Okay, let us talk about Preston University. If you are from KPK or Islamabad and you have been hunting for a private university that will not drain your father’s pension, you have probably seen this name pop up. It has been around since 1984 — which makes it one of the oldest private universities in Pakistan. Started as the School of Business and Commerce, got chartered by the Governor of KPK, and now runs programs from diplomas all the way to PhD.
But here is the thing you need to know before you even think about applying: Preston University, Kohat is HEC-recognized. The main campus is in Kohat. The Islamabad campus is also listed on their official website and appears to be part of their approved setup. However — and this is a big however — HEC has warned students about unauthorized sub-campuses and franchises operating outside a university’s legal boundaries. Always verify the exact campus you are applying to on the official HEC university directory before you pay a single rupee.
The university sits on a proper campus — not some rented building. They have got morning and evening sessions, which is great if you work or have family responsibilities. And the best part? They offer monthly installment plans for fees. That is rare among Pakistani universities, and it genuinely helps families who cannot pay a massive lump sum every semester.
So let us break it down — what you can study, what it actually costs, and whether you should apply.
Preston University at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Preston University |
| Type | Private Sector University |
| Chartered | 1984 (as School of Business and Commerce), later upgraded |
| Chartered By | Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Recognized By | HEC |
| Accreditations | NBEAC (Business), NCEAC (Computing) |
| Campuses | Kohat (Main), Islamabad |
| Sessions | Morning & Evening |
| Phone | +92-51-8491300 |
| info@preston.edu |
What Can You Actually Study?
Preston has a wide spread — from short diplomas to PhD programs. Here is the full list.
Diplomas & Short Courses
| Program | Duration |
| Diploma in Cyber Security | 6 Months – 1 Year |
| Diploma in Artificial Intelligence | 6 Months – 1 Year |
| Diploma in Digital Marketing | 6 Months – 1 Year |
| Diploma in Project Management | 6 Months – 1 Year |
Associate Degree Programs (ADP) — 2 Years
| Program | Campus |
| ADP Computer Science | Islamabad |
| ADP Business Administration | Islamabad |
| ADP Commerce / Finance & Accounting | Islamabad |
| ADP Psychology, Economics, Maths, IR | Islamabad |
| ADP Biotechnology, Chemistry, Electronics, Nanoscience | Islamabad |
Bachelor’s Programs (BS / BBA) — 4 Years
| Program | Campus |
| BBA (Honors) | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS Computer Science (BSCS) | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS Psychology | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS Economics | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS International Relations | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS Mathematics | Kohat & Islamabad |
| BS Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Islamabad |
| BS Nanoscience & Nanotechnology | Islamabad |
| B.Ed (2.5 Years) | Islamabad |
| B.Ed (1.5 Years) | Kohat |
Master’s Programs (MS / MPhil) — 2 Years
| Program |
| MS Management Sciences |
| MS Computer Science |
| MS Biology |
| MPhil Education |
PhD Programs — 3 to 5 Years
| Program |
| PhD Management Sciences |
| PhD Computer Science |
| PhD Education |
The Money Talk: What Are You Actually Paying?
Here is where Preston gets interesting. They publish their full fee breakdown online — every credit hour, every lab fee, every registration charge. No hidden nonsense. And they offer two payment options: monthly installments or semester-wise lump sum.
BBA Fee — Kohat Campus (July 2024 Fee Structure)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 8,000 |
| Tuition Fee (123 credits @ Rs. 1,200/hr) | 147,600 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 3,000) | 24,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 3,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 230,600 |
Payment Option 1 — Monthly Installments:
- Admission + Security: Rs. 11,000
- 1st Installment: Rs. 3,400
- Total on Admission: Rs. 14,400
- Monthly Installment: Rs. 4,600 (for 47 months)
Payment Option 2 — Semester Lump Sum:
- First Semester: Rs. 34,600
- Every Subsequent Semester (7 semesters): Rs. 28,000
BBA Fee — Islamabad Campus (August 2025 Fee Structure)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 10,000 |
| Tuition Fee (123 credits @ Rs. 4,300/hr) | 528,900 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 5,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 639,900 |
Payment Option 1 — Monthly Installments:
- Admission + Security: Rs. 15,000
- 1st Installment: Rs. 13,900
- Total on Admission: Rs. 28,900
- Monthly Installment: Rs. 13,000 (for 47 months)
Payment Option 2 — Semester Lump Sum:
- First Semester: Rs. 93,900
- Every Subsequent Semester (7 semesters): Rs. 78,000
BSCS Fee — Kohat Campus (September 2024 Fee Structure)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 8,000 |
| Tuition Fee (134 credits @ Rs. 1,200/hr) | 160,800 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 3,000) | 24,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 3,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 243,800 |
Payment Option 1 — Monthly Installments:
- Admission + Security: Rs. 11,000
- 1st Installment: Rs. 2,500
- Total on Admission: Rs. 13,500
- Monthly Installment: Rs. 4,900 (for 47 months)
Payment Option 2 — Semester Lump Sum:
- First Semester: Rs. 33,800
- Every Subsequent Semester (7 semesters): Rs. 30,000
BSCS Fee — Islamabad Campus (August 2025 Fee Structure)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 10,000 |
| Tuition Fee (134 credits @ Rs. 4,400/hr) | 589,600 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 5,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 700,600 |
Payment Option 1 — Monthly Installments:
- Admission + Security: Rs. 15,000
- 1st Installment: Rs. 13,500
- Total on Admission: Rs. 28,500
- Monthly Installment: Rs. 14,300 (for 47 months)
Payment Option 2 — Semester Lump Sum:
- First Semester: Rs. 90,200
- Every Subsequent Semester (7 semesters): Rs. 87,000
BS Psychology, Economics, IR, Maths — Kohat Campus
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 8,000 |
| Tuition Fee (123 credits @ Rs. 900/hr) | 110,700 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 3,000) | 24,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 3,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 193,700 |
Monthly Installment: Rs. 3,800 (for 47 months)
BS Psychology, Economics, IR, Maths — Islamabad Campus (August 2025)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 8,000 |
| Tuition Fee (123 credits @ Rs. 2,800/hr) | 344,400 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 5,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 453,400 |
Monthly Installment: Rs. 9,200 (for 47 months)
BS Biology, Chemistry, Physics — Islamabad Campus (August 2025)
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 8,000 |
| Tuition Fee (130 credits @ Rs. 2,400/hr) | 312,000 |
| Registration Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Computer Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 6,000) | 48,000 |
| Science Lab Fee (8 semesters @ Rs. 5,800) | 46,400 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 5,000 |
| Total 4-Year Fee | Rs. 467,400 |
Monthly Installment: Rs. 9,500 (for 47 months)
B.Ed 2.5 Years — Islamabad Campus
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 4,000 |
| Tuition Fee (90 credits @ Rs. 900/hr) | 81,000 |
| Registration Fee (5 semesters @ Rs. 3,000) | 15,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 3,000 |
| Total Fee | Rs. 101,000 |
Monthly Installment: Rs. 3,200 (for 30 months)
B.Ed 1.5 Years — Kohat Campus
| Fee Head | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee (One-Time) | 3,000 |
| Tuition Fee (56 credits @ Rs. 600/hr) | 33,600 |
| Registration Fee (3 semesters @ Rs. 3,000) | 9,000 |
| Security Deposit (Refundable) | 1,000 |
| Total Fee | Rs. 46,600 |
Monthly Installment: Rs. 2,300
Important Rules:
- Fees once deposited are not refundable except security deposits.
- Monthly tuition must be paid by the 10th of each month or fines apply.
- The university can change fees anytime without notice.
- Exemption from a course costs Rs. 3,500 per subject.
Can You Get In? Eligibility Breakdown
For BS / BBA / ADP Programs
- Minimum 45-50% marks in Intermediate (FA, FSc Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical, ICS, I.Com) or A-Level equivalent with IBCC
- Some programs may require specific subject combinations
For MS / MPhil Programs
- 16 years of relevant education (BS 4-Year or Master’s)
- Minimum 2.5 CGPA out of 4.0 or 50% marks in annual system
- Passing score on Preston Entry Test or NTS GAT-General
For PhD Programs
- MS/MPhil or equivalent with minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0
- Research thesis completed
- Passing score on GAT-Subject or university entrance test
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Go to preston.edu.pk or preston.net.pk
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload or submit attested copies of:
- SSC and HSSC marksheets
- CNIC or B-Form
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Bachelor’s/Master’s transcripts (for postgraduate)
- Pay the non-refundable application processing fee via bank challan at designated branches
- Appear for the department-specific entry test and interview if required
- Check the merit list
- If selected, pay your semester fee or set up monthly installments before the deadline
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Preston University offers:
- Merit-based scholarships for high achievers
- Need-based concessions for deserving students
- Kinship discounts for siblings
- Monthly installment plans — which is basically financial aid for families who cannot pay lump sums
The installment option is genuinely useful. Not many Pakistani universities offer this flexibility.
FAQs — The Stuff Everyone Actually Asks
Yes. Preston University, Kohat is recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. However, always verify the specific campus you are applying to on the official HEC directory, as HEC has warned about unauthorized sub-campuses.
The Islamabad campus is listed on Preston’s official website as an approved campus. But HEC guidelines are strict about sub-campuses. Verify directly on hec.gov.pk before enrolling.
The B.Ed 1.5 Years at Kohat Campus costs only Rs. 46,600 total. That is roughly Rs. 2,300 per month on installments. For a university degree, that is incredibly cheap.
Yes. Preston University offers monthly installment plans for almost all programs. For example, BBA at Kohat is Rs. 4,600/month, and BSCS at Kohat is Rs. 4,900/month. This is a huge advantage for working families.
No. Fees once deposited are not refundable under any circumstances. Only the security deposit is refundable. Think carefully before paying.
Yes. Massive difference. BBA at Kohat costs Rs. 230,600 total. BBA at Islamabad costs Rs. 639,900 total. That is almost three times more. BSCS at Kohat is Rs. 243,800. At Islamabad, it is Rs. 700,600. If you can commute to Kohat, you save lakhs.
Yes. Preston runs both morning and evening sessions, which is great if you work or have other daytime commitments.
Monthly tuition must be paid by the 10th of each month. Late payments incur fines as per university policy. Do not miss the deadline.
Yes, but you pay Rs. 3,500 per subject as an exemption fee. This applies if you are transferring credits or have already covered the material elsewhere.
You need to confirm this directly with the campus you are applying to. Facilities vary between Kohat and Islamabad.
The university explicitly states they can change fees anytime at their discretion. Do not assume the fee you see today will be the same next year.
My Honest Take (Not Sponsored, Obviously)
Here is the deal with Preston. It is not glamorous. It is not going to impress anyone at a dinner party. But it is functional, affordable, and flexible.
The Kohat campus fees are genuinely cheap for a private university. BBA for Rs. 230,600 total over 4 years? That is less than what some universities charge per semester. BSCS for Rs. 243,800 total? That is roughly Rs. 60,000 per year. For a computing degree, that is a steal.
The monthly installment option is the real game-changer. Rs. 4,600 per month for BBA at Kohat. Rs. 4,900 per month for BSCS. That is less than many families spend on mobile phone bills. If you are working part-time or your parents have a tight budget, this makes university actually accessible.
The catch? The Islamabad campus is three times more expensive than Kohat for the same degrees. If you are in Islamabad and thinking about Preston, ask yourself if you can somehow make the Kohat campus work. The commute might be worth the savings.
Also, Preston University is old but not prestigious. The alumni network is not massive. The campus facilities are functional, not fancy. And the HEC sub-campus warning means you need to be extra careful about which location you enroll at.
Bottom line: If you want a cheap, flexible, HEC-recognized private degree in KPK or Islamabad, and you do not care about brand names, Preston University is worth a serious look. The monthly installment plans alone make it stand out from 90% of Pakistani universities.
Ready to apply? Visit preston.edu.pk, check which campus and program fits your budget, and start your online application. Call +92-51-8491300 if you get stuck. And remember — fees are not refundable, so be 100% sure before you pay.
Good luck.
