Do you want to pursue a career in space science and engineering? Then, apply or want to get admission in 2024 at the Institute of Space Technology Islamabad in short form known as (IST). It is a public university established in 2002. It aims to provide specialized education and research in astronautics, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. IST is affiliated with the Pakistan National Space Agency (PNSA).
IST collaborates with international organizations and universities such as the Universities of Surrey and Beihang University. This university has launched a satellite (iCUBE-1) into the lower Earth orbit. This article will give you an overview of the Institute of Space Technology Islamabad, its academic programs, facilities, and more.
History of Institute of Space Technology Islamabad
IST is a public university in Islamabad specializing in aerospace engineering and related fields. It was established by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan’s national space agency.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, such as remote sensing, satellite engineering, geographic information systems, space flight dynamics, materials science and engineering, and aerospace engineering.
The main purpose of the Institute of Space Technology Islamabad is to produce highly skilled experts who can contribute to advancing space technology in Pakistan and the world.
Academic Programs
This university offers various undergraduate and graduate degrees in space science and engineering. The regular duration of BS and MS/MPhil degree programs is four and two years, while the Ph.D. programs are offered part-time or full-time. It depends on the availability of resources and supervisors.
| Discipline | Degree Program | ||
| BS / BE | MS / M Phil | Ph.D. | |
| Aerospace Engineering | Yes | Yes | |
| Avionics Engineering | |||
| Electrical Engineering | Yes | Yes | |
| Materials Science & Engineering | |||
| Mechanical Engineering | |||
| Computer Science | |||
| Space Science | Yes | ||
| Mathematics | |||
| Physics | |||
Departments
Currently, the Institute of Space Technology Islamabad has the following Departments:
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Aeronautics & Astronautics
- Space Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics & Statistics
- National Centre for Remote-Sensing & Geo-Informatics
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Humanities & Sciences
- Avionics Engineering
Each discipline has its department responsible for delivering and designing the curriculum, providing academic guidance to the students, and conducting research. The departments have experienced and qualified faculty members. They have expertise in various engineering and space science areas.
The curriculum of each degree is to equip the students with the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge they need for their future careers. It is designed to meet international standards.
The courses cover the following topics
- Space Dynamics
- Orbital Mechanics
- Spacecraft Design
- Propulsion Systems
- Control Systems
- Communication Systems
- Remote Sensing
- Satellite Imagery
- Materials Characterization
- Nanotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Numerical Analysis
- Differential Equations
- Quantum Mechanics
- Relativity
Fee Structure at Institute of Space Technology Islamabad
Following is the list of fee structures of different programs at IST Islamabad.
Engineering Programs
The list of Engineering programs is below:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Avionics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
| One Time Charges | Local Fee Structure (Pak Rs) | Intl Fee Structure (US $) |
| Admission Fee | 30,000 | 2,000 |
| Endowment Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Library Development Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Total Time Charges | 40,000 | 2,500 |
| Per Semester Charges | (Pak Rs) | (US $) |
| Tuition Fee | 108,900 | 4,235 |
| Service Charges | 7,000 | 250 |
| Safe/ Smart Campus Charges | 2,000 | 250 |
| Total Per Semester Charges | 117,900 | 4,735 |
Computer Science
| One Time Charges | Local Fee Structure (Pak Rs) | Intl Fee Structure (US $) |
| Admission Fee | 30,000 | 2,000 |
| Endowment Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Library Development Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Total Time Charges | 40,000 | 2,500 |
| Per Semester Charges | (Pak Rs) | (US $) |
| Tuition Fee | 91,960 | 3,812 |
| Service Charges | 7,000 | 250 |
| Safe/ Smart Campus Charges | 2,000 | 250 |
| Total Per Semester Charges | 100,960 | 4,312 |
Space Science
| One Time Charges | Local Fee Structure (Pak Rs) | Intl Fee Structure (US $) |
| Admission Fee | 30,000 | 2,000 |
| Endowment Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Library Development Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Total Time Charges | 40,000 | 2,500 |
| Per Semester Charges | (Pak Rs) | (US $) |
| Tuition Fee | 91,960 | 3,812 |
| Service Charges | 7,000 | 250 |
| Safe/ Smart Campus Charges | 2,000 | 250 |
| Total Per Semester Charges | 100,960 | 4,312 |
Physics
| One Time Charges | Local Fee Structure (Pak Rs) | Intl Fee Structure (US $) |
| Admission Fee | 30,000 | 2,000 |
| Endowment Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Library Development Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Total Time Charges | 40,000 | 2,500 |
| Per Semester Charges | (Pak Rs) | (US $) |
| Tuition Fee | 60,500 | 2,517 |
| Service Charges | 7,000 | 250 |
| Safe/ Smart Campus Charges | 2,000 | 250 |
| Total Per Semester Charges | 69,500 | 3,017 |
Mathematics
| One Time Charges | Local Fee Structure (Pak Rs) | Intl Fee Structure (US $) |
| Admission Fee | 30,000 | 2,000 |
| Endowment Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Library Development Fund | 5,000 | 250 |
| Total Time Charges | 40,000 | 2,500 |
| Per Semester Charges | (Pak Rs) | (US $) |
| Tuition Fee | 60,500 | 2,517 |
| Service Charges | 7,000 | 250 |
| Safe/ Smart Campus Charges | 2,000 | 250 |
| Total Per Semester Charges | 69,500 | 3,017 |
Achievements
Since its inception, the Institute of Space Technology Islamabad has significantly contributed to space technology. The institute has designed and built several satellites, including the PAKSAT-1R. It is the Pakistan’s largest and most advanced communication satellite.
It has also designed and built the Remote Sensing Satellite. This satellite is used for remote sensing applications such as environmental monitoring, land use, land cover mapping, and disaster management.
Conclusion
Institute of Space Technology (IST) Islamabad is an HEC-recognized university and one of Pakistan’s most prestigious space technology institutions. It has significantly contributed to space technology, such as designing and developing various satellites and aerospace systems. The future of this institute looks bright in the field of space technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is IST accredited?
A: IST is accredited by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and other relevant accreditation bodies.
Q: Where is the Institute of Space Technology (IST) Islamabad located?
A: It is located in Islamabad Expressway, Sector H DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Q: Is IST a public or private university?
A: IST is a public research university.
Q: What are the admission requirements for IST?
A: Admission requirements at IST vary by program. Generally, it includes a high school diploma or equivalent, entrance exam scores, and a certain English proficiency level.
