
Quaid-i-Azam University
A premier research university nestled in Islamabad's Margalla foothills, known for its scenic beauty and academic excellence.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Pleasant weather for exploring

Quaid-i-Azam University
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier research university nestled in Islamabad's Margalla foothills, known for its scenic beauty and academic excellence.
"One of the most beautiful university campuses in Pakistan, not only for its academic prestige but also for its breathtaking natural surroundings."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The campus is vast, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring its scenic beauty.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for student events like cultural shows and Attan dances for a lively experience.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 3,959 reviews
Type
University
Website
qau.edu.pkHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Margalla Foothills Setting
Campus grounds
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the campus, nestled against the Margalla Hills. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Pashtoon Culture & Attan Dance
Various campus events
Witness vibrant cultural displays, especially the energetic Pashtoon Attan dance, showcasing student talent and heritage.

Academic Architecture
University buildings
Explore the distinctive architecture of the university's various departments and schools, reflecting its academic prestige.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Campus Beauty & Accessibility
Academic Hub & Cultural Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The campus is vast, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring its scenic beauty.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for student events like cultural shows and Attan dances for a lively experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Margalla foothills provide a stunning backdrop for photos. Don't forget your camera!
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Public transport is available, but familiarize yourself with routes beforehand for easy access.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The campus is vast, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring its scenic beauty.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for student events like cultural shows and Attan dances for a lively experience.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Margalla foothills provide a stunning backdrop for photos. Don't forget your camera!
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Public transport is available, but familiarize yourself with routes beforehand for easy access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Quaid-i-Azam University is highly praised for its stunning campus nestled in the Margalla foothills, offering a beautiful and serene environment. Visitors and students alike appreciate its academic prestige and vibrant student life, often highlighting cultural events and the natural beauty. While generally positive, some mention the vastness of the campus requiring comfortable footwear.
"I was invited as a Guest Speaker workshop on ancient coins from 700-BC. To . 1000. AD. Department of Taxila Institute of Ancient Civilisations."
Tahir Suleman
"By : Muhammad Qutbuddin Ali Hashmi .
QAU was founded as University of Islamabad in July 1967 by Pakistan’s National Assembly.
It started mainly with PhD and MPhil programs focused on research.
In 1976, it was renamed Quaid-i-Azam University in honor of Pakistan’s founder.
Initially, QAU offered only postgraduate degrees but later introduced Master’s and undergraduate programs.
The main campus covers about 1700 acres at Margalla foothills in Islamabad.
QAU is one of Pakistan’s top-ranked research universities.
It has over 13,000 students enrolled in varied disciplines.
The university is divided into four faculties: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Medical Sciences. Natural Sciences include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and IT.
Social Sciences cover Law, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Management.
Biological Sciences have departments like Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, and Pharmacy.
Medical Sciences feature affiliated medical institutes and colleges.
There are 38 departments, institutes, and research centers.
QAU collaborates internationally with institutions like UN and University of Tokyo.
Notable schools include Quaid-i-Azam School of Management Sciences and National Institute of Psychology.
They offer BS, MPhil, MS, MBA, MPA, and PhD programs.
Undergraduate admissions run annually with diverse subject options.
QAU emphasizes research, innovation, and quality education.
Many prominent Pakistani scholars and leaders have taught or studied there.
The university aims to promote inter-provincial harmony and knowledge-driven development."
Muhammad Qutbuddin Ali Hashmi
"Quaid-i-Azam University – previously named Islamabad University – was established in 1967 and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
What initially began as a teaching and research institution, now offers both master's and undergraduate programmes.
It has established professional links with selected universities in Europe, South Asia and the United States. Moreover, a reasonable size of the faculty members of the university have worked in international universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Columbia.
The Quaid-i-Azam University has a variety of faculties and the main areas of research involve: biological sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and medicine.
The campus covers an approximate area of 6.9 km² below the Margalla Hills; a hill range at the foothills of the Himalayas. The Margallas are an excellent place for bird watching – home to hundreds of species – while the hills are the perfect spot for hill."
Aik Banjara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) via public transport like buses or ride-sharing services from various points in Islamabad. The campus is located at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. Planning your route using a navigation app is advisable.
Yes, parking facilities are generally available on campus for visitors and students. However, during peak hours or special events, parking might be limited.
Local buses and vans frequently ply routes that pass by or near Quaid-i-Azam University. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also very popular and convenient for reaching the campus.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Islamabad and can easily take you to Quaid-i-Azam University. It's a straightforward journey from most parts of the city.
While efforts are made to ensure accessibility, the large campus and hilly terrain might present challenges. It's best to contact the university administration for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Quaid-i-Azam University is primarily an educational institution, and general public access to the campus grounds is usually permitted. However, entry into specific buildings or departments might require prior permission or an invitation.
The campus is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific departmental offices or facilities may have their own operating hours. It's advisable to visit during standard business hours for any administrative purposes.
Typically, there are no entry fees for general visitors to walk around the campus. However, if you are attending a specific event, workshop, or have official business, there might be associated costs or registration requirements.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to explore the beautiful campus. However, it's important to be respectful of the academic environment and student activities.
You can often find information about upcoming events on the official Quaid-i-Azam University website, their social media pages, or by checking notice boards around the campus.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The campus itself, with its Margalla foothills setting, is a major attraction. Look out for the various academic blocks, the School of Management Sciences, and any areas hosting student cultural activities.
Absolutely! The university's scenic location, architecture, and vibrant student life offer numerous excellent photo opportunities. The natural surroundings are particularly picturesque.
QAU has a dynamic student life, with various clubs, societies, and cultural events. You might witness traditional dances like Attan, ramp walks, and other student-led activities.
Founded as the University of Islamabad in 1967 and renamed in 1976, QAU has a significant history as a premier research institution in Pakistan.
While primarily for students, visitors can find basic amenities. For specific needs, it's best to inquire at the university's administrative offices.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The campus has canteens and cafeterias primarily for students and faculty, offering a range of food options. Some cafes might be accessible to visitors.
University canteens typically offer affordable meals, including Pakistani cuisine, snacks, and beverages. The variety can differ between various food outlets on campus.
The areas surrounding the university may have local eateries and cafes. For a wider selection, you might need to travel a bit further into Islamabad city.
Generally, student canteens are for the university community. However, some outlets might allow visitors to purchase food, depending on their policies.
While specific options can vary, most Pakistani canteens will have some vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly at the food stalls for available choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire campus, especially areas with views of the Margalla Hills, is excellent for photography. The architecture of the buildings and the lush greenery provide diverse backdrops.
Photography might be restricted inside certain academic buildings or laboratories for privacy and security reasons. It's always best to check for signage or ask permission.
Drone usage is typically regulated and may require special permits. It's advisable to check with the university administration regarding drone photography policies.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful natural light, ideal for capturing the campus's scenic beauty. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Students often share photos and reels capturing campus life, cultural events, and the natural beauty of the surroundings.









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