Preston University

What Preston University does

Preston University is a private higher education institution headquartered in Islamabad, Pakistan, established in 1984 as the country's first private university. It is chartered by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP Ordinance No L11 of 2002) and recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The university operates six campuses across Pakistan (Islamabad, Kohat, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi) and offers undergraduate (BS, BBA, ADP), graduate (MPhil, MS, PhD), and short-cycle online diploma/PGD programs across six faculties: Management Sciences, Information Technology, Social Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, Education, and Technology. Specialized sub-brands include the Preston Institute of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT) and the Disaster Research Institute (DRI).

The platform combines on-campus delivery with online diploma programs in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Bioinformatics, supplemented by digital library facilities, high-speed internet, and computer labs. Faculty totals 60+ PhD-qualified members at Islamabad and 50 at Kohat. Preston has produced "tens of thousands" of graduates over 40+ years, with alumni placed in North America, Europe, and the Middle East (notably the Gulf region).

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition and academic fees on degree and diploma programs, with publicly disclosed fee structures (e.g., BSCS Islamabad Rs 700,600 over 4 years; BSCS Kohat Rs 173,180; MPhil/MS Rs 295,000) and flexible payment terms (monthly installments, semester lump-sum, or one-time). Go-to-market is sales-led via on-campus admissions, online portals, WhatsApp, and events; a dedicated Placement Office links graduates to public and private sector employers. Strategic recent activity is concentrated in industry-academia partnerships (Shaoor, Hashoo Foundation, Allied Bank Islamic, Pakistan-US Alumni/USAID, Confucius Institute) and curriculum expansion into AI and emerging technology diplomas.

Name

Preston University

Legal name

Preston University

Website

https://preston.edu.pk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Preston University is a private Pakistani higher education institution, chartered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and HEC-recognized, operating six campuses across Pakistan and offering undergraduate, graduate, and online diploma programs in business, IT, sciences, and emerging technologies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Private/Independent Community & Junior Colleges (EDAHADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Competency-Based Universities (CBE) (EDAHALAI), Junior Colleges (Associate-Degree Granting) (EDAHADAC)

Keywords

• Higher education services
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate degree programs
• Online diploma courses
• Professional development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Islamabad

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Academic Fees: Preston University generates revenue primarily through tuition fees charged across its degree programs (BS, MPhil/MS, ADP) and diploma/PGD programs. Fee structures are published per campus (Islamabad, Kohat). Programs offer multiple payment options including monthly installments, semester lump-sum, and one-time payment. Fee ranges from approximately Rs 173,180 (BSCS Kohat) to Rs 700,600 (BSCS Islamabad) for 4-year undergraduate programs, and Rs 295,000 for MPhil/MS programs.
2. Professional Development and Diploma Programs: Revenue is generated from short-term online diploma and PGD programs in fields including Business Administration, Computer Science, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Bioinformatics, and Occupational Health & Safety. These programs target professionals seeking skill enhancement and certifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Preston University is a private higher education institution offering undergraduate (BS/BBA, 4-year), graduate (MPhil/MS, 2-year), associate degree (ADP, 2-year), and online six-month diploma and PGD programs across six faculties. The university charges tuition per credit hour with flexible monthly installment and semester payment options, and supports student placement through a dedicated Placement Office connecting graduates with corporate employers.

Product overview

Preston University is a higher education institution offering a portfolio of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university's product portfolio comprises degree programs across six faculties: Business Administration, Information Technology, Social Sciences, Natural & Applied Sciences, Nanotechnology (PINSAT), and Education. Key products include four-year Bachelor degrees (BSCS, BBA, BS in various sciences), two-year MPhil/MS graduate programs, and six-month online diploma/certificate programs. The university also operates the Preston Institute of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT) as a specialized sub-brand. Programs range from traditional business and computer science to specialized fields like nanoscience, AI, and data science. Most programs are offered on-campus at Islamabad or Kohat campuses, supplemented by online diploma offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Preston Institute of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT): Institute focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology education and research
• Disaster Research Institute (DRI)

Products and services

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Four-year undergraduate business degree with majors in Marketing and Finance or Information Technology, requiring 126 semester credits including an 8-week internship and capstone project. Recognized by HEC Pakistan.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) Four-year professional undergraduate degree in Computer Science with specializations in General Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Data Science. Requires 134 semester credits, recognized by HEC and accredited by NCEAC.
• MPhil/MS Management Sciences Two-year graduate program in Management Sciences with majors in Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, and HRM. Requires 32 credits including thesis, recognized by HEC Pakistan, available in Evening/Weekend sessions.
• MS Computer Science Graduate degree program in Computer Science under the Faculty of Information Technology.
• Bachelor of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Four-year BS degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology offered through Preston Institute of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT). First program of its kind in Pakistan's public and private sector.
• Associate Degree Programs (ADP) Two-year associate degree programs offered across multiple disciplines including Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Commerce, Psychology, Economics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Nanoscience, Electronics, and International Relations.
• Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Six-month online diploma covering AI concepts, machine learning fundamentals, and practical AI applications, delivered through self-paced online learning.
• Diploma in Data Science Six-month online diploma covering data analysis, statistical methods, and data science methodologies, delivered through self-paced online learning.
• Diploma in Cyber Security Six-month online diploma covering cybersecurity principles, network security, and ethical hacking fundamentals, delivered through self-paced online learning.
• Diploma in Cloud Computing Six-month online diploma covering cloud infrastructure, deployment models, and cloud service management, delivered through self-paced online learning.
• Preston Institute of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT) Specialized institute within Preston University dedicated to nanoscience and nanotechnology education and research. First in Pakistan's public and private sector to introduce nanoscience programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• First private university in Pakistan with over 40 years of academic excellence since 1984
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Allied Bank Islamic BankingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 December 2025Women Entrepreneurship Awareness Session was successfully held at Preston University Islamabad in collaboration with Allied Bank Islamic Banking on December 4, 2025. The session was attended by 30 senior female students where the ABL team shared insights on financial empowerment.
• Pakistan–US Alumni / USAID ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Preston University successfully launched its Three-Day Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop on September 1, 2025, in collaboration with the Pakistan–US Alumni / USAID Program. The workshop covered Literature Review with AI, Methodology, Data Analysis, and Data Interpretation topics.
• ShaoorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 August 2025A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Preston University and Shaoor on August 29, 2025, at the Islamabad campus. The MoU was formally signed by Ch Waqar Hussain Director. The partnership aims at bridging the gap between industry and academia through collaborative initiatives.
• Eurie Summit (Multiple Pakistani Universities)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Dr. Abdul Basit, Chancellor, Preston University was part of a 34-member delegation of Pakistani Universities who attended the Eurie Summit 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. Preston University signed several MoUs and exchange agreements at the summit.
• Hashoo FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 August 2018Preston University, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Hashoo Foundation signed a MoU for cooperation in areas of mutual interest and benefit. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the Islamabad Campus of Preston University. The Chancellor of Preston University, Dr. Abdul Basit signed the MoU on behalf of the university.
• UBL Fund ManagersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Preston University's Placement Office in collaboration with UBL Fund Managers arranged On-Spot Interviews and information desk for students on 22nd March 2018.
• Confucius Institute – University of KarachicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2015Preston University Karachi signed a MoU with Confucius Institute – University of Karachi. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the main campus of Preston University, Karachi on September 23, 2015. The partnership focuses on cultural and academic exchange.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS): LUMS is a leading private-sector Pakistani university offering BS, MS, and PhD programs across management, sciences, and engineering. Directly comparable to Preston as a private-sector higher education competitor targeting similar student segments with multi-program degree offerings.
• Bahria University: Bahria University is a multi-campus private university in Pakistan offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, IT, and sciences. Comparable to Preston in multi-campus reach, HEC recognition, and broad program portfolio across Pakistani cities.
• COMSATS University Islamabad: COMSATS is a multi-campus Pakistani university strong in computer science, business, and engineering programs. Comparable to Preston in multi-city presence, HEC-recognized degree offerings, and emphasis on IT programs.
• FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences: FAST-NUCES is a leading private Pakistani university specializing in computer science and emerging technologies. Comparable to Preston in targeting tech-focused undergraduate students with multi-campus presence across major Pakistani cities.
• University of Management and Technology (UMT): UMT is a private-sector Pakistani university offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs including business, IT, and social sciences. Directly comparable to Preston in private-sector positioning and broad multi-faculty program offerings.
• Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST): SZABIST is a private Pakistani university with multiple campuses offering BS, MS, and PhD programs. Comparable to Preston as a private-sector HEC-recognized institution with multi-city presence and corporate placement focus.
• Iqra University: Iqra University is a multi-campus private Pakistani university offering programs in business, IT, and social sciences. Comparable to Preston in private-sector positioning and broad multi-faculty offerings targeting similar student segments.
• Riphah International University: Riphah International University is a private-sector Pakistani university with multiple campuses offering programs across health sciences, business, and engineering. Comparable to Preston in multi-campus private-sector model and HEC recognition.

Broad incumbents

• National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST): NUST is a public-sector Pakistani university and one of the country's largest higher education institutions. Comparable to Preston as a higher-degree-granting competitor for top-tier Pakistani students and faculty, though Preston's private-sector positioning differentiates it.
• Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU): AIOU is Pakistan's largest open university offering distance-learning degrees at scale. Comparable to Preston in offering higher education to Pakistani learners, though it competes primarily through online/distance delivery versus Preston's campus-based model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/prestonuni
• Facebookfacebook.com/Preston.University
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/preston-university-islamabad

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Preston University