NUST is one of Pakistan’s most competitive universities, attracting thousands of applicants every year. For business aspirants, NUST Business School (NBS) and the School of Social Sciences & Humanities (S3H) offer undergraduate degrees in BBA, BS Accounting & Finance, and BS Economics.
Getting into NUST requires meeting strict eligibility criteria, performing well in the NUST Entry Test (NET), and completing all admission formalities on time. This article provides a step-by-step guide to admissions in 2025, including requirements, process, documents, and fee structure.
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Business Programs
NUST follows a uniform admissions policy across all undergraduate programs. Here’s what business applicants need to know:
General Requirements
- Intermediate (F.Sc/FA/ICS/I.Com or equivalent): Minimum 60% marks overall.
- O/A Levels or Foreign Qualifications: Must obtain an IBCC equivalence certificate before admission confirmation.
- Age Limit: No specific upper limit, but candidates must have completed intermediate (or equivalent) by the time classes begin.
Program-Specific Requirements
- BBA: Any discipline (Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, Commerce, Arts, ICS) is acceptable as long as you have 60% marks.
- BS Economics: Open to all disciplines with 60% marks minimum.
- BS Accounting & Finance: Requires Mathematics or Accounting/Finance studied at intermediate/A-level.
NUST Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
Admissions for 2025 will open in multiple NET cycles (Series I, II, III). Here’s how the process works:
1. Online Registration
- Visit ugadmissions.nust.edu.pk.
- Create an account and complete the application form.
- Select program preferences (BBA, BS A&F, BS Economics).
- Upload a recent photo and pay the application fee (non-refundable).
2. NUST Entry Test (NET)
- All business applicants must appear in NET (Business stream).
- Candidates can attempt NET up to three times per year (Series I, II, III).
- The best score is used for merit calculation.
- Test Centers: Islamabad (computer-based), Karachi, Quetta, Gilgit (paper-based).
3. Merit Lists & Selection
- After NET results, NUST compiles a merit list (75% NET, 15% F.Sc/Equivalent, 10% Matric).
- Multiple merit lists are released until all seats are filled.
4. Admission Confirmation
- Download provisional selection letter from portal.
- Pay admission dues (first semester fee, admission fee, security deposit).
- Submit photocopies of documents + paid challan to NUST Registrar.
- Present original documents (Matric, F.Sc, IBCC equivalence, CNIC) at joining time.
Required Documents
Applicants should have the following documents ready:
- Matric/O-Level certificate (IBCC equivalence if foreign).
- Intermediate certificate (F.Sc/FA/I.Com/ICS or A-Levels with equivalence).
- CNIC/Form-B/NICOP.
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- IBCC attestation for O/A-level candidates.
NUST Fee Structure 2025 for Business Programs
NUST is a semi-government institution with higher fees than public universities, but lower than LUMS/IBA.
One-Time Charges
- Admission Fee: Rs. 35,000
- Security Deposit (Refundable): Rs. 10,000
Per Semester Charges (2025)
- Tuition Fee (BBA, BS A&F, BS Economics): Rs. 275,400 per semester
- Miscellaneous Fee: ~Rs. 5,000 per semester
- Harvard Business School (HBS case-study license): Rs. 15,000 per year (for BBA & BS A&F students)
Approximate Annual Cost (2025)
- Tuition (2 semesters): Rs. 550,800
- HBS Case Fee: Rs. 15,000
- Other Charges: ~Rs. 10,000
- Total First Year: ~Rs. 610,000 (excluding hostel/mess charges).
International Students
- Annual tuition: USD 5,400 + other charges.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
NUST offers multiple financial support options:
- Merit Scholarships: For students with high CGPA (≥3.5). Monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000–3,000 depending on GPA.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Provided to deserving students after income assessment.
- External Schemes: Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF), Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships, and donor-funded scholarships.
- Alumni & Corporate Scholarships: Some students receive support through alumni associations and corporate partnerships.
Key Dates for NUST Admission 2025
- NET Series-I Registration: Dec 2024 – Jan 2025
- NET Series-I Test: Jan 2025
- NET Series-II Registration: Mar–Apr 2025
- NET Series-II Test: Apr 2025
- NET Series-III Registration: May–Jun 2025
- NET Series-III Test: Jun–Jul 2025
- Final Merit Lists: July 2025
- Classes Begin: Sept 2025
Conclusion
NUST Business School is one of Pakistan’s most competitive and prestigious destinations for undergraduate business education. To secure admission in 2025, students must carefully plan their NET preparation, keep documents ready, and meet deadlines. While the fees are higher compared to public universities, NUST offers world-class facilities, Harvard-style learning, and strong career prospects.
If you’re applying for BBA, BS Accounting & Finance, or BS Economics, make sure to register early, attempt NET multiple times, and aim for a high score to secure your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get admission in NUST Business School?
To get admission, you must meet the eligibility criteria (minimum 60% in Intermediate), apply online through the NUST admissions portal, and achieve a competitive score in the NUST Entry Test (NET). Admissions are merit-based.
What is the last date to apply in NUST 2025?
Exact dates are announced on the official admissions portal. Based on the 2024 schedule, applications closed in June 2024 for NET-III. For 2025, the final application deadline is expected around June–July 2025.
Do NUST offer BBA?
Yes, NUST offers a 4-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program through NUST Business School, Islamabad.
Is NUST Business School worth it?
Yes. NUST Business School is accredited by NBEAC with the highest “W” category, uses Harvard Business School case-study curriculum, and provides strong career opportunities in business and finance.
What is the merit for NUST Business School?
Merit varies each year. In 2024, the closing merit position was around 770 for BBA and 1089 for BS Accounting & Finance.
Which university is best for business in Islamabad?
NUST Business School, Quaid-e-Azam University’s School of Management Sciences, and FAST are top options. Among these, NUST and QAU are most competitive.
Is NUST better than LUMS?
Both are excellent. LUMS has a longer legacy in business education, while NUST offers integration with STEM, lower tuition, and strong industry exposure. The choice depends on career goals and budget. Also, learn about NUST vs FAST in this article.
How much are NUST fees per semester?
For business programs in 2025, the per semester tuition is about Rs. 275,400, excluding one-time charges and HBS case-study fees.
What is the total fee of BBA in Pakistan?
Total fees vary by university. At NUST, a 4-year BBA costs approximately Rs. 2.4–2.6 million. Other private universities like LUMS and IBA Karachi charge higher, while public universities are significantly cheaper.