When it comes to choosing a university for further education, students often feel overwhelmed. There’s a lack of clear guidance for them to select the ideal university for their undergraduate studies after finishing their intermediate.

In this article, drawing from our extensive experience in interacting with and counselling hundreds of students, we aim to assist you in finding the perfect university.

It’s recommended that you start exploring career options that align with your interests and future aspirations during your second year of study. Once you have identified suitable career paths, it becomes much simpler to narrow down your university choices.

Many universities are renowned for specific degree programs, so by identifying your career goals, you can tailor your search to find the best-fit university for you.

This ranking of the top 5 universities considers various factors such as educational facilities, academic performance trends, campus environment, student satisfaction, and more. You can use this ranking as a starting point and conduct further research before making your university decision.

Choosing a university involves three main and crucial steps, which we’ll outline first before talking about university rankings, where we’ll discuss the top five public sector universities.

Academic Score

If you’re aiming to secure a spot at a public sector university, one of the initial steps is to achieve a decent score based on the university’s merit calculation formula and the previous year’s merit trends.

For instance, suppose a student is interested in pursuing a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology and has shortlisted three public sector universities. Before applying to these universities, it’s essential to examine the merit trends from the previous year.

If the university of interest closed its merit admissions at 82% aggregate last year, and the student only holds 63% marks, applying to or waiting for admission at that university would be futile. Instead, the student should compile a list of universities where, according to the previous year’s merit trends, there’s a possibility of securing a seat.

Geographic Location

When compiling your list of the best universities for you, it’s important to consider your geographic location. If you’re from Sindh, it’s advisable to explore universities within the province that offer high-quality education.

Often, students overlook their geographic location when selecting a university, and they end up traveling long distances away from home to attend an average institution. This not only incurs unnecessary expenses but may also not be worth the effort.

While traveling far from home isn’t necessarily discouraged, it’s crucial to ensure that the university you’re traveling to justifies the distance and expenses. If the university is truly exceptional and worth the journey, then it may be a valid choice.

However, in most cases, it’s preferable to find a university that allows you to visit home at least once every two weeks, minimizing the burden of distance and maintaining a connection with family and home.

Affordability

The third and arguably most crucial factor is assessing your ability to afford all the expenses associated with a particular university or degree program. When a candidate fails to secure a seat in a public sector university with manageable expenses, they often turn to private sector institutions to pursue their desired degree program.

However, some students overlook their financial limitations, chasing a brighter future without adequate financial planning. Unfortunately, in several cases, students end up either dropping out or struggling to balance their studies with part-time jobs to fund their education, resulting in lower grades.

Ultimately, this leads to wasted time, energy, and investment. It’s essential to consider your financial situation meticulously, taking into account all expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, food, and travel costs associated with your degree program.

By carefully calculating these expenses beforehand, you can make informed decisions and avoid potential setbacks in your academic journey.

University Rankings

Now that we’ve covered all the factors that should be considered before selecting a degree program, let’s move on to discussing the ranking of the top 5 Public Sector Universities.

1. Punjab University Lahore

Punjab University Lahore holds the top position among universities in Pakistan due to its rich legacy, high-quality education across a wide range of degree programs, and the diverse student body it attracts from all corners of the country.

Its leading position is attributed to the extensive variety of degree programs it offers, spanning both sciences and social sciences. Each year, thousands of graduates emerge from Punjab University, excelling in their respective fields.

Additionally, the caliber of students applying to this university is notably high, with most programs maintaining rigorous merit standards compared to other public sector institutions in Pakistan. This fosters a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere conducive to growth and interaction within the university community.

Furthermore, the university’s location in Lahore, known as the city of opportunities, significantly influences its impact and opportunities for students.

2. Quaid e Azam University Islamabad

Ranked second on our list is Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad. Established in July 1967, this esteemed institution comprises four faculties: biological sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and medicine.

Admissions at Quaid-e-Azam University follow a merit-based system, with 50% of seats in each department allocated based on merit and provincial quotas, while the remaining seats are filled based on merit and self-financing, regardless of regional quotas.

The fee structure varies across departments, with an average semester fee ranging from Rs. 50,000 to 100,000.

3. National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Ranked third on our list is the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). Founded in 1991, NUST was established with the primary aim of advancing scientific education within the country. Presently, the university offers a wide array of degree programs in both science and social science fields.

To identify the most qualified candidates, NUST conducts its entry test known as NET, which consists of 8 categories that applicants must select based on their academic background. This entry test holds significant weightage, accounting for 75% of the final merit evaluation.

4. International Islamic University Islamabad

Ranked fourth on our list is the International Islamic University Islamabad. Established in 1980 and restructured in 1985, this university comprises ten faculties, encompassing a wide range of disciplines from computing to Shariah and Law.

If you’re a student interested in Arabic language programs or Islamic law, IIUI is an excellent choice. In 2012, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan ranked this university fourth, reflecting its academic standing and contributions to education in Pakistan.

5. University of Karachi

Occupying the fifth spot on our list is the University of Karachi. Founded in 1951, this esteemed institution provides a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.

UOK follows a specific seat allocation policy, dividing seats into three categories. According to this policy, priority in admission is given to candidates with a Karachi city domicile.

If seats remain available, preference is then extended to candidates with a Sindh domicile. Finally, if vacancies persist, admission is open to candidates from outside Karachi and Sindh.