Virtual University

Virtual University is a public sector university that has been providing quality education since 2002. The university is comprised of more than 190 campuses across Pakistan, but its head office is located in Lahore. The University brings a unique concept of world-class education to your doorstep. All of the academic programs at VU are authorized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, and the university has been granted a Federal Charter by the Government of Pakistan. It is one of the two universities that has been providing online distance learning to a significant number of students. The university holds several overseas Pakistani students due to its online decorum of lectures.

Virtual University is the first university in Pakistan that is entirely based on modern information and technology, which is why it holds a strong affiliation with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The University has several collaborations with prominent organizations for the development of educational content, innovations in research and development, strengthening of information technology, and the advanced training of staff for the betterment of the institute. Different prominent institutes that have MOUs signed with the virtual university include:

• IBA-Karachi

• University of Gujrat

• University of Punjab

• FC College University, Lahore

• Government College University, Faisalabad

• National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

Virtual Campuses 

• Virtual University consists of around 201 virtual campuses that are spread all over the country. Every province contains a significant number of campuses as mentioned below. 

• Punjab: 152

• Sindh: 25

• Balochistan: 4

• Azad Kashmir: 3

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 3

• Gilgit Baltistan: 2

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 15

Study Programs 

The Virtual University offers several study programs for bachelor's, associate degrees, master's, and doctoral programs. The departments that have been providing higher education at Virtual University include the following. 

• Faculty of Arts

• Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Management

• Faculty of Science and Technology

Admission requirements 

Undergraduate:

• The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree include at least 50% marks on the Intermediate (HSSC) examination or equivalent degree. 

Graduate:

• The admission requirements for graduate degree programs include 16 years of education from a Higher Education Commission-accredited university with a minimum grade point of 2.0. The participants applying for a master’s degree are also required to appear for the entry test and get a minimum mark of 50%. 

Post-Graduation:

• For admission to any of the doctoral programs, the candidate must have completed 18 years of education with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Another requirement for a PhD includes the entry test by the Virtual University with a minimum mark of 70% and an interview. 

Scholarships

Virtual University offers several scholarships for its students. Some of the scholarships that are being offered at VU include the following. 

• Virtual University Scholarships

• Educator Scholarships

• NBP student loan scheme

• Syeda Mubarik begum scholarships

• Punjab Workers Welfare Scholarship

• Punjab educational endowment fund (PEEF)

• Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal stipends

Research Facility

The Office of Research and Innovation Center at Virtual University provides a research platform for several students. The department is dedicated to guiding and producing several credible researchers in the country. The main aim of the researchers will be to address the recent rising issues that have been impacting human life in one way or another. The university conducts several seminars, workshops, and training sessions to facilitate and prepare students for their professional training. Every department holds specific publications.

• The Faculty of Arts has a total of 15 research publications.

• The Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology has 3 research publications until now.

• The Faculty of Education has a total of 16 research publications. 

• The Faculty of Management includes 38 research publications. 

• The faculty of Science and Technology holds the highest number of research publications which is 40. 

Students and Alumni

A total of 72,000 students are enrolled in different academic programs at Virtual University. The university has declared a portal for the alumni of the university. It will help them stay updated on the new events and new career-related options.  

Career Opportunities

Virtual University provides an opportunity for career guidelines that will help a student to assess their preferences. When it comes to job opportunities VU also provides a platform well-known as DigiSkills which offers several career-oriented opportunities to individuals. 

Rankings

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has provided The Virtual University of Pakistan with the Highest Category 'W' rank.