NUST Fee Structure 2026 – Program-Wise Cost Breakdown & Scholarships

NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology) maintains one of Pakistan's most competitive admission processes, primarily conducted through the NET (NUST Entry Test). For undergraduate admissions, candidates must have completed FSc (Pre-Engineering/ICS), A-Level, or an equivalent qualification with minimum 60% marks. The NET evaluates applicants in Mathematics, Physics, and English, with computer-based testing conducted in multiple sessions throughout the year. Students looking to ace the NET can explore NUST ECAT preparation online to get started.International students can apply with either NET or SAT scores.

NUST's admission merit considers 75% NET score and 25% FSc/A-Level marks for most undergraduate programs. The university offers comprehensive programs across various fields, including Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, with separate admission criteria for medical programs through NUMS MDCAT. Given NUST's prestigious standing, successful candidates typically score above 140 out of 200 in NET to secure admission in popular engineering programs.

When applying to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), it's essential to have a thorough understanding of the NUST fee structure. NUST charges fees primarily based on the program category (Engineering/Computing vs Business/Social Sciences) and student category (local vs international). Here, we'll break down the NUST fee structure in detail based on the official 2025-26 figures, so you can plan ahead for your academic journey in 2026.

The fee structure of NUST is divided into two main components:

1. Admission Fee: A one-time fee paid upon admission.
2. Semester Fee: Charged at the start of every semester, covering tuition and other university services.

Let's dive deeper into the NUST fee structure per semester by program.

As per the official NUST 2025-26 fee structure, per-semester tuition is set by program category. Here's the breakdown for national (local) students:

This means that for NUST software engineering and other engineering disciplines, the per-semester tuition is Rs. 197,050, while business studies programs (BBA, BS Accounting & Finance, BS Economics) are charged Rs. 275,400 per semester.

In addition to tuition, the following charges apply per semester:

• Miscellaneous Charges (sports, library, health coverage, IT services): Rs. 5,000 per semester
• HBS Licensing Fee: Rs. 15,000 per year — applicable only to BBA, BS Accounting & Finance, and BS Tourism & Hospitality Management students

NUST differentiates its fee structure based on the student's nationality:

• Local Students: Per-semester tuition is Rs. 197,050 (Engineering/Computing) or Rs. 275,400 (Business/Social Sciences), plus a one-time admission fee and recurring miscellaneous charges.
• International Students: Charged in USD, with tuition of USD 5,400 per annum for all undergraduate programs, plus a USD 600 admission processing fee and a USD 250 refundable security deposit. International business students also pay a USD 50/year HBS licensing fee where applicable.

Admission Fee

All new students are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable admission processing fee of Rs. 35,000 at the time of enrollment.

Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit of Rs. 10,000 is payable at the time of admission and returned when you leave the university (subject to clearance).

Miscellaneous & Other Charges

In addition to tuition, students account for:

• Miscellaneous Charges: Rs. 5,000 per semester (sports, library, health, IT)
• HBS Licensing Fee: Rs. 15,000/year (BBA, BS A&F, BS Tourism & Hospitality only)
• Summer semester / course repeat / improvement: Rs. 8,000 per credit hour
• Hostel Charges: Vary by accommodation, for students opting for on-campus residence (charged separately from tuition)

While NUST's fee structure might seem steep for some, the university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support deserving students. These scholarships are based on academic merit, financial need, and extracurricular achievements. Some of the most common scholarships include:

1. Need-Based Scholarships: For students facing financial difficulties.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with top scores in NET and academics. Boost your NET score by joining live ECAT prep classes. A higher score means a better shot at merit scholarships.
3. External Scholarships: Scholarships offered by external organizations in collaboration with NUST.

These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are a great resource for students.

To view the detailed NUST university fee structure per semester, applicants can visit the official NUST admissions page. The website provides a breakdown of fees for all programs and campuses, along with deadlines for payment.

Step-by-Step Guide to NUST Admissions

1. Check the NUST Admission Portal: All details about the NUST fee structure and other admission-related queries can be found on the official NUST website.
2. Create an Account: Applicants must first create an account on the NUST admission portal.
3. Fill in Application Details: Enter your program of choice and campus.
4. Review Fee Structure: Ensure you understand the specific NUST university fee structure for your program before submitting the application.
5. Submit Application: Once you’ve filled out all required details, submit your application, and prepare to pay the admission fee.

Understanding the NUST fee structure is crucial for planning your academic journey at one of Pakistan's most prestigious universities.

• NUST tuition is set by program category.
• Engineering/Computing programs cost Rs. 197,050 per semester; Business/Social Sciences programs cost Rs. 275,400 per semester (2025-26 official figures).
• A one-time admission fee of Rs. 35,000 and a refundable Rs. 10,000 security deposit apply to all students.
• International students pay USD 5,400 per annum in tuition.
• Scholarships and financial aid are available for deserving students.
• Start early with ECAT video lectures online to cover Math, Physics, and English at your own pace before the NET sessions begin.

All fees are subject to revision; always confirm the latest figures on the official NUST website. Pair your planning with early prep by joining Maqsad's ECAT preparation course to maximise your NET score and your chances of a merit scholarship.