The University of Agriculture, Peshawar (also known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University or AUP) is a public sector university in Peshawar. It was established in 1981 and is fully recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The university is co-educational.
It focuses on agricultural education, research and outreach across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Graduates work in public and private sectors both in Pakistan and abroad. The main campus is in Peshawar with a sub-campus (Amir Muhammad Khan Campus) in Mardan.
Vision centres on food security and sustainable livelihoods through knowledge and innovation. The university runs basic and applied research and shares findings with farmers through extension programs.
Programs and Degrees
The university has six faculties, multiple departments and institutes offering a wide range of degrees.
Undergraduate Programs (mostly 4 years)
- B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) – 5 years
- BS Food Science & Technology
- BS Human Nutrition & Dietetics
- BS Biotechnology
- BS Microbiology
- BS Computer Science
- BS Information Technology and related computing programs
- BBA (Hons)
- BS English
- Other programs in Rural Development, Rural Sociology, Environmental Sciences, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Medical Lab Technology and more
Diploma Programs
- Diploma in Agricultural Sciences
- Diploma in Veterinary Sciences / Poultry Production & Management (1–3 years depending on the course)
Postgraduate Programs
- M.Sc (Hons) / MS / MPhil in Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Animal Nutrition, Poultry Science, Food Science, Human Nutrition, Rural Development and many other disciplines – usually 2 years
- MBA
- PhD in major agricultural, veterinary and related sciences – 3 years or more
All programs follow standard durations. Agriculture and veterinary degrees emphasise practical field and lab work.
Fee Structure
Fees are charged on a semester basis and remain in the public-sector range.
Approximate semester fees (subject to change):
- B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture and related agriculture programs: Rs 23,000–30,000
- DVM and most BS science programs: Rs 35,000–45,000
- Computing and BBA programs: Rs 35,000–45,000
- Diploma programs: lower, around Rs 20,000–25,000 range
One-time charges include admission, registration and security deposits. Hostel and mess fees are extra. Exact amounts appear in the official fee structure uploaded on the university website each semester.
Students normally pay per semester. Instalment options are limited and decided by the accounts office. Always download the latest fee schedule from aup.edu.pk before applying.
Admissions Information & How to Apply
Admissions open twice a year (Fall and Spring) for most programs. Applications are online through the university portal.
Eligibility (Undergraduate)
- FSc Pre-Medical or Pre-Engineering (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks in both SSC and HSSC for most programs
- DVM and some science programs may require higher marks or specific subjects
- Diploma holders can apply under certain categories with minimum CGPA requirements
Merit formula for bachelor programs is generally 40% SSC + 60% HSSC (Part-I marks accepted provisionally). No entry test is required for most undergraduate seats. Postgraduate programs require GAT (General or Subject) with minimum scores (50% for MS/MPhil, 60% for PhD).
Step-by-step process
- Download the admission form and bank challan from aup.edu.pk when the notice is issued.
- Deposit the non-refundable processing fee (around Rs 1,000 for one category; extra for additional categories) in the designated bank.
- Submit the completed form with attested documents and original bank receipt to the Directorate of Teaching (or upload online as instructed).
- Check merit lists on the university website.
- Report for document verification and fee deposit if selected.
Documents needed: SSC and HSSC certificates, domicile, CNIC, photographs, character certificate and equivalence (if applicable). Hostel seats are allotted on merit and availability. Exact dates and seat lists appear in official admission notices.
Scholarships
The university offers several need-based and merit options:
- HEC Need-Based Scholarship
- PEEF Scholarships (based on previous semester results and family income)
- Honhaar Scholarship (family income limit applies; minimum intermediate marks required)
- Financial Endowment Fund (FEF) Scholarships
- Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Scholarships
- Pak-Scottish Scholarships for female students
- CMEEF and other provincial or donor-funded schemes
Students apply after admission through the Directorate of Financial Assistance. Notices appear regularly on the website. Support usually covers full or partial tuition plus a stipend for needy students.
Campus Life & Culture
The main campus is in Peshawar with proper academic blocks, research labs, experimental farms, library and computer facilities. The Mardan sub-campus offers additional options.
Separate hostels for boys and girls are available on merit. Rooms are shared. Mess facilities exist but many students prefer outside food. Security and basic amenities are provided. Transport is available on limited seats.
Labs and research facilities support agriculture, veterinary and food science students with practical training. Class timings follow the standard semester system. The environment is focused on academics and fieldwork.
Pros: Strong focus on agriculture and veterinary sciences, practical research exposure, affordable public fees, good job placement in the agriculture sector.
Cons: Hostel seats are limited, facilities are functional rather than luxury, and location in Peshawar means dealing with city traffic.
Nearby alternatives include other public universities in Peshawar such as University of Peshawar or specialised institutes. For pure agriculture, AUP remains a leading choice in the province.
FAQs
Is the University of Agriculture Peshawar HEC recognised?
Yes, it is fully recognised by the Higher Education Commission.
When do admissions open?
Admissions open for Fall and Spring semesters. Notices appear on aup.edu.pk. Check the latest advertisement for exact dates.
Is there an entry test?
No entry test for most undergraduate programs. Postgraduate programs require GAT.
What is the approximate fee?
Semester fees range from Rs 23,000 to Rs 45,000 depending on the program (excluding hostel).
Are scholarships available?
Yes. HEC Need-Based, PEEF, Honhaar, FEF, Bait-ul-Mal and other schemes are offered.
Is hostel available?
Yes. Separate hostels for boys and girls on merit and availability of seats.
Is the university co-educational?
Yes.
Contact details
The University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Phone: +92-91-9221304-11
Email: dt@aup.edu.pk (Teaching) or registrar office
Website: aup.edu.pk
