Timing is everything. While many traditional universities close their doors early, VU gives you a bit more breathing room. However, “breathing room” doesn’t mean “wait until the last minute. “Virtual University (VU) 2026.
- Admissions Opened: January 5, 2026
- The Final Deadline: March 27, 2026 (This is for all non-merit programs).
- The “Pay or Lose” Date: You must deposit your processing fee by March 30, 2026.
- Classes Kick-off: April 6, 2026.
Pro-Tip: If you’re a “result-awaiting” student, you can still apply! As long as you have your Part-I results with at least 45–50% marks (depending on the program), you can secure a seat. Just don’t forget to upload your final result card once it drops.
💸 The “Million Dollar” Question: What’s the Real Cost?
Let’s be honest—most of us choose VU because it’s easy on the wallet. But “affordable” can be a vague word. Let’s get specific. If you’re aiming for the Associate Degree in Computer Science (ADCS)—the path most people take after Matric or Inter—here is the damage to your bank account:
The “Welcome” Bill (Pay Once)
| Fee Type | Amount (Local PKR) |
| Admission Fee | Rs. 3,000 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 2,500 |
| Security (Refundable!) | Rs. 2,000 |
| Admission Processing | Rs. 500 |
| Total to Start | Rs. 7,500 |
The Recurring Costs (Per Semester)
VU doesn’t charge a flat fee. You pay for what you take.
- Tuition: Rs. 935 per credit hour.
- Enrollment Fee: Rs. 1,000 per semester.
- The Big Picture: For a standard 2-year Associate Degree, you’re looking at a total cost of roughly Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 85,000.
The Installment Hack: VU is one of the few places that lets you pay in 3 to 4 installments per semester. This brings your monthly cost down to about Rs. 4,000. That’s less than most people spend on mobile data and tea!
💻 Why the “Associate Degree in CS” is the New ICS
Many students ask for “ICS” at Virtual University. Technically, ICS is an intermediate level, but at VU, you step up to an Associate Degree. It’s a 2-year program that actually counts as 14 years of education.
What You’ll Actually Learn:
You won’t just be reading old textbooks. The 2026 curriculum is surprisingly modern. In your first year alone, you’ll dive into:
- CS101 (Introduction to Computing): The basics of how the digital world works.
- CS201 (Programming): Where you actually start writing code (C++).
- Digital Logic Design: How computers “think” at a hardware level.
- Web Development: (Optional but popular) Building actual websites.
🏗️ How the “Virtual” Thing Actually Works
If you’ve never done online school, it sounds a bit like magic—or a nightmare. Here’s how a typical week looks for a VU student in 2026:
- The LMS: You log into the Learning Management System. Think of this as your digital campus.
- The Lectures: You watch videos. You can pause, rewind, and re-watch at 2x speed (we all do it).
- The Quizzes: Every few weeks, you’ll have short online quizzes to keep you on your toes.
- The Exams: This is the only “physical” part. For Mid-terms and Finals, you must go to a designated VU campus. There are over 200 campuses across Pakistan, so there’s likely one near your house or workplace.
🚦 Step-by-Step: How to Apply Like a Pro
Don’t let the online portal scare you. Follow this checklist:
- Step 1: Head to the official VU portal.
- Step 2: Sign up with your correct CNIC. (If you mess this up, it’s a headache to fix later).
- Step 3: Upload scanned copies of your documents (Matric/Inter result cards, CNIC, and a photo with a blue background).
- Step 4: Print the fee voucher and pay it at any HBL, UBL, or even through EasyPaisa/JazzCash.
- Step 5: Wait for the “Admission Confirmed” email. It usually takes about 1–2 weeks for them to verify your papers.
⚖️ The Honest Truth: Is VU Right for You?
Before you hit that “Submit” button, let’s look at the pros and cons.
The Good Stuff (Pros)
- Work-Life Balance: You can keep your job. You study at 2 AM or 2 PM; it’s up to you.
- Zero Commute: No more waiting for overcrowded buses or spending a fortune on petrol.
- HEC Recognized: Your degree is 100% valid for government jobs and going abroad.
The Reality Check (Cons)
- Self-Discipline Needed: There is no teacher shouting at you to finish your homework. If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you will struggle.
- Limited Social Life: You won’t have a “canteen culture” or university festivals unless you actively join student groups online.
- Technical Glitches: Sometimes the internet dies, or the LMS gets slow during peak hours. You need a stable connection and a decent laptop.
🏁 Final Verdict
Virtual University (VU) 2026 is the ultimate “equalizer.” It doesn’t matter if you live in a remote village in Gilgit or a busy street in Karachi; you get the same lectures from the same top-tier professors.
If you want a degree that actually teaches you skills without putting you into debt, this is it. Just remember the March 27 deadline.
Still confused about the credit hour system or need help picking your first-semester subjects? Drop a comment below or ask me to explain the “Zero Semester” option!
City University of Science and Information Technology (CUSIT), often referred to as City University, has established itself as a premier institution in Pakistan for students seeking modern, flexible, and career-oriented education. Whether you are interested in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or Health Sciences, understanding the financial commitment is crucial.
For the Spring 2026 session, City University has released a comprehensive fee structure that caters to various financial backgrounds through an extensive scholarship network. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the costs for all programs and the various scholarship tiers available.
🏛️ City University Islamabad: An Overview
City University is recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and is known for its state-of-the-art campuses and focus on technology-driven learning. While the main campus is a landmark in Peshawar, its influence and student base extend significantly into the Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions, offering online and hybrid support for various professional and academic tracks.
The university follows a semester-based system. Below are the specific fee tables for the 2026 academic year.
(1) STANDARD FEE STRUCTURE
The standard fee structure applies to students who do not qualify for or apply through a specific scholarship category. It represents the full cost of the program.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee (Average BS) | Per Credit Hour | Rs. 3,040 |
| Average Semester Total | Per Semester | Rs. 104,720 |
Note: Total payable for a 4-year degree (8 semesters) is approximately Rs. 924,000 without scholarships.
(2) MERIT SCHOLARSHIP – I FEE STRUCTURE
This scholarship is designed for high achievers. It offers a 100% Tuition Fee Waiver from the first semester onwards.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 0 |
| Total Semester Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 50,000 |
Eligibility: At least 75% marks in Intermediate/A-Levels and maintaining a 3.33 CGPA.
(3) MERIT SCHOLARSHIP – II FEE STRUCTURE
This tier provides a 50% Tuition Fee Waiver, significantly reducing the burden on merit-holders who fall just below the top tier.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee (After 50% Disc) | Per Semester | Rs. 27,360 |
| Total Semester Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 77,360 |
(4) GOODWILL SCHOLARSHIP – I FEE STRUCTURE
The Goodwill-I category offers a 30% Tuition Fee Waiver. It is typically reserved for ex-students of the Peshawar Model Educational Institutes (PMEI) or children of PMEI employees.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee (After 30% Disc) | Per Semester | Rs. 38,300 |
| Total Semester Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 88,300 |
(5) GOODWILL SCHOLARSHIP – II FEE STRUCTURE
This category offers a 20% Tuition Fee Waiver for ex-students of Government schools/colleges and children of Government employees.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee (After 20% Disc) | Per Semester | Rs. 43,770 |
| Total Semester Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 93,770 |
(6) FEMALE SCHOLARSHIP FEE STRUCTURE
To promote women’s education, City University offers a massive 50% Tuition Fee Waiver for female students across most BS programs.
| Fee Description | Frequency | Amount (PKR) |
| Admission Fee | One-Time | Rs. 20,000 |
| Registration Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 28,000 |
| Examination Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 22,000 |
| Tuition Fee (After 50% Disc) | Per Semester | Rs. 27,360 |
| Total Semester Fee | Per Semester | Rs. 77,360 |
📋 Total Fee Comparison Table (Estimated)
| Scholarship Category | One-Time Admission | Average Semester Fee | Total 4-Year Est. |
| Standard | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 104,720 | Rs. 857,760 |
| Merit-I (100%) | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 420,000 |
| Merit-II (50%) | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 77,360 | Rs. 638,880 |
| Goodwill-I (30%) | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 88,300 | Rs. 726,400 |
| Female (50%) | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 77,360 | Rs. 638,880 |
📞 Contact Details & How to Apply
City University provides a streamlined online portal for 2026 admissions.
Online Application Process
- Visit the Portal: Go to the Official CUSIT Admission Portal.
- Account Creation: Register with your CNIC and active email.
- Document Upload: Attach scanned copies of your Matric/Inter certificates.
- Fee Voucher: Generate the voucher and pay at any designated bank branch.
Contact Information
- Address (Head Office): Dalazak Road, Peshawar, KP.
- Islamabad Liaison: HEC Sector H-9, Islamabad (Contact Office).
- Phone: +92 91 2609501-8
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp Support: +92 312 9833113