University Options in Lahore for IGCSE, A Levels & IBDP Students – International & Local Campuses

Lahore offers diverse university options for students with IGCSE, International A Levels, or IBDP. This guide covers international branch campuses and local universities that accept these qualifications, helping expat and local families make informed choices.

International branch campuses in Lahore

British universities:

• Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, Pakistan’s top private university, strong in Business, Economics, Sciences, Engineering

Other international programmes:

• University of the Punjab – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes (various departments), Pakistan’s oldest public university, strong in Sciences, Engineering, Business, Arts
• University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Engineering, Technology
• Forman Christian College (FCC) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business

Size and establishment of international branch campuses

Well-established campuses:

• University of the Punjab – established 1882 (over 143 years); 45,000+ students; Pakistan’s oldest public university, English-medium programmes available
• Lahore University of Management Sciences – established 1985 (over 40 years); 5,500+ students; Pakistan’s top private university, well-established
• University of Engineering and Technology – established 1921 (over 104 years); 10,000+ students; well-established engineering university
• Forman Christian College – established 1864 (over 161 years); 5,000+ students; well-established liberal arts college

Note: Lahore’s international programmes and English-medium offerings are very well-established with proven track records. Most have been operating for 40–161+ years and have 5,000–45,000+ students, providing a stable, international learning environment in Pakistan’s cultural capital.

Local universities accepting IGCSE/A Levels/IBDP

Top-tier universities:

• Lahore University of Management Sciences – accepts A Levels, IBDP; Pakistan’s top private university, highly competitive, strong in Business, Economics, Sciences, Engineering
• University of the Punjab – accepts A Levels, IBDP; Pakistan’s oldest public university, strong in Sciences, Engineering, Business, Arts
• University of Engineering and Technology – accepts A Levels, IBDP; well-established engineering university, strong in Engineering, Technology

Other universities:

• Forman Christian College – accepts A Levels, IBDP; well-established liberal arts college, strong in Liberal Arts, Sciences, Business
• Government College University (GCU) Lahore – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Sciences, Liberal Arts
• National College of Arts (NCA) – accepts A Levels, IBDP; English-medium programmes, strong in Fine Arts, Design, Architecture

Admission requirements

IGCSE: Typically need 5 subjects at grade C or above, including English and Maths. For competitive programmes, A/A* grades may be required.

A Levels: Usually 3 A Levels with grades AAB-AAA for competitive programmes. LUMS is highly selective and may require AAA or higher.

IBDP: Typically 32-38 points minimum, with higher points (38+) for competitive programmes. Top universities often require 38+ points with specific Higher Level requirements.

English language: IELTS 6.0-7.0 or equivalent (varies by university and programme). Some universities require Urdu language proficiency for programmes taught in Urdu.

Additional requirements: Many universities require entrance exams, interviews, or essays. LUMS requires SAT scores.

Tuition fees for expat/international students

Local universities:

• University of the Punjab: PKR 50,000–150,000 per year (approximately USD 180–540). Public university, significantly lower fees.
• Lahore University of Management Sciences: PKR 400,000–800,000 per year (approximately USD 1,400–2,900). Private university, higher fees.
• University of Engineering and Technology: PKR 80,000–200,000 per year (approximately USD 290–720). Public university.
• Forman Christian College: PKR 200,000–400,000 per year (approximately USD 720–1,400). Private university.

Note: Fees vary significantly by programme and university type (public vs private). Many universities offer merit-based scholarships (university-specific scholarships) that can cover 10–50% of tuition. Pakistani citizens may receive government support. Always check current fees directly with universities as they change annually.

Why choose Lahore?

• Quality education – home to Pakistan’s top private university (LUMS)
• Cultural capital – rich cultural heritage, historical city
• International environment – diverse student body, many English-medium programmes
• Career opportunities – strong job market in Business, Finance, Technology, Manufacturing
• Affordable cost of living – more affordable than many other major cities
• Strategic location – Pakistan’s second-largest city, cultural and commercial hub

Tips for expat families

• Language considerations – many programmes are English-medium, but learning Urdu enhances opportunities
• Entrance exams – prepare for university-specific entrance exams (especially for LUMS, SAT required)
• Scholarships – explore university-specific scholarships and government support (for Pakistani citizens)
• Accreditation – ensure the university is recognised by Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC)
• Cost of living – Lahore is moderately affordable; factor in accommodation and living costs
• Visa requirements – ensure proper student visa documentation

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This guide is based on publicly available information. Always check the latest admission requirements directly with universities.