Habib University follows a holistic admissions model to evaluate students beyond just grades. Applicants start with an online application, where they submit personal and academic details, essays, and co-curricular achievements. Shortlisted candidates then appear for the Habib University Entrance Test, unless exempted via SAT/ACT. Finally, selected students go through an admission interview, and decisions are issued on a rolling basis after each admission round.
Eligibility Criteria
Local Students (Intermediate/HSSC):
- Engineering (Electrical & Computer Engineering): Minimum 60% in Pre-Engineering (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
- Computer Science: Minimum 65% in Pre-Engineering or ICS (Math required).
- Other Programs: At least 55% marks in Intermediate.
- Pre-Medical students must take an Additional Mathematics exam to be eligible for engineering programs.
Explore all Habib University programs here.
A-Levels / International Qualifications:
- At least 3 principal A-Level subjects with good grades.
- For engineering: Math + Physics + Chemistry/Computer Science are required.
- IB students: Minimum 30 points with HL Math + Science subject.
- US/Canadian High School Diploma: GPA 3.0+/4.0 with Calculus and Physics recommended.
General Conditions:
- All applicants must take the HU Entrance Test unless applying via SAT/ACT.
- English proficiency is assessed within HU’s process; IELTS/TOEFL is optional.
Related: Scope of pre-engineering in Pakistan
Step-by-Step Admission Process
- Online Application – Register on HU Admissions Portal and submit application with essays and documents.
- Application Fee – Pay PKR 7,000 (non-refundable).
- Entrance Test – Appear for HU’s Admission Test (or submit SAT/ACT).
- Interview – Shortlisted applicants attend interviews to assess motivation and fit.
- Merit Decision – Offers made based on academics, test, essays, and interview.
- Enrollment – Confirm admission by paying the Enrollment + Security Deposit + Semester fee.
Also read:
NUST Admission Guide
FAST Registration Guide
Fee Structure 2025
One-Time Charges:
- Application Fee: PKR 7,000
- Enrollment Fee: PKR 65,000 (Round 1) / PKR 105,000 (Round 2)
- Security Deposit (Refundable): PKR 30,000
Semester Fees for DSSE (Engineering/CS):
| Component |
Amount (PKR) |
Frequency |
| Tuition Fee |
730,000 |
Per Semester |
| Lab Fee |
215,000 |
Per Semester |
| Registration Fee |
30,000 |
Per Semester (from 2nd semester) |
Approximate annual cost for engineering students: PKR 1.9 million.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Habib University offers extensive financial support to ensure access:
- Yohsin Scholarship: 100% tuition + fees (full-ride).
- Excellence Scholarship: 60–80% tuition waiver.
- Merit Scholarship: 50% tuition waiver.
- HU TOPS Program: Full funding for top students from local boards.
- Need-Based Aid: Covers up to 80% of tuition depending on financial background.
- Work-Study & Loans: On-campus jobs and student loans available.
Admission Timeline (Fall 2025)
- Round 1 Applications: Closed October 2024 – included lower enrollment fee and summer program eligibility.
- Round 2 Applications: Closed July 1, 2025.
- Entrance Test Dates: Conducted in October, November, December 2024; January & February 2025.
- Interviews: Conducted after each round.
- Merit Offers: Rolling basis after each round’s interview.
- Classes Begin: September 2025.
Conclusion
Habib University’s admission process is rigorous yet holistic, combining academics, essays, entrance test, and interviews to select well-rounded students. While its fee structure is among the highest in Pakistan, the scholarships and financial aid programs make it accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. Applicants aiming for Fall 2026 should apply early, prepare for the entrance test, and explore available scholarships to maximize their chances of joining HU.
FAQs
Q1: What percentage do you need for Habib University?
Engineering requires 60%, CS requires 65%, and other programs need 55%+.
Q2: Which university opens admission in 2025?
Many universities including HU, NUST, LUMS, and IBA open admissions in 2025 – each with its own schedule.
Q3: What is the last date for first year admission 2025 in Karachi?
Dates vary by university; HU’s final deadline was July 1, 2025.
Q4: Can I get admission in university with 40% marks?
No, HU requires a minimum of 55% for its undergraduate programs.
Q5: What are the fees at Habib University?
Engineering students pay about PKR 1.9 million per year including tuition and lab fees.
Q6: Which university is no 1 ranking?
Globally, MIT is ranked #1. In Pakistan, NUST often leads national rankings.
Q7: Is Habib University private or government?
HU is a private, not-for-profit university.
Q8: What is the hardest university to get into?
In Pakistan, LUMS, GIKI, and HU are among the most selective.