NUST Admissions 2025 | The Complete Application Process
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is one of the top engineering universities in Pakistan. With a multi-program portfolio comprising of engineering, computing, business, law, and natural and applied sciences degrees at undergraduate level, NUST receives more than 60,000 applications for around 3000 seats it has to offer. It is clear that NUST admissions are therefore highly competitive. This blog will guide you about how to apply to NUST and which programs NUST has to offer.
How to Apply to NUST
Applications to NUST are online. Students can apply to NUST via their Undergraduate Admissions website. Students applying to NUST need to either give the NUST Entry (NET), or apply through ACT or SAT. Details of all three are given below.
Applications for NET Series I for this year are not yet open, but are expected to open in October according to the NUST admission schedule. Here is the NUST admission policy that details their admission rules and regulations.
NUST Entry Test (NET)
There are different variation of the NUST Entry Test exam based on the student’s academic background.
What is a good score in the NUST entry test?
A score of 150+ is considered safe for securing admission, but highly competitive programs like Software Engineering (SEECS) require a higher NET score (160+).
NET Paper Patterns
NUST has different entry test variations depending on the chosen program:
- NET-Engineering – Covers Physics, Chemistry/Computer Science, Mathematics, English, and Intelligence.
- NET-Applied Sciences – For students applying to BS Biotechnology, BS Food Science, BS Environmental Science, and BS Chemistry.
- NET-Business & Social Sciences – For BBA, BS Economics, BS Psychology, and Law (LLB) programs.
- NET-Architecture – Requires additional design and drawing sections.
What is the NUST entry test fee?
The test fee varies depending on what test you are appearing for, but generally the cost is as follows:
- NET Test (per series): PKR 5000 / USD 40
- SAT/ACT (National Seat): PKR 5000 / USD 40
- SAT/ACT (International Seat): PKR 10,000 / USD 80
Keep in mind that the application processing fee is neither refundable nor transferable. It will remain valid only for the series for which it has been paid.
Can I Get Admission in NUST Without Entry Test?
Yes, students can apply through SAT or ACT, but only a limited number of seats are allocated for SAT-based admissions.
Eligibility criteria:
- Engineering & CS Programs: SAT-II or ACT scores required.
- Business & Social Sciences: SAT-I or ACT accepted.
Who Can Apply Through SAT/ACT?
- National students with O/A Levels or HSSC equivalent qualifications.
- International students with foreign education systems or dual nationality.
Required Documents
Applicants for NUST Admissions need the following documents for registration:
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), Form B or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
- Foreign nationals (Non Pakistani) have to provide valid passport number.
- Matric Marksheet and XI marksheet (gap year students will need to provide combined marksheet for XI and XII)
- For A level candidates, O level equivalence certificate, duly issued by IBCC.
Important Dates and Timeline
NUST has released a schedule for NET 2025. This can be found on their undergraduate admissions website. This will be updated throughout the year, as test dates grow near. We will also be updating important dates and deadlines as we receive them. Currently, the tentative schedule for NET 2025 registration and NET 2025 test dates is:
NUST Merit Calculation & Selection Criteria
After all four NET series are conducted, NUST released test scores for both computer based and paper based tests. Students can use these to calculate their aggregate. This article gives details of how to calculate your NUST aggregate score.
How is the NUST Merit List Calculated?
NUST uses the following formula for merit score calculation:
- NET Score: 75% weightage
- FSc / A-Level Marks: 15% weightage
- Matric / O-Level Marks: 10% weightage
After all test results are released, NUST releases candidates’ merit numbers through the admission portal. Each applicant is assigned a merit number based on their aggregate score. The higher you merit number, the greater chance you have of securing a seat in your desired program. NUST also releases last year’s closing merit numbers for all programs on offer and gives students a chance to adjust their preferences accordingly.
How Many Merit Lists Does NUST Release?
Once students have changed their preferences according to their merit numbers, NUST releases the first merit list and assigns a payment submission deadline for students who made it on the list. As the deadlines pass, more merit lists are released and wait-listed students are offered seats in different programs. NUST releases multiple merit lists based on seat availability. In 2024, there were at least 13 merit lists. NUST closing merits 2024 are given below for reference, and more details can be found here.
NUST Closing Merits 2024
- Engineering Programs: SEECS Software Engineering - 74%, Electrical - 72%, Mechanical - 71%
- Business & Social Sciences: BBA - 65%, BS Economics - 67%
- Computing Programs: CS - 73%, AI - 72%
NUST Merit List 2024
Engineering Programs
Computing Programs
Business Studies, Social Sciences, and Law
Architecture and Industrial Design
Natural Sciences
Applied Sciences
How do I make sure I score well enough to get a spot on NUST Merit List 2025?
You need to make sure you get a good aggregate to get a high merit number. Since NET score is the major component of your aggregate, it is important to score really well in NET. Usually, a 150+ is considered safe to secure a spot, but if you’re aiming for more popular programs like SE at SEECS campus, you need to score really high.
To perform well in NET 2025, make sure your concepts are clear and your practice multiple NET Past Papers. You should into the following resources:
- Live Classes - for deeper conceptual understanding, and to learn NET shortcuts and tricks
- Recorded Video Lectures - for detailed revision
- A diagnostic test - to gauge your strengths and weaknesses
- Tests and FLPs - for topical and full paper practice, and to learn time management
- Guidance and Counselling - to make sure you make the right choices
NUST Campuses & Offered Programs
Given below is a list of all NUST schools by location and campus, and the undergraduate programs that are offered in each. You do not need to apply for each school or campus separately but you do need to specify your preference at the time of application.
NUST has multiple campuses, each offering various undergraduate programs:
Islamabad H-12 Campus
NUST's main campus in Islamabad houses the majority of its schools, covering engineering, business, social sciences, computing, and applied sciences.
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE)
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE)
- BE Environmental Engineering
- BS Environmental Science
- Institute of Civil Engineering (NICE)
- BE Civil Engineering
School of Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCME)
- BE Chemical Engineering
- BE Metallurgy and Materials
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS)
- BE Software Engineering
- BS Computer Science
- BE Electrical Engineering
- BS Data Science
- BS Artificial Intelligence
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME)
- BE Mechanical Engineering
- BE Aerospace Engineering
NUST Business School (NBS)
- BBA
- BS Accounting and Finance
- BS Tourism and Hospitality Management
School of Art, Design & Architecture (SADA)
- Bachelor of Industrial Design
- Bachelor of Architecture
School of Social Sciences and Humanities (S3H)
- BS Economics
- BS Mass Communication
- Bachelor for Public Administration
- BS Psychology
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Atta ur Rehman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB)
- BS Applied Biosciences
- BS Biotechnology
- BS Food Science and Technology
- BS Agriculture
School of Natural Sciences (SNS)
- BS Mathematics
- BS Physics
- BS Chemistry
NUST School of Health Sciences (NSHS)
- MBBS
- BS Human Nutrition and Dietetics
School of Interdisciplinary Engineering and Sciences (SINES)
- BS Bioinformatics
Rawalpindi Campus
NUST has two colleges in Rawalpindi, primarily focused on engineering and technology.
Military College of Signals (MCS)
- BE Software Engineering
- BE Electrical Engineering
- BE Information Security
College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (CEME)
- BE Computer Engineering
- BE Mechatronics Engineering
- BE Mechanical Engineering
- BE Electrical Engineering
Karachi Campus (Pakistan Navy Engineering College)
NUST has one major campus in Karachi, focused on engineering and maritime sciences.
Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC)
- BE Mechanical Engineering
- BE Electrical Engineering
- BE Naval Architecture
- BS Maritime Sciences
Risalpur Campus
Risalpur houses two colleges specializing in aeronautical and civil engineering.
College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE)
- BE Aerospace Engineering
- BE Avionics Engineering
Military College of Engineering (MCE)
- BE Civil Engineering
Quetta Campus
NUST Balochistan Campus was established to provide engineering and computing programs in Quetta.
NUST Balochistan Campus
- BS Computer Science
- BE Civil Engineering
- BS Artificial Intelligence
How to Choose the Right Program at NUST?
NUST offers a diverse range of programs across its campuses. To make the right choice, consider:
- Your academic background (Pre-Engineering, ICS, Pre-Medical, A-Levels, or IB)
- Your career goals (Engineering, Business, IT, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, etc.)
- The closing merits of your desired program to assess competitiveness
- The campus location and available facilities
FAQs
Will preparing for NUST Entry Test (NET) help me in other entry tests?
Engineering university admission tests are often derived from similar syllabi, and preparing for one can automatically help you prepare for the others. For more details on similarities and differences between these tests, read: The Ultimate FUNGAT Preparation Guide
How do I choose which university to go to?
It is often confusing to decide between various universities. Some factors you can consider are fee structure, faculty, programs on offer, location etc. This article makes a comparison between two popular universities of Pakistan.
How do I prepare for NET Series I, II, or III along side my 12th grade studies?
The ECAT Batch at Maqsad is built keeping in mind student’s various other commitments.
What is the last date for NUST Entry Test in 2025?
NUST admissions follow a series-based test schedule. The last NET test is expected in July 2025.
What is the date of NET 1?
NET 1 is expected in December 2024.
What is the total marks for the NUST entry test?
The NET is 200 marks in total, with negative marking for incorrect answers.
Can I get admission with 50% marks?
No, NUST requires a minimum of 60% marks in HSSC or equivalent exams.
What is the acceptance rate for NUST?
NUST is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 10-15%.
How do I ensure I get admission to NUST?
To secure a seat, prepare extensively for NET by practicing past papers, enrolling in online preparatory courses, and managing your time efficiently.
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