In a defining moment for Pakistan’s higher education landscape, Iqra University (IU) has earned a coveted spot among the Top 800 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025, ranked 284th in Asia, 18th in Pakistan, and 3rd in Sindh.
Beyond Boundaries: A University That’s Always Moving Forward
Founded in 1998 by the family of Mr. Hussain Lakhani, Iqra University has grown into one of Pakistan’s most future-focused private institutions. With over 15,000 students and more than 30,000 successful alumni, IU is built on six defining pillars: Academics, Industry Linkages, Research & Innovation, Internationalization, Employability, and Civic Responsibility – all working in unison to shape globally competent, socially conscious, and professionally agile graduates.
Building Global Bridges: Strategic International Collaborations
In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, IU signed over 35 international MoUs with prestigious universities across the USA, UK, South Korea, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Institutions like Texas A&M University–Central Texas, Robert Gordon University (UK), Yasar University (Turkey), Kyongdong University (South Korea), College De Paris, SEGi University (Malaysia), and many others have joined hands with IU to open real, life-changing opportunities for students.
These collaborations provide student exchange programs, global faculty engagements, direct admission pathways, and research alliances—all designed to equip IU students with a truly international edge.
Innovation in Action: Faculty Industry Placement Program (FIPP)
Under the inspiring leadership of Vice Chancellor, Dr. Nassar Ikram, IU made national headlines with the Faculty Industry Placement Program (FIPP)—the first-ever initiative by a private university in Pakistan to embed its faculty directly into leading industries.
By bridging academia with the industry, FIPP enhances the relevance of academic research, boosts innovation, and makes sure IU faculty remains in touch with real-world trends and technologies. This is not just a program—it’s a paradigm shift in how university knowledge can fuel national progress.
Campus Expansion: Growing Footprint, Growing Impact
Spanning across seven campuses—including the Main, North, Gulshan, Airport, Gulshan Extension, H9 Islamabad, Chak-Shahzad Islamabad, and the Hyderabad campus (subject to approval) – IU is delivering excellence to over 15,000 students.
With the university’s dynamic academic environment focusing on academics, research and innovation, and employability, IU students already represent 12+ countries, while alumni thrive in 30+ nations, including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Japan, proving that education at this university is just the beginning of a global journey.
Real-World Global Experiences
IU’s globalisation isn’t limited to MoUs. This year, students participated in a Russian language program with Ural State Pedagogical University, joined an AI-powered digital marketing workshop led by international expert Josh Birchman, and engaged in guest lectures by foreign professors from partner universities. It’s this blend of global exposure and practical skills that makes Iqra University stand out.
To further empower aspiring international students, IU launched the LRN Foundation Pre-University Program, a UK-recognised qualification preparing students for higher education abroad. With core subjects like English, Business, ICT, and Mathematics, and recognition by leading global universities like SOAS and Heriot-Watt, this program builds a solid foundation for international success.
Diverse Scholarship Opportunities: Making Excellence Accessible
IU offers over 80+ academic programs across Associate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD levels in diverse disciplines including Business, Computer Science, Media, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and Education. The university also provides generous scholarships, including need-based, merit-based, talent-based, alumni, and scholarships for differently-abled students.
Industrial Partnerships: The Foundation of Sustainable Excellence
Backed by over 700 industrial partnerships, IU is one of Pakistan’s top 10 sustainable universities, recognised for its leadership in research and innovation.
Vision 2025: The Road Ahead
Looking ahead to Vision 2025, Iqra University aims to:
- Enroll more international students.
- Launch Transnational Education (TNE) programs.
- Expand global faculty exchanges.
- Partner with Free Universities of Europe.
Speaking of today’s times, a degree alone isn’t enough – you need credentials that resonate globally. Iqra University doesn’t just promise this recognition; it delivers it through top international rankings, strategic global partnerships, and a track record of alumni success across 30+ countries. Whether you dream of continuing your education at prestigious foreign universities or joining multinational corporations, IU provides the foundation, connections, and opportunities to make it happen. The question isn’t whether you can afford to study at IU; it’s whether you can afford not to.
