Free Classes, Merit-Only Admissions: Inside Pakistan's New Tech University

PM Shehbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the proposed Daanish University, saying providing quality, modern education purely on merit to talented students is among the government's top priorities. He said the university would offer Pakistani youth international-standard education and become a regional centre of excellence in technology, with 185 applications already received for faculty positions.

A Talent Hunt Already Underway

A talent hunt has been launched for FSc second-year and A-Level students to join the university's Virtual School — successful candidates get five months of free classes. Tests will be held in more than 40 cities on October 24, 2026.

Timeline and Programmes

The university building is expected to be completed next year, with regular academic activities starting September 20, 2027, initially offering bioengineering, electrical engineering, AI, computer science, and technology and sociology. A bridge programme (August 10–September 14, 2027) will help prepare students for regular coursework.

The Bottom Line

With faculty hiring, a nationwide student talent hunt, and a confirmed 2027 launch date all moving in parallel, Daanish University is shaping up as one of the more concretely scheduled education initiatives in recent memory — the real test now is whether construction and faculty selection stay on pace with these dates.