Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad is one of the best and top-ranking universities in Pakistan as well as in Islamabad. It offers various academic programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
QAU was established in 1967, and it is a public university. It is named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This university has excellent academics and research contributions in various fields. That’s why QAU is one of the most prestigious universities in Pakistan.
Let’s start the overview of QAU with its history.
History of Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad
It was established in 1967 as the University of Islamabad. The aim was to focus on research and teaching in advanced fields of social and natural sciences.
QAU started with only two faculties: The Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Later, it added the Faculty of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine. The university also established numerous schools, institutes, and centers.
QAU has produced many leaders, scientists, eminent scholars, and professionals. These all have made significant contributions in their respective fields. It has also been known by many national and international platforms for its research, academic excellence, innovations, and quality education.
Ranking of Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad
The following table shows the ranking of QAU:
| Global (Overall) | ARWU World: 701-800 |
| QS World: 363 | |
| The World: 401-500 | |
| USNWR Global: 451 | |
| Global (Employability) | QS Employability: 19.8 |
| Regional (Overall) | QS Asia: 91 |
| THE Asia: 79 | |
| National (Overall) | HEC National: 1 |
Faculties and Departments of QAU
Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad has 38 departments, schools, centers, and institutes and four faculties. These offer a wide range of academic programs in different disciplines. The following table shows a brief overview of each faculty and its department.
| Faculties | Departments |
| Natural Sciences | Department of Chemistry |
| Department of Computer Science (ranked 201st worldwide) | |
| Department of Earth Sciences | |
| Department of Electronics | |
| Institute of Information Technology (ranked 201st worldwide) | |
| Department of Mathematics (ranked 225th worldwide) | |
| Department of Physics (ranked 225th worldwide) | |
| Department of Statistics | |
| Biological Sciences | National Centre for Bioinformatics |
| Department of Animal Sciences | |
| Department of Biochemistry | |
| Department of Microbiology | |
| Department of Plant Sciences (ranked 125th worldwide) | |
| Department of Environmental Sciences | |
| QAU School of Medicine | |
| Department of Pharmacy | |
| Department of Biotechnology | |
| Social Sciences | School of Law |
| Quaid-e-Azam School of Management Sciences | |
| Department of Anthropology | |
| Department of Sociology | |
| Department of Linguistics | |
| Department of Defence & Strategic Studies | |
| School of Economics | |
| Department of History | |
| School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) | |
| Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations | |
| Department of Psychology | |
| Department of Education | |
| Medical Science | Quaid-e-Azam Postgraduate Medical College |
| Institutes | National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR) Centre for Excellence |
| Saulat Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research | |
| Centre of Excellence in Gender Studies | |
| National Institute of Psychology | |
| National Institute of Pakistan Studies | |
| Area Study Centre for Africa, North and South America |
Research and Innovation
QAU has several research centers and institutes that conduct research on different topics, from natural sciences to social sciences. The university also has entrepreneurship and innovations through its Technology Incubation Center. Hence, it provides support to startups and entrepreneurs. Some of the main research centers at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad are:
- National Centre for Physics
- The Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics
- The Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, offers various scholarships and financial aid to needy and deserving students based on their needs and merit. Prime Minister Laptop Scheme and the HEC need-based scholarships are two of them. It has a student financial aid office to provide financial assistance to students.
Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad Admission Process
For admission at QAU, students must meet the eligibility criteria for their desired program. The admission process includes an entrance test and an interview for shortlisted candidates.
Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad Admissions are open twice a year: for the spring semester (January-June) and fall semester (July-December). Following are some general steps for the admission process:
- Open the QAU website and check the eligibility criteria for your desired program.
- Then, fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application processing fee online or through a bank channel.
- Wait for the merit list announcement on the QAU website.
- If you are selected, download your admission offer letter.
Conclusion
Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad has an excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant student community. It offers various undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
This university is an excellent choice for students who are looking for research opportunities and quality education in Pakistan.
FAQs
Where is Quaid-e-Azam University located?
It is located in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.
What are the admission requirements for QAU?
The admission requirements depend on the chosen program. Generally, applicant must have at least 45% marks in their intermediate education. Along with it, they must also have passed a university test.
How do I apply for admission to QAU?
Open the QAU website and complete the application process. The required documents are educational transcripts, CNIC/B-form, and admission test results.
Does QAU have a hostel for students?
The answer is yes. QAU has several hostels for male and female students. Students get meals, accommodation, and other basic facilities at a reasonable cost.
What are the programs offered at QAU?
QAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
