GIFT University
GIFT University is a private nonprofit university in Gujranwala, Pakistan, offering 50+ degree programs across four schools, anchored in effectuation-based entrepreneurship education and serving a predominantly female student body through direct enrollment and international partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersGujranwala, Pakistan
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What GIFT University does
GIFT University is a private, nonprofit higher-education institution headquartered in Gujranwala, Pakistan, founded in 2002 and operated as a project of the Credence Group. It delivers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education through four academic schools — GIFT Business School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Social Sciences, and School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture — offering 50+ degree programs to a student body of which 65% is female. The institution's pedagogy is built around effectuation theory, developed in consultation with globally cited scholars including Prof. Saras D. Sarasvathy, Prof. Heidi Neck, and Prof. Henry Mintzberg, and supported by 270+ faculty members.
The university operates a stack of supporting technology and services that includes the Times Portal (an online student-information and services platform), an Edx-based LMS, a Students Facilitation Centre offering 16+ online administrative services, and 16 specialized centers such as the Centre for Emerging Technology, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Centre for Innovative Skills, and the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation. It is accredited by HEC, PHEC, PEC, NBEAC, and NCEAC, and holds Association of Commonwealth Universities membership. The International Business Growth Window (IBGW), run jointly with the Gujranwala Business Alliance, extends the institution beyond academics into SME and startup export-development across seven countries.
GIFT's revenue model is anchored in tuition and academic fees from degree-seeking students, supplemented by ancillary services such as the TourEase transport program (a commercial 360-degree travel service). The university disbursed approximately PKR 2,350 Million in scholarships and financial aid, supports 350 on-campus businesses, and maintains a 13,000+ alumni network. Distribution is direct-to-consumer: students enroll via the online admissions portal, the SFC, or on-campus visits, with international recruitment handled through 23+ university partnerships (including Coventry, Ural Federal, TU Berlin, Wuhan Textile) and the U.S. Global UGRAD program.
GIFT University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GIFT University
- Legal name
- GIFT University
- Website
- https://gift.edu.pk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- GIFT University is a private nonprofit university in Gujranwala, Pakistan, offering 50+ degree programs across four schools, anchored in effectuation-based entrepreneurship education and serving a predominantly female student body through direct enrollment and international partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GIFT University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- University/Institutional Scholarships & Tuition Waivers (EDAIAOAG), University-Led Summer/Winter Schools (Credit/Non-Credit) (EDAIAIAA), Diploma-to-Degree / Articulation & Credit-Transfer Pathways (EDAIAJAG), Major Gifts, Planned Giving & Endowment Development (EDALAOAC), Fundraising & Annual Giving (EDALAOAB)
Keywords
Where GIFT University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gujranwala
- HQ country
- Pakistan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
GIFT University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Academic Fees: Revenue generated from student tuition fees across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. The university offers various degree programs in four schools: GIFT Business School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Social Sciences, and School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture.
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs: The university provides scholarships and financial assistance to students, with approximately Rs. 2350 Million in scholarships and financial assistance disbursed, demonstrating significant investment in student support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Undergraduate Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate and Postgraduate Programs |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Transportation Services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
GIFT University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GIFT University is a private, nonprofit higher education institution in Gujranwala, Pakistan that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree programs through four academic schools: GIFT Business School (GBS), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), and School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture (SFADA). The university offers 50+ degree programs supported by 16 specialized research and training centres, integrating effectuation-based entrepreneurial education across curricula and providing student services, transport, and international exchange opportunities.
Product overview
GIFT University is Pakistan's emerging entrepreneurial university offering a comprehensive educational ecosystem. The institution operates through four academic schools (GIFT Business School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Social Sciences, and School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture) providing 50+ degree programs. Supporting the academic core are 16 specialized centres including Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE), Centre for Emerging Technology (CET), Centre for Innovative Skills (CIS), and the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC). Student services are delivered through the Students Facilitation Centre (SFC) providing 16 online administrative services via the Times Portal. The university also offers transport services through TourEase and international collaboration initiatives via the International Business Growth Window (IBGW). The institution integrates effectuation and entrepreneurship principles across all programs, inspired by Prof. Saras D. Sarasvathy, Prof. Heidi Neck, and Prof. Henry Mintzberg.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GIFT Business School (GBS): School offering business and management education programs.
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
- School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS)
- School of Fine Arts, Design & Architecture (SFADA)
Products and services
- GIFT Business School (GBS) One of four academic schools at GIFT University offering undergraduate and graduate business education programs including BBA, MBA, and MS degrees with emphasis on entrepreneurship and effectuation principles for prospective business students.
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) Engineering and applied sciences school delivering PEC-accredited undergraduate engineering degree programs with practical orientation for students pursuing technical careers.
- School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) School offering humanities and social sciences degree programs including Islamic Studies and languages for students seeking liberal arts education.
- School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture (SFADA) Creative arts and architecture school providing design-focused undergraduate degree programs for students pursuing careers in fine arts, design, and architecture.
- Centre for Innovative Skills (CIS)
Quantifiable outcome
- 65% female students enrollment
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use GIFT University
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
GIFT University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature4 records
GIFT University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered major, moderate, core and minor.
- Coventry UniversitymajorInternational collaboration with Coventry University based in Coventry, UK. A public research university with origins dating back to 1843, providing academic exchange and collaboration opportunities.
- Ural Federal UniversitymajorPartnership with Ural Federal University (UrFU) in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia. One of Russia's largest and leading higher educational institutions combining fundamental education with innovative approaches.
- Technische Universität BerlinmajorCollaboration with TU Berlin, a public research university in Germany and member of TU9 (the incorporated society of the largest and most notable German institutes of technology). Hosted successful Micro-Entrepreneurship Conference.
- Wuhan Textile UniversitymoderatePartnership with Wuhan Textile University in Wuhan, Hubei, China. A provincial public university affiliated with Hubei Provincial People's Government.
- Gujranwala Business Alliance (GBA)coreCollaborative platform for International Business Growth Window (IBGW) designed to unlock export-led growth for Gujranwala's SMEs and startups by bridging academia, industry, and governments.
- Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)majorGIFT University hosted the 1st-ever PSX IPO Roundtable in Gujranwala's history, bringing together financial leadership, corporate sectors, and industrial stakeholders.
- SECPmajorCollaborated with Pakistan Stock Exchange and Darson Securities to organize IPO Roundtable for private companies in the region.
- Darson SecuritiesmoderatePartnered with Darson Securities for PSX IPO Roundtable event.
- US AidmoderateOverseas corporate partner providing support for student and institutional development programs.
- Al NaboodahminorOverseas corporate partner in Dubai providing internship and employment opportunities for students.
- Habib Bank LimitedmoderateMajor Pakistani banking partner for student accounts, financial services, and corporate partnerships.
- MCB Bank LimitedmoderateLeading Pakistani bank partner for financial services and corporate collaborations.
- Engro ChemicalsmoderateCorporate partner providing internship and employment opportunities for graduates.
- Nestle Pakistan LimitedminorCorporate partner for student placements and industry engagement.
- Roshni Homes TrustcoreCSR initiative providing residency, education, safety and services to orphan children without parental care in Pakistan. GIFT University supports through community service programs.
- SM Educational FoundationcoreCSR partner providing financial assistance for primary, secondary, and higher education to underprivileged students.
- Prof. Saras D. SarasvathycorePaul M. Hammaker Professor in Business Administration at Darden School of Business, University of Virginia (USA). Pioneer of effectuation theory that shapes GIFT University's entrepreneurial education approach.
- Prof. Heidi NeckcoreJeffry A. Timmons Professor of Entrepreneurship Studies and Academic Director of Babson Academy (USA). Influences GIFT's entrepreneurship education methodology.
- Prof. Henry MintzbergcoreJohn Cleghorn Professor of Management Studies at Canada. Renowned scholar whose work on strategy and organization influences GIFT University's educational philosophy.
- U.S. Consulate LahoremajorConsul General Ms. Kristin K. Hawkins and Public Engagement Officer visited GIFT University, engaging with Centre for International Relations for diplomatic and academic collaboration.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
GIFT University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST): Top-tier federally chartered Pakistani university with multiple colleges covering engineering, business, and social sciences in Islamabad and across Pakistan. Overlaps with GIFT in engineering and business offerings but at materially larger scale and national prestige.
- COMSATS University Islamabad: Large federally chartered multi-campus Pakistani university system focused on science, technology, and business. Broader and more established than GIFT but overlaps significantly on computing, engineering, and business programs at similar price points.
- Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU): Pakistan's largest public open university providing distance-learning programs across business, education, and social sciences. Adjacent comparable to GIFT in overall program breadth but operates via a fundamentally different distance-learning delivery model.
- Bahria University: Large federally affiliated multi-campus Pakistani university with wide program portfolio. Overlaps with GIFT in business, engineering, and humanities but operates at materially larger scale and broader geographic reach.
Direct peers
- Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi: Public-sector business school with main campus in Karachi offering undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in business, computer science, and social sciences. Closely comparable to GIFT Business School in mission and target student base.
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS): Private nonprofit Pakistani university widely regarded as the country's top private HE institution; offers business, engineering, and arts programs with strong industry linkage. Directly comparable to GIFT as a private nonprofit, multi-school university emphasising entrepreneurship and multidisciplinary education.
- FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences: Private Pakistani university with multi-city campuses focused on computing, engineering, and business programs. Comparable to GIFT as a multi-school private university with computing/engineering strength and similar tuition-driven model.
- University of Central Punjab (UCP): Private Pakistani university in Lahore offering business, engineering, law, and arts programs with strong industry partnerships. Direct comparable to GIFT as a regional multi-school private university competing for similar Pakistani student segments.
- Riphah International University: Private Pakistani university operating across multiple cities with strength in health sciences, engineering, and business. Comparable to GIFT as a private multi-school university with similar tuition-based revenue model and federal charter.
- SZABIST (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology): Private Pakistani institute with campuses across multiple cities offering business, computing, engineering, and social science programs. Comparable to GIFT in scale, private nonprofit structure, and emphasis on business/technology programs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GIFT University social profiles
Digital presenceGIFT University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
GIFT University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GIFT University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
GIFT University subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
GIFT University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GIFT University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GIFT University
What does GIFT University do?
GIFT University is a private, nonprofit higher education institution in Gujranwala, Pakistan that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree programs through four academic schools: GIFT Business School (GBS), School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), and School of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture (SFADA). The university offers 50+ degree programs supported by 16 specialized research and training centres, integrating effectuation-based entrepreneurial education across curricula and providing student services, transport, and international exchange opportunities.
Is GIFT University a public or private company?
GIFT University is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was GIFT University founded?
GIFT University was founded in 2002. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is GIFT University based?
GIFT University is headquartered in Gujranwala, Pakistan, in the Asia region.
How does GIFT University make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Academic Fees are the primary driver. The others are scholarship and Financial Aid Programs.
Who are GIFT University's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), COMSATS University Islamabad, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Bahria University. Direct peers are Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Riphah International University and SZABIST (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology).
Does GIFT University have an API?
No public API is recorded for GIFT University.
What industry is GIFT University in?
GIFT University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAA, Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary), with a secondary code of EDAIAOAG, University/Institutional Scholarships & Tuition Waivers. Its NAICS code is 611310 and its SIC code is 8200.