41 HEC-recognised universities · 16 public · 25 private · 1,506 programmes
Lahore is home to 41 HEC-recognised universities — 16 in the public sector and 25 in the private sector — together offering 1,506 degree programmes (816 bachelor's, 482 master's, 205 PhD, 3 diploma). The strongest fields are Natural Sciences & Mathematics and Medicine & Health. The oldest institution here is National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, established in 1875.
The Lahore campus of COMSATS University offering programmes in computing, engineering and business administration with modern research facilities.
The National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES), Lahore campus is a leading private university and part of Pakistan's first multi-campus IT-focused university (est. 2000 in Lahore). HEC W-category ranked, the Lahore campus offers highly regarded undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, electrical and computer engineering and business, and is known for strong industry links and competitive admissions.
The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is one of Pakistan's leading private research universities, founded in 1984 and based in Sector U, DHA, Lahore Cantt. It is organised into five schools: the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS), the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) and the Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education (SOE). Together they offer 21 undergraduate and 29 graduate programmes spanning business, computer science and engineering, the natural sciences, economics, the humanities and social sciences, law and education. Teaching is in English on a semester system, with the case method central to business education and a liberal-arts core across undergraduate…
Pakistans oldest and most prestigious engineering university. UET Lahore has produced generations of engineers who built the nations infrastructure.
Forman Christian College University (FCCU) is a private, chartered university in Lahore, Pakistan, with roots tracing back to 1864, when American Presbyterian missionary Dr. Charles W. Forman founded Forman Christian College as one of the subcontinents earliest centers of modern higher education. Nationalized in 1972 and returned to its founding board on 19 March 2003, the institution regained degree-granting authority when the Punjab Provincial Assembly awarded it a University Charter on 12 October 2004, after which it began operating as Forman Christian College University. Categorized in HEC W2 and ranked among the countrys top private universities (HEC general category rank #13), FCCU is organized into six faculties -- the School of Management and the Faculties of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education -- alongside its…
Government College University (GCU) Lahore is a public university on Katchery Road in Lahore, Pakistan, with a history stretching back to 1 January 1864, when Government College Lahore opened under the British Raj with Dr. Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner as its first principal -- making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in South Asia. Affiliated with the University of the Punjab from 1882, the college built a reputation over more than a century as one of the subcontinents most prestigious seats of learning before the Government of Punjab granted it university status in 2002, after which it became Government College University while retaining College in its name to honor its heritage. Categorized in HEC W2 and ranked #16 nationally, GCU is organized into faculties of Science and Technology,…
King Edward Medical University (KEMU) is one of Pakistan's oldest and most prestigious medical institutions, founded in 1860 in Lahore and chartered as a public sector university in 2005 under the KEMU Act. Located at Nila Gumbad, Anarkali, KEMU is affiliated with major teaching hospitals including Mayo Hospital, Lady Willingdon Hospital, and Lady Aitchison Hospital, giving students hands-on clinical exposure across Medicine, Surgery, and Allied Health Sciences. The university offers undergraduate programs such as MBBS, Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), BSc Vision Sciences, and a wide range of BSc Allied Health Sciences degrees (Medical Lab Technology, Cardiac Perfusion, Radiotherapy, Anesthesia Technology, and more), alongside Post RN BSN and one of Pakistan's largest postgraduate medical training programs, spanning MD, MS, MDS, MPhil, and PhD specializations in departments such as Internal Medicine, General…
One of Pakistan oldest institutions for women higher education. LCWU offers programmes in sciences, arts, commerce and professional disciplines.
Riphah International University, Lahore is the Lahore campus of Riphah International University, a private, HEC-recognised university with a strong emphasis on health sciences and value-based education. The Lahore campus offers pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, allied health, computing, engineering, business and psychology programmes supported by clinical and laboratory training.
A leading private university in Lahore offering quality programmes in business, computing, law and social sciences. Known for strong industry connections.
The University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore is Pakistans largest health sciences university and the principal regulatory, examining, and degree-awarding body for medical, dental, nursing, and allied health education across Punjab. Established on 2 October 2002, UHS oversees admissions and academic standards for over 140 affiliated public and private medical, dental, and nursing institutions, including conducting the annual Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) for MBBS and BDS seats province-wide, while also directly teaching its own on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at its Jinnah Campus in Kala Shah Kaku and City Campus in Lahore. These direct programmes span Pharm-D, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and BS degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology, Speech and Language Pathology, Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank Technology, and Human Nutrition and…
A private university with a strong focus on management sciences and technology. UMT offers innovative programmes aligned with global business trends.
The oldest and largest university in Pakistan with over 35,000 students. Offers programmes across all major disciplines including sciences, arts and commerce.
A unique private university in Lahore focused on creative disciplines including architecture, arts, design and social sciences.
Information Technology University (ITU), Lahore is a public research university established in 2012 by the Government of the Punjab, located at the Arfa Software Technology Park on Ferozepur Road. Focused on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, ITU is known for its strong programmes in computer science, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence and data science, alongside management, economics and development studies, and hosts research centres in AI, IoT, and technology policy. The university has close links to Pakistan's tech and start-up ecosystem and offers BS, MS and PhD degrees. Admission to undergraduate programmes is via the ITU admission test and merit, while graduate admissions use the ITU test or NTS GAT with interviews.
The Lahore School of Economics (LSE) is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 1993 and known for its rigorous, research-driven education in economics, finance and business. Located on Burki Road in Lahore, LSE offers undergraduate, MPhil and PhD programmes across economics, business administration, accounting and finance, mathematics and statistics, media studies, environmental sciences and art and design, and is recognised for its faculty research, fully funded MPhil/PhD scholarships and strong graduate outcomes.
A rapidly growing private university in Lahore offering programmes in business, computing, engineering and social sciences with a focus on practical education.
The University of Education, Lahore is a public sector university established in 2002 by consolidating several government colleges of education across the Punjab, with its main campus on Lower Mall, Lahore and a network of campuses province-wide. Dedicated to teacher education and allied disciplines, it offers programmes across education, science, arts and social sciences, information technology, management and languages, and is a leading producer of trained teachers, educationists and researchers in Pakistan. Degrees include BS, B.Ed, BBA, MA/MSc, MS/MPhil and PhD across education and academic disciplines. Admission is merit-based through the University of Education admission process, with programme-specific eligibility.
The University of Lahore (UOL) is one of the largest private sector universities in Pakistan, established in 1999 and chartered by the Government of Punjab in 2002. Its sprawling main campus on Defence Road, Lahore, hosts faculties spanning medicine and dentistry (with the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital), pharmacy, allied health sciences, engineering and technology, computer science and IT, management sciences, social sciences, law, media and communication, arts and design, and basic sciences. UOL offers a very broad portfolio of BS, BBA, MBBS, BDS, Pharm.D, DPT, LLB, engineering, MS/MPhil and PhD programmes, and is known for its modern campus, teaching hospital and large student body. Admission to most programmes is via the UOL admission test and merit, with MBBS and BDS following MDCAT and PMDC criteria.
The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore is a public sector university established in 2002, tracing its origins to the Punjab Veterinary College founded in 1882 - one of the oldest veterinary institutions in South Asia. Located on Out Fall Road with additional campuses in Lahore, Pattoki and Jhang, UVAS is Pakistan's premier institution for veterinary medicine, animal and dairy sciences, fisheries and wildlife, biosciences, food science and allied health. It offers DVM, BS, Pharm.D, DPT, MPhil and PhD programmes across veterinary and animal sciences, biosciences and business. Admission to DVM follows a merit formula based on FSc Pre-Medical marks and an entry test, while other programmes use UVAS admission criteria and interviews.
The Ali Institute of Education, Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised degree-awarding institution established in 1995 that specialises in teacher education and educational leadership. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, including B.Ed, BS Education and MPhil Education, focused on professional teacher training and research in pedagogy.
Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) is a public medical university for women in Lahore, established in 1948 as Fatima Jinnah Medical College and granted university status in 2015. Anchored by its historic teaching hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, FJMU trains female doctors and postgraduate specialists across medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology and the basic medical sciences, and is recognised by the PM&DC, CPSP and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Admission to MBBS is through the MDCAT, with the university also conducting its own centralized admission test (JCAT) for various programmes.
Global Institute, Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised degree-awarding institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business administration, commerce, accounting and finance, computer science and information technology, with a focus on affordable, career-oriented education in Lahore.
Green International University (GIU) is a private, HEC-recognised university in Lahore offering undergraduate, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes across business administration, accounting and finance, supply chain, computer science and IT, media, psychology and international relations. A newer addition to Lahore's higher-education landscape, GIU emphasises industry-aligned, career-focused education.
Hajvery University (HU), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 2002, well known for its faculty of fashion and textile design alongside programmes in business, computing, pharmacy, allied health, commerce, media and the humanities. With campuses in Lahore, HU offers associate, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with a strong emphasis on creative and professional disciplines.
Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised institution chartered by the Government of the Punjab that specialises in business, management and commerce alongside computer science. ICBS offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including BBA, B.Com, business and management sciences, computer science, MBA, M.Com and MPhil, with a strong professional and industry orientation.
The Institute of Management Sciences (Pak-AIMS), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised degree-awarding institution established in 1986 as one of Pakistan's pioneering business schools. Pak-AIMS offers undergraduate, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes in business administration, accounting and finance, computer science, software engineering and IT, blending management education with computing.
Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore is a prestigious women's institution on Jail Road, founded in 1913 and granted degree-awarding university status in 2015. One of the most respected women's colleges in Pakistan, Kinnaird is renowned for its liberal arts ethos, academic excellence and distinguished alumnae in public life, arts and academia. It offers BS, BBA and MS/MPhil programmes across the sciences (chemistry, physics, mathematics, botany, zoology, environmental sciences, biotechnology), computer science, business and economics, social sciences, media studies, psychology, English and other languages, education and fine arts. Admission is merit-based for women through the Kinnaird admission test and academic record.
Lahore Garrison University (LGU) is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 2016 under the patronage of the Lahore Garrison, located in DHA Phase VI, Lahore. LGU offers undergraduate, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes across computer science, data science and IT, business and management, life and applied sciences, mathematics, media studies and the social sciences and humanities, combining a disciplined campus culture with industry-oriented and research-based education.
Lahore Institute of Science & Technology (LIST) is a private, HEC-recognised degree-awarding institution in Lahore offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across computer science, software engineering and IT, civil and electrical engineering technology, human nutrition and dietetics and business administration, with a focus on applied, technology-oriented education.
Lahore Leads University (LLU) is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 2011 and located in Lahore, offering 70+ programmes across business and commerce, computer science and IT, law, pharmacy, engineering, mathematics, media, Islamic studies, languages and the social sciences. LLU provides associate, undergraduate, MPhil and PhD degrees with an emphasis on accessible, career-focused higher education.
Minhaj University Lahore (MUL) is a private, HEC-recognised university with roots dating to 1986 and a university charter granted in 2005, established under the Minhaj-ul-Quran movement in Township, Lahore. MUL offers a broad range of undergraduate, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes across computer science and IT, engineering, business and economics, allied health sciences, mathematics and sciences, languages, media, Islamic studies and the social sciences and humanities.
National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore is Pakistan's premier public art and design institution, founded in 1875 as the Mayo School of Industrial Arts and renamed the National College of Arts in 1958. A degree-awarding autonomous institution recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, NCA is organised around its historic departments of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, visual communication, textile, product and ceramic design, architecture, film and television, musicology and cultural studies.
The National College of Business Administration & Economics (NCBA&E), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 1994 and located in Gulberg, Lahore. Building on its strengths in business, economics and quantitative sciences, NCBA&E offers undergraduate, master's, MPhil and PhD programmes across business administration, accounting and finance, commerce, economics, computer science, telecommunication, mathematics, statistics and fine arts.
NUR International University (NIU), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 2017 with a strong focus on health sciences. Organised into faculties of applied sciences, basic sciences, nursing and allied health sciences, arts and humanities and management sciences, NIU offers physiotherapy, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, biotechnology, computing and business programmes supported by clinical and laboratory training.
Punjab Tianjin University of Technology (PTUT), Lahore is a public technology university established by the Government of the Punjab in 2019 in collaboration with the Tianjin University of Technology and Education, China. Located on Raiwind Road, PTUT focuses on applied, industry-oriented engineering technology education, offering four-year BS/B.Tech degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil and automobile engineering technology alongside architecture and fashion design technology, and is recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Qarshi University (QU), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised university established in 2011 by the Qarshi Foundation, distinguished by its strengths in pharmacy, herbal and Eastern medicine alongside computer science, business and the sciences. Located on Raiwind Road, Lahore, QU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including Pharm.D, Eastern medicine, biotechnology, nutrition, computer science and business administration, blending professional health education with research.
Rashid Latif Khan University (RLKU) is a private, HEC-recognised university in Lahore that grew out of Rashid Latif Medical College (established 2010) and was granted university status in 2021. Anchored by the Rashid Latif Medical Complex, RLKU offers medical, dental, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, allied health and professional psychology programmes alongside computing and business, combining clinical training with modern professional education.
The University of Home Economics (UHE), Lahore is a public women's university that grew out of the Government College of Home Economics (founded 1955) and was granted university status in 2012. Recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, UHE offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across food and nutrition, fashion and textile design, interior and art design, human development, applied psychology, computer science and the social sciences, blending professional skills with academic research to prepare women for diverse careers.
The University of South Asia (USA), Lahore is a private, HEC-recognised university chartered in 2005, offering multidisciplinary bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across computer science, engineering, architecture, fashion and interior design, business and management, law, health sciences and the humanities. With campuses in Lahore, USA combines professional, industry-focused education with research and design studios to prepare graduates for careers in technology, business and the creative industries.
Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) is Pakistan's first public online and distance-learning university, established by the Federal Government in 2002 and headquartered in Lahore. Recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, VU delivers fully online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programmes across computer science, information technology, business, commerce, education, mathematics, the sciences and the humanities through video lectures and a nationwide network of campuses and study centres, making quality higher education accessible to students across Pakistan and overseas.
There are 41 HEC-recognised universities in Lahore listed on PakMerit - 16 public sector and 25 private sector institutions.
Universities in Lahore offer 1,506 degree programmes, including 816 bachelor's, 482 master's, 205 PhD, 3 diploma programmes.
Universities in Lahore holding the highest HEC categories (W1/W2) include COMSATS University Lahore, FAST-NUCES Lahore (National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore, Forman Christian College University (FCCU).
The most widely offered fields in Lahore are Natural Sciences & Mathematics (247), Medicine & Health (221), Business & Management (207), Computer Science & IT (176).
National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore is the oldest institution listed in Lahore, established in 1875.