Admissions

Transfer Policy

Q: What is the transfer policy at NUCES?

Ans: There is no transfer program, there is a course exemption option. Students from any HEC-recognised university can apply for course exemption to any campus of fast given that they meet the merit of the degree program. 

The transfer policy at NUCES allows students with credits earned at other institution(s) under formally accredited programs to apply for admission into a degree program at NUCES. The relevance, compatibility, and validity of the curriculum studied at the previous institution are determined against the curriculum and contents of the relevant courses taught at NUCES. The HoD recommends courses compatible with NUCES courses for an exemption to the Director, and the final authority to grant course exemption lies with the Dean of Faculty. Credit exemption cannot be given for more than 50% of the total credit hours of the degree program.

Process:
The process takes place in the following manner, the student would apply to fast for a degree, meet the merit of that degree, get admission and then apply for course exemption. For this, they would have to present their previous transcript to the central academics office. Then, the central academics work out which courses are exempted based on input from the relevant department in the university. Only courses with more than 2.0 GPA (This is not CGPA but GPA in that course) are eligible for exemption e.g. if a student has a D grade in a course then that course isn't eligible for an exemption because that is 1.0 gpa.

There is a maximum limit to how many courses in a degree can be exempted, this limit is 50%, which means max 4 semesters will be exempted ( as we have a total of 8 semesters).

The grading criteria followed at Fast is given at the end of  this page

Q: Can students of other private universities apply to FAST NUCES under this policy? If so, what are the requirements?

Ans: To be updated by admins

Q: Can I transfer to another campus of FAST? Let’s suppose i was admitted to CFD campus at first and I want to change my campus to Lahore, is it possible and what is the process?

Ans: Yes, it is possible. You need to reappear in the entry test after a year (after 2 semesters) and if you are on the merit of the new campus, you can request for transfer. However, there may be other conditions that you will need to meet, so please contact the campus for more information. All courses must be passed with a C grade or above, otherwise, you will need to repeat them at the new campus.

Q: If I have been selected for a certain campus, let's say, Lahore campus and I no longer want to study in that campus and want to shift to another campus of FAST, how is that done?

Ans: The policy for this is that the candidate has to make a request to the campus first, they will be put on a waiting list and if and only if the campus has vacant seats and the campus allows the transfer, only in that case it will be transferred otherwise not. For this information, contacting the admission office is necessary as they have up-to-date information about this.

Q. Will I be eligible in other campuses other than my preferred campus which I select in my admission application?

Ans: No, the candidates will only be evaluated for the selected preferred campus and will only get the selection results about their preferred campus in the result portal. The policy of eligibility is terminated as of Fall 2023. However, the exception to this policy is only decided by the admission office and you may contact the admission office of FAST NUCES at their email addresses or visit campus individually for further confirmation. 

Q: Where can I find the closing merits of my campuses?

Ans: Fast does not release any official merit list or closing aggregate information on social media or websites, However, you can contact the campus and they will tell you the closing aggregate. 

Degree Change

Q: Can I change my degree program at NUCES?

  - A: Yes, it is possible to change your degree program at NUCES.
According to the document Academic Rules and Regulations for Undergraduate Programs of the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES), the policy regarding changing a degree program is outlined as follows:

•  A student of the university who wishes to change the degree program can do so by taking the admission test. After qualifying for admission on merit, the student is admitted as a NEW student.

• Only credits of relevant courses with at least a C grade are transferable, and NOT the CGPA earned in the transferred courses.

• The Director of the campus shall recommend each case with full details.

• Therefore, if a student at NUCES wants to change their degree program, they will need to take the admission test for the new program and qualify for admission based on merit. If admitted, they will be considered a new student in the new degree program. The credits earned in relevant courses with at least a C grade may be transferable, but the CGPA earned in the previous program will not be transferred. Each case of degree change is recommended by the Director of the campus based on the full details provided.

Admissions

- Q: What are the admission criteria for UNDERGRADUATE programs at NUCES?

-A: Admission to undergraduate programs at NUCES is granted purely on merit. The merit for admission is determined through an admission test and past academic record. The specific details and requirements for the admission criteria may vary for each program. It is advisable to refer to the official admission announcements page at Fast Eligibility Criteria  

-Q: Does FAST open undergraduate admissions in Spring?

-A: No, FAST does not offer spring intake, all students who want to enrol in FAST as undergrad students will have to apply in FALL. 

-Q: When do admissions for undergraduates open in FAST?

-A: The admission process usually starts from June to July, admission tests are usually in Mid July, and classes begin by the mid or end of August. However, the proper schedule is updated every year on Admission Schedule Page.

-Q: What are the requirements for MASTERS programs at NUCES?

-A: You can visit the Master Programs Page for more information regarding this.

Q: Does FAST have a second merit list?

A: No, FAST only announces its results once. However, if there are any vacant seats after the selected candidates have confirmed their admissions, the campuses may announce or inform about the admission of students with the next highest merit score. This is usually informed by the admission office itself.

Q: Can medical students apply for admission tests?

Yes, Medical students are allowed to appear in the admission entry test, However, they must have appeared in Additional Mathematics, otherwise, they will not be admitted into the university.

-Q: What documents are required for admission or on the day of the entry test?

-A: The process of verifications of documents for Selected candidates is done automatically from the documents they upload at the time of admission application online. The verification process begins after the student has paid his fee challan. The student does not need to visit campus for document verifications anymore as of Fall 2023. 

-Q: I have paid the fees but I still did not receive any confirmation message from the campus, what do I do?

-A: Once the fee is paid, the verification can take time, and you need not worry about the process as it takes time for the admission office to check and validate the documents of each selected candidate. However, if you are still in confusion you can contact the campus helpline always and ask them about this. 

Q- How do I check which program is offered by which campus?

-A: The details of the above question are available on the Program Details Page

Q- I have given only 2 exams in my A levels and will give 3rd in October, will they admit me in admissions?
-A: No, as per the admission office. You can still confirm before hand to avoid any incovinence.  

Weightage and Aggregate

- Q: How are weights assigned to different components during the admission process at NUCES? / What is the percentage of Matric, FSC, O Levels, and entry tests in FAST?

  - A: The specific weights assigned to different components during the admission process may vary for each program. To obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the weights assigned to admission test scores, past academic records, and other relevant factors, it is recommended to refer to the Eligibility Criteria Page

-Q: How is it calculated on the basis of NAT conducted by NTS?

Candidates having taken NTS-NAT IE or NAT ICS exam

• Cut-off marks in the NTS-NAT IE exam are to be determined by the University each year and are not exact every year so you need to contact the campus after results have been announced.

-Q: How do I calculate my aggregate?
You will get your result on your screen when you appear for the entry test day. After attempting the test, in the end, your screen will show you the total number of MCQs, attempted MCQs, and correct MCQs and weightage of each section (1 for all sections except the English portion and 0.33 for English)
A: You may use the Aggregate Calculator, but note that it is not 100% accurate.
Negative marking is as follows (not official but as far as everyone knows):

• 0.25 for each wrong MCQ in Advanced Maths, Basic Maths, IQ, and Analytical.

• 0.08 for each wrong MCQ in English.

-Q: I have received my results and I am selected for a program but it says “conditionally selected”  on my offer letter, what does it mean?

A: Don't worry, most students are awaiting their HSSC II or A-level results (for Cambridge students). The university admits students based on their first-year results/O-level results (for Cambridge students). The eligibility criteria state that students must have at least 50% marks in HSSC or equivalent qualification after the results of the second year/A levels are announced. This also means that the student's documents are yet to be verified, so they are conditionally accepted until then. Students must submit their result cards to the academic office once the results are announced.

-Q: I am an O levels student awaiting results of A levels, how will my aggregate be calculated?

A: As mentioned in the eligibility criteria, the following rules are followed for aggregate and this applies for O Levels students as well:
Selection Criteria For BS Computing Programs:

• 50% weight to marks obtained in the Admission Test AND

• 10% weight of SSC (or an equivalent exam) AND

• 40% weight of HSSC (or an equivalent exam)

• Weightage of HSSC marks shall be calculated based on (whichever is applicable) at the time of compilation of merit list

  • HSSC part I and II OR

  • HSSC part I if HSSC part II not available OR

  • IBCC equivalence of A-level OR

  • IBCC equivalence of O-level

Note: For other non-computing programs please visit  Eligibility Criteria Page.

Fee-Related

1. What is the admission fee, and when is it payable?

• The admission fee of Rs 20,000 is payable once at the time of admission. If a graduate of this University is admitted to a higher degree program, the admission fee is not payable again.

2. Is there a security deposit, and when should it be paid?

• Yes, a refundable security deposit of Rs 20,000 is payable at the time of admission.

3. How should the tuition fee be paid?

• The tuition fee is payable in full before the start of each semester. It is subject to revision every year.

4. What are the tuition fee rates for different programs?

• For the academic year 2023-24, the tuition fee per credit hour is as follows:

  • BBA / BS: Rs. 9,000

  • MBA / MS: Rs. 9,000

  • PhD: Rs. 9,000

What does this credit hour mean? How is the fee calculated according to this?

• Students are automatically registered for courses first semester according to the set number of credit hours (usually total credits for first semester are 17). Each course has its own credit hour, for example, Programming Fundamentals is of 3 crd hrs and its associated lab is of 1 crd hrs. This means the total fee of this course will be calculated as 4 * 9000 = 36,000 PKR.

• For detailed course programs you can visit the following links, all credit hours are mentioned semester-wise, click the degree from the table and it will show you the program details

  • Degree Programs Offered at FAST NUCES

5. Is there a Student Activities Fund, and how much should students contribute?

• Yes, there is a Student Activities Fund to support co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Students contribute Rs 2,000 towards the Students Activities Fund per semester.

6. Are there any additional miscellaneous fees?

• Yes, there are additional miscellaneous fees, including:

  • Additional Transcript Fee: Rs. 200

  • Campus Transfer Fee: Rs. 5,000

  • Degree Correction Fee: Rs. 2,000

  • Semester Freeze Fee: Rs. 10,000
    (These fees are non-refundable.)

7. Is there a late payment fine?

• Yes, a late payment fine is levied on the entire outstanding fee (current as well as arrears). It is charged at the rate of Re 1.00 per day for every thousand rupees. Registration is suspended TWO months after the due date for payment of fee.

8. Is there a withholding tax on fee payments?

• Yes, the University collects advance tax at a rate of 5% on the entire amount of fee paid from a person not appearing on the active taxpayer's list (ATL), provided that the annual fee paid exceeds Rs. 200,000. The parent/guardian needs to provide NTN or CNIC number for adjustment at the time of filing the Income Tax return, and the University will issue a Tax Deduction Certificate.

9. What is the fee refund policy? Or if I want to withdraw my admission from FAST after paying the fees, how do I do that and what is the policy regarding this?

• The fee refund policy is as follows:

  • Admission Fee is non-refundable.

  • Security deposit is refundable at the time of completion of degree or closing of admission.

  • Tuition Fee is refunded according to the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

  • The percentage of tuition fee refund is as follows:

    • Up to the 7th day of the start of classes: Full (100%) Refund

    • From the 8th-15th day of commencement of classes: Half (50%) Refund

    • From the 16th day of commencement of classes: No Refund

  • The fee refund is calculated from the date of the student's result announcement if admission stands cancelled due to failure to meet the required eligibility requirement.

10. What are the payment instructions for fee payment?

• Fee can be paid using any one of the following methods:

  • Print the challan form and then visit any nearest Faysal bank branch for a cash deposit.

  • Via bank account using Kuickpay payment gateway. Instructions are provided on the website.

11. I have paid my fees but still did not receive any information or roll number etc from the campus.

•  Once the fee is paid, the verification can take time, and you need not worry about the process as it takes time for the admission office to check and validate the documents of each selected candidate. However, if you are still in confusion you can contact the campus helpline always and ask them about this. 

Scholarships & NU Financial Assistance 

The information can be also checked via the FAST scholarship page.

1. What is the process of Scholarships & NU Aid (Financial Assistance/Loan)?

The following are the details of the NU Aid program:

• Students can apply for NU Aid at the time of admission or within 1-2 weeks of the first semester after securing admission.

• Students will be interviewed, and the amount of financial aid (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of tuition fees) will be allotted based on their financial need and academic merit.

• Financial aid will be discontinued if the student's GPA falls below 2.0.

• The student will have to repay the amount of financial aid within 4 years after graduation.

• The top 3 position holders of each board will be awarded a scholarship equivalent to the full tuition fee. To maintain the scholarship, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.

• The top 3 position holders in each semester will be awarded prize money and a certificate.

2. What types of scholarships are available at NUCES (NU)?

Merit Scholarships for Bachelor Students

HEC Scholarships for MS and PhD students

Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) Scholarships

Sindh Government Endowment Board Scholarships

Baluchistan Government Endowment Board Scholarships

OSAF Financial Assistance (Study Loan)

Other Community-based Scholarships

Assistantships

3. Who is eligible for Merit Scholarships?

The top three position holders in each Group of each Examination Board.

The top three position holders in the merit list of NU admission.

4. What does the Merit Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers a full tuition fee for four years of uninterrupted studies with a full course load.

5. What are the eligibility criteria for maintaining the Merit Scholarship?

Continuation of the merit scholarship is subject to maintaining a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher.

6. How can I avail the HEC Scholarships for MS and PhD programs?

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) provides scholarships that cover tuition fees, monthly stipend, and book allowance. You can apply directly through HEC.

7. How can I apply for the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) Scholarships?

Newly admitted students on any campus of the university can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship covers a portion of the tuition fee, and the remaining fee can be covered by the University as Qarz-e-Hasna.

8. Are there any scholarships specifically for students in the Karachi campus?

Yes, the Sindh Government offers scholarships to students of the Karachi campus based on need-cum-merit. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for the entire duration of the program.

9. Are there any scholarships for students from Baluchistan?

Yes, the Baluchistan Government offers scholarships to students of Karachi campus based on need-cum-merit, covering full tuition fee for the entire duration of the program.

10. How can I apply for the OSAF Financial Assistance (Study Loan)?

The Old Students Association of FAST (OSAF) arranges financial assistance in the form of interest-free study loans for indigent students. You can apply using the loan application form available on the University website.

11. Are there any bank loans available for students?

Yes, PICIC Commercial Bank, NIB Bank, Bank Alfalah, Bank Islami, and MCB offer loans to students. You can inquire directly with these banks for more information.

12. What are Assistantships at NUCES (NU)?

Assistantships allow students to utilize their services in different university activities. These students are compensated for their services.

13. How and when do I repay the Study Loan?

The repayment of the loan starts three months after graduation or upon getting employment, whichever is earlier. The total amount has to be repaid within a period of four years after graduation.

14. How can I contact NUCES (NU) for more information about scholarships?

You can contact NUCES at 111-128-128 or visit their main campus at FAST-House, Rohtas Road, G-9/4, Islamabad - 44000.