Home > The Learning Republic

Higher Education in Pakistan: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Pakistani university students symbolizing future leaders, standing confidently with blended backgrounds of industry, agriculture, and logistics
Pakistani university students studying in a modern campus, symbolizing the growth and opportunities in higher education in Pakistan
Pakistani university agriculture students conducting fieldwork in wheat cultivation, representing modern education and research opportunities at top-ranking universities in Pakistan such as LUMS
Contrast of Pakistani education system — poor condition of primary and secondary schools on one side, modern international-standard universities on the other, daytime panoramic view

Pakistani students in smart casual attire, including scarf-wearing females, exploring admission opportunities in Pakistan while standing against a blended backdrop of Dubai and Lahore landmarks

How many Universities in Pakistan?

As of 2024, universities in Pakistan include public, private, military, and HEC recognized institutions. The country houses approximately 262 universities. These institutions significantly contribute to higher education and research in Pakistan, producing nearly 445,000 graduates each year. An alternative source lists 244 HEC recognized universities with 145 being public and 99 private.

How many levels of education in Pakistan?

Pakistan is organized in six levels of education: Pre-primary, Primary, Middle, Secondary Matric, Higher Secondary (Intermediate), and Tertiary (University). These educational levels create a progressive framework which advances from elementary education to specialized training. This gradual advancement structure supports the educational system in Pakistan.

How many universities in Pakistan 2024?

In 2024, the total number of universities in Pakistan stood at 262, covering a mix of public and private as well as military higher education institutions recognized by HEC. These institutions represent the pillars of higher education in Pakistan and cater to a wide spectrum of academic disciplines and professional training offered across the country.

What Changes Can Be Made to Higher Education in Pakistan?

To enhance higher education in Pakistan, the blueprint focuses on upgrading the digital infrastructure for the leading universities in Lahore and the rest of Pakistan, improving governance and research productivity, advancing faculty development processes, increasing the number of need-based scholarships, and expanding industry-academia collaboration. This approach can make a greater number of local universities achieve a better position in the global rankings and serve national as well as international students more efficiently.

What Changes Can Be Made to The Higher Education System in Pakistan?

Addressing Pakistan’s Higher Education System Shortcomings requires meeting international standards: Introduction of digital literacy, quality assurance, research, faculty upskilling, performance evaluation benchmarks, and met by Top Private Universities in Lahore are all prerequisites. This can be achieved by employing data-based governance and student feedback loops.

How Many Universities Are There in KPK Pakistan?

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has 25 universities and degree awarding institutions as of  2023. These are central to the expansion of higher education in Pakistan beyond the central hubs of Lahore and represent regional augmenter of equitable resource distribution.

Number of Colleges in Pakistan

As of 2021-2022, Pakistan has approximately 3,000 degree-awarding colleges and 3,729 vocational and technical institutes. These colleges are essential to the nation’s system of tertiary education and are designed to work alongside and complement the traditional universities in Pakistan. 

Estimated Number of Universities in 2025

For 2025, no specific estimates are available yet. However, it is anticipated that the number of universities in the country would continue to rise. This is based on existing trends, which suggest that the total number of universities in Pakistan may reach 262 in 2025. 

Number of Universities in Pakistan 2024

In 2024, Pakistan had around 262 universities that were recognized by the HEC. These universities form the backbone of the Higher Education system in Pakistan and cover multiple disciplines and types of governance in educational administration. 

NTS Acceptance by Universities

There is no information available on which universities in Pakistan accept the NTS for admissions. This varies from one institution and program to another. Students eager to know the details should check specific university admission guidelines.

Authors

Mr. Huzaifa Kermani : Mr Huzaifa Kermani is regarded as the best Digital Media Expert in Lahore. He is currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at NUR Fatima Memorial System.

Mr Farhan S. Sherazi : Mr Farhan S. Sherazi is serving as Director NUR Centre for Professional Development / NUR International University