNIC or B-Form, domicile and a passport-size photo).
- Submit and save a copy of the final application for your record.
Keep checking the portal after the deadline because merit lists are displayed there. Selected candidates are given a short time to deposit dues, so do not miss the dates. You can also follow our admissions updates page for announcements.
Morning vs Self-Support and Fee Structure
QAU offers two types of seats in most BS programmes: Morning (regular) and Self-Support. Morning seats are cheaper and have a higher merit requirement. Self-Support seats cost more but the merit closes at a lower level, so students who miss the Morning list often get a chance through Self-Support. Classes and degrees are the same; only the fee differs.
The approximate per-semester fee for Fall 2026 is shown below. Exact amounts can change, so confirm them on the official fee notification before paying.
| Programme group | Morning (per semester) | Self-Support (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Most BS programmes | Approx. PKR 36,880 | Approx. PKR 91,670 |
| BBA, CS, IT, Pharmacy, Law, English, SP&IR | Approx. PKR 68,490 | Approx. PKR 142,140 |
Dues can be paid at HBL or Askari Bank branches or through the online payment option mentioned in the fee challan. Students with limited income should also explore the scholarships and financial support options available to public university students.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply for more than one programme if the portal allows it, so you have a backup option.
- Use our merit calculator to estimate where you stand before the lists are published.
- Scan your documents clearly; blurred uploads are a common reason for rejected forms.
- Pay the processing fee well before the last date because bank systems can be slow near deadlines.
- If you are applying for LLB, register for the HEC LAT early since it is compulsory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to QAU with HSSC Part-I result only?
Yes. Students waiting for their Part-II result can apply on the basis of Part-I marks, provided they have at least 50%. Final admission depends on submitting the complete result when it is announced.
Does QAU conduct its own entry test for BS programmes?
For most BS programmes, admission is based on academic merit. LLB is the clear exception because the HEC LAT score carries 30% weight. Always read the current year’s advertisement because test requirements can be updated.
Is the Self-Support degree different from the Morning degree?
No. Both groups study the same curriculum and receive the same QAU degree. The only difference is the higher fee and the lower closing merit for Self-Support seats.
Explore other Pakistani universities and our student guides to compare your options before you decide.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Fees, dates and eligibility rules can change. Always verify details on the official QAU website before applying. Last updated: October 2026.