Okay, real talk. If you are from Peshawar or Dera Ismail Khan and you are tired of hearing about the same three universities everyone applies to, you have probably stumbled across Qurtuba University of Science & Information Technology (QUSIT) at some point. It is not flashy. It does not have billboards on every street corner. But it has been around since 2001, which makes it one of the older private universities in KPK. And honestly? It is doing some things right.
The name comes from Córdoba — yeah, the medieval Spanish city that was once the center of learning in the Islamic world. Madinat-ul-Ilm, they call it. A bit dramatic? Maybe. But the university genuinely tries to mix modern science with ethical values. Whether they succeed is up to you to decide.
They have got two campuses — one in Peshawar (Hayatabad, Phase III) and one in Dera Ismail Khan. Both are in KPK, both are HEC-recognized, and both are chartered by the Governor of KPK. The Peshawar campus is the main hub for most programs. The DI Khan campus handles its own set of students.
So let us get into what actually matters — programs, fees, and whether you should bother applying.
Qurtuba University at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Qurtuba University of Science & Information Technology |
| Type | Private Sector Research University |
| Chartered | August 30, 2001 (by Governor of KPK) |
| Recognized By | HEC |
| Accreditations | PCP (Pharmacy), PBC (Law), NACC |
| Campuses | Peshawar (Hayatabad) & Dera Ismail Khan |
| Phone | +92 91-5825707 |
| info@qurtuba.edu.pk |
What Can You Actually Study Here?
Qurtuba has a surprisingly wide spread for a mid-size private university. They have got everything from pharmacy and law to engineering, business, and PhD programs. Here is the full list.
Five-Year Professional Programs
| Program | Duration | Accreditation |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) | 5 Years | PCP |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | 5 Years | PBC |
The Pharm-D is PCP-accredited, which means you can register with the Pharmacy Council after graduation. The LLB is recognized by the Pakistan Bar Council, so you are eligible for the bar exam. These are not decorative degrees — they actually count.
Bachelor’s Programs (BS)
| Program | Duration |
| BBA (Honors) | 4 Years |
| BS Commerce | 4 Years |
| BS Computer Science | 4 Years |
| BS Economics | 4 Years |
| BS Education (B.Ed Honors) | 4 Years |
| BS Electrical Engineering | 4 Years |
| BS Civil Engineering | 4 Years |
| BS Electrical Technology | 4 Years |
| BS Civil Technology | 4 Years |
Yes, they have engineering programs. Not every private university in KPK can say that. Whether they are PEC-accredited is something you should verify directly with the university before enrolling — accreditation status for engineering can change, and you do not want to end up with a degree that does not get you an engineering license.
Master’s Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MBA | 2 Years |
| M.Com (Master of Accounting) | 2 Years |
| M.Ed (Master of Education) | 2 Years |
| MS Mathematics | 2 Years |
| MS Computer Science | 2 Years |
| MA English | 2 Years |
| MA International Relations | 2 Years |
| MS Physics | 2 Years |
| MS Chemistry | 2 Years |
| MA Political Science | 2 Years |
MS / MPhil Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MS Computer Science | 2 Years |
| MS Management Sciences | 2 Years |
| MS English | 2 Years |
MPhil Programs
| Program | Duration |
| MPhil Physics | 2 Years |
| MPhil Education | 2 Years |
| MPhil Economics | 2 Years |
| MPhil International Relations | 2 Years |
| MPhil Political Science | 2 Years |
| MPhil Pakistan Studies | 2 Years |
| MPhil Urdu | 2 Years |
PhD Programs
| Program | Duration |
| PhD Management Sciences | 3–5 Years |
| PhD International Relations | 3–5 Years |
| PhD Political Science | 3–5 Years |
| PhD Education | 3–5 Years |
| PhD Urdu | 3–5 Years |
Diplomas & Certificates
| Program | Duration |
| Diploma in Human Rights | 1 Year |
| Diploma in Islamic Banking | 1 Year |
| Diploma in Marketing | 1 Year |
| Diploma in Human Resource Management | 1 Year |
| Diploma in Physical Education | 1 Year |
| Certificate in Accounting | 6 Months |
Heads up: Not every program runs every semester. Always confirm what is actually open for admission on qurtuba.edu.pk before you waste time applying for something that is not taking students.
The Money Talk: What Are You Actually Paying?
Qurtuba is a private university, but it is not trying to bankrupt you like some Lahore or Islamabad institutions. The fees are mid-range — higher than public universities, lower than elite private ones.
Estimated Per-Semester Fees (Peshawar Campus)
| Program Category | Estimated Fee (PKR) |
| BS Botany / Zoology / Natural Sciences | 44,000 |
| BS Computer Science / IT | 55,000 – 72,000 |
| BBA (Honors) | 74,000 |
| BS Economics / Commerce / Social Sciences | 44,000 – 50,000 |
| Pharm-D | 85,000 – 110,000 |
| LLB | 65,000 – 80,000 |
| MS / MPhil Programs | ~80,000 |
| PhD Programs | Confirm with admin |
Important Fee Rules
- The university can increase fees anytime without asking your permission. It is in their official policy.
- Thesis, dissertation, internship, and project fees for MS/MPhil and PhD are charged separately. They are not included in the semester tuition.
- Fees for overseas Pakistanis, foreign nationals, and international students are different. You need to contact the admission office directly for those rates.
Reality check: These are estimates based on publicly available data. Qurtuba does not always publish a full master fee sheet online. Call 091-5825707 or email info@qurtuba.edu.pk to get the exact challan for your program before you make any decisions.
Can You Get In? Eligibility Breakdown
For BS Programs (Business, Computing, Sciences, etc.)
- Minimum 2nd Division (roughly 45-50% marks) in Intermediate (FA, FSc Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical, ICS, I.Com)
- You must pass the Qurtuba admission test and interview. There is no free pass based on marks alone.
For Pharm-D
- Minimum 60% in FSc Pre-Medical (or IBCC equivalent)
- PCP requirements apply
For LLB (5-Year Law)
- Minimum 45% in Intermediate
- Passing score on LAT (Law Admission Test) as mandated by Pakistan Bar Council
For Master’s Programs (MBA, M.Com, MA, MS)
- Minimum 2nd Division in relevant bachelor’s degree
- Must pass the university test and interview
For MS / MPhil
- 16 years of education (BS 4-Year or MA/MSc) in relevant field
- Minimum 2.5 CGPA out of 4.0 (or 50% marks in annual system)
- MPhil English may have different requirements — confirm directly
- Must pass GAT-General or the departmental entry test
For PhD
- MS/MPhil or equivalent with minimum 3.0 CGPA out of 4.0
- Must have completed a research thesis
- Must pass GAT-Subject or the university entry test
How to Apply (The Actual Steps)
- Go to qurtuba.edu.pk and find the online admissions portal
- Fill out the application form with your personal and academic details
- Upload your documents:
- Attested copies of certificates and marksheets from your last exam (attested by BPS-17 or above officer)
- Character certificate from your last institution (or from a Magistrate/Nazim/MPA/Headmaster if you were a private candidate)
- Three passport-size photos
- CNIC or B-Form (attested)
- Father’s CNIC (attested)
- Migration certificate (if you studied under a different board/university)
- NOC from employer (if you are working)
- NOC from designated government agencies (if you are a foreign national)
- Pay the application processing fee via bank challan at designated branches
- Appear for the admission test and interview
- Check the merit list
- If selected, pay your semester fee before the deadline to confirm enrollment
Warning: If any information in your application is found false — even after you have been admitted — your admission will be cancelled immediately, your name removed from the rolls, and no refund will be given. They are serious about this.
Also: Students who were rusticated or expelled from previous institutions for moral turpitude or political activities will be refused admission. However, if you were rusticated for indiscipline, the President might consider you on special conditions.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Qurtuba offers various financial assistance options, though they are not as heavily advertised as some bigger universities. Your best bet is to:
- Ask directly at the admission office about merit scholarships for high achievers
- Inquire about need-based concessions if your family income is low
- Check if they participate in HEC need-based scholarship programs
- Ask about kinship discounts if you have siblings already studying there
The university is a non-profit institution, which means any surplus goes back into facilities and programs rather than shareholder pockets. That sometimes translates to more affordable fees compared to for-profit private universities.
FAQs — The Stuff Everyone Actually Asks
Private. Chartered by the Governor of KPK in 2001. HEC-recognized. Non-profit entity.
One in Peshawar (K-1, Phase III, Hayatabad) and one in Dera Ismail Khan. The Peshawar campus handles most of the programs.
Yes. The pharmacy program carries PCP accreditation.
Yes. The 5-year LLB is recognized by the Pakistan Bar Council, making you eligible for the bar exam.
The university offers BS Electrical Engineering and BS Civil Engineering. You should verify current PEC accreditation status directly with Qurtuba before enrolling, as accreditation can be provisional or under review.
Minimum 2nd Division (around 45-50% marks) in Intermediate. Plus you must pass the Qurtuba admission test and interview.
Yes. Either GAT-General or the Qurtuba departmental entry test. Minimum 2.5 CGPA or 50% marks required.
Yes. Under extraordinary circumstances, you can defer or freeze up to two semesters according to the prescribed procedure.
Your admission gets cancelled. Your name is removed from university rolls. And you get zero refund. Do not even think about it.
Yes, but only if their applications are routed through the designated government agencies and they meet all admission requirements.
No. The university policy explicitly states no refund of dues paid if admission is cancelled for any reason, including false documents.
Approximately PKR 74,000 per semester based on available data.
Yes. PhD in Management Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Education, and Urdu.
My Honest Take (Not Sponsored, Obviously)
Here is the thing about Qurtuba. It is not trying to be LUMS or NUST. It is not even trying to be UET Peshawar. It is a mid-tier private university that offers a solid range of programs at fees that will not make your parents sell land.
The Pharm-D and LLB are the standout programs because they have proper professional accreditation. The engineering programs are interesting but you need to verify PEC status yourself. The business and computing degrees are decent, especially the BBA at PKR 74K per semester — that is competitive for a private university.
The DI Khan campus is a big plus for students from southern KPK who do not want to relocate to Peshawar. Having two campuses gives Qurtuba a reach that many private universities in KPK do not have.
The limitations: It is a non-profit, which is good for reinvestment, but the facilities are not going to blow your mind. The website is functional but not always up to date. And the strict rules about rustication, political activity, and document verification mean you need to be clean and honest in your application.
Bottom line: If you want a private university in KPK with professional degrees (pharmacy, law), reasonable fees, and multiple campus options, Qurtuba is worth considering. If you want a flashy campus life and massive alumni networks, look elsewhere.
Ready to apply? Visit qurtuba.edu.pk, check which programs are currently open, and start your online application. Call 091-5825707 if you get stuck. And for the love of everything, do not submit fake documents.
Good luck.
