If you’re planning to apply for higher studies in Pakistan but have taken the SAT, you’re in luck. Many top-ranked universities in Pakistan now accept SAT scores as an alternative to local entry tests like ECAT or MDCAT.
This pathway is especially beneficial for students with O/A Levels or international education backgrounds who wish to apply using internationally standardized assessments.
In this detailed guide, I have covered all major universities in Pakistan that offer SAT-based admissions, their accepted programs, and official admission links, so you can make informed decisions confidently.
1. National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
NUST is Pakistan’s most prestigious university for engineering, technology, medical and business education. It allows SAT-based admissions under its International Stream, ideal for both foreign and local students who have taken the SAT instead of NET (NUST ENTRY TEST).
SAT Accepted For:
Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Business Studies, and Social Sciences.
For official reference of NUST SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
2. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
LUMS relies fully on SAT-I for undergraduate admissions. It is recognized for maintaining global admission standards. Applicants with strong SAT scores can apply for multiple programs without taking any separate entry test.
SAT Accepted For:
Economics, Management Science, Computer Science, Accounting & Finance, Mathematics, and Politics & Economics.
For official reference of LUMS SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
3. Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi
IBA Karachi, one of Pakistan’s oldest business schools, accepts SAT-I scores for admission in various programs. Students who meet the minimum SAT score or threshold can skip the IBA Aptitude Test.
SAT Accepted For:
BBA, BS Economics, Accounting & Finance, Social Sciences, and Computer Science.
For official reference of IBA Karachi SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
4. Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI)
GIKI allows students to apply using SAT-II (Subject Tests) in Mathematics and Physics instead of its own admission test. It’s a great opportunity for international students pursuing engineering.
SAT Accepted For:
Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Materials, and Artificial Intelligence Engineering.
For official reference of GIKI SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
5. Habib University (HU), Karachi
Habib University welcomes students with SAT-I scores under the standard of its Global Merit Policy. Habib’s extensive admission process values creativity, academics, and international performance standards.
SAT Accepted For:
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Communication & Design, Social Development & Policy, and Comparative Humanities.
For official reference of Habib University SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
6. Lahore School of Economics (LSE)
LSE is one of Pakistan’s most recognized business and economics institutions. Students can apply using SAT-I or SAT-II scores instead of its own admission entry test.
SAT Accepted For:
BSc (Hons) Economics, Business Administration, Finance & Marketing, and Management Science.
For official reference of LSE SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
7. Forman Christian College University (FCCU) Lahore
FCCU provides flexibility for students who’ve completed international curricula. Applicants can submit SAT scores instead of the FCCU entry test if they have a valid SAT test score.
SAT Accepted For:
Economics, Computer Science, Business Administration, Biotechnology, Political Science, and Psychology.
For official reference of FCCU SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
8. FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES)
FAST-NUCES recognizes SAT-I for international and national students applying for computer and business programs. It offers one of the best Computer Science programs in the country.
SAT Accepted For:
BS Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and BBA.
For official reference of FAST NUCES SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
9. COMSATS University Islamabad
COMSATS allows admission through SAT-I scores for certain business and technology-related undergraduate programs.
SAT Accepted For:
BS Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, and Data Science.
For official reference of COMSATS SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
10. NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET)
NED accepts SAT-II results for international students or those seeking admission through alternative pathways instead of ECAT. NED is well known for its engineering and computing programs.
SAT Accepted For:
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Industrial Engineering.
For official reference of NEDUET SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
11. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST)
SZABIST accepts SAT-I scores for most undergraduate business and computer programs, providing flexibility for both Pakistani and foreign applicants. It is one of the bright options if you want to study Business related programs.
SAT Accepted For:
BBA, BS Computer Science, BS Media Sciences, and Social Sciences.
For official reference of SZABIST SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
12. Aga Khan University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences (AKU-FAS)
AKU’s Faculty of Arts & Sciences now accepts SAT scores for its undergraduate programs, which aligns with international standards for liberal arts education. You can apply for various arts and social sciences subjects.
SAT Accepted For:
Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, and Environmental Studies.
For official reference of AKU SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
13. Bahria University
Bahria University accepts SAT-I for non-engineering programs and SAT-II for engineering programs. Applicants meeting the required SAT score can skip the Bahria Admission Test.
SAT Accepted For:
Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
For official reference of Bahria University SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
14. Beaconhouse National University (BNU)
BNU considers SAT-I scores for its undergraduate programs, especially in business and economics. The university aims to ease access for A-Level and international students.
SAT Accepted For:
BBA, BS Economics, Social Sciences, and Media Studies.
For official reference of BNU SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
15. LUMS School of Education (Postgraduate)
For its postgraduate programs, LUMS School of Education accepts SAT or GRE as part of its flexible admission options for globally competitive students.
SAT Accepted For:
MPhil Education Leadership & Management, Educational Policy, and Social Development.
For official reference of LUMS School of Education SAT Admission Policy: Click Here!
Choosing a university in Pakistan that accepts SAT scores is a smart move, if you want a globally recognized admission pathway. From LUMS and NUST to IBA and GIKI, many institutions are now welcoming international-standards.
Always verify details on the official admission pages and if you’ve got a great SAT score, you already have a strong advantage!
Important FAQs
Q1. Do Pakistani universities accept SAT for undergraduate admission?
Ans: Yes. Many top universities, including LUMS, NUST, IBA, and GIKI, accept SAT for undergraduate admission across engineering, business, and social science programs.
Q2. Is SAT required or optional for Pakistani universities?
Ans: It’s optional. SAT serves as an alternative route to local tests like NET or ECAT, especially for O/A Level or international students.
Q3. What SAT score is good for admission in Pakistan?
Ans: A score of 1250+ is considered competitive for LUMS or NUST, while 1100+ may qualify for other universities like IBA or FAST.
Q4. Do medical colleges in Pakistan accept SAT?
Ans: Some international medical programs may consider SAT-II (Science Subjects), but most require MDCAT or equivalent exams.
Q5. Can overseas Pakistanis apply through SAT?
Ans: Yes. Overseas Pakistanis and foreign students can apply under the SAT International Stream without appearing in local university admission tests for respective universities’ admission policy.
Q6. How long are SAT scores valid in Pakistan?
Ans: SAT scores remain valid for two years for admission purposes in most Pakistani universities.
Q7. Can I send SAT scores online to Pakistani universities?
Ans: Yes. You can send official SAT reports directly via the College Board using the institution’s unique code listed on each university’s site.
Q8. Which Pakistani universities offer scholarships for SAT scorers?
Ans: LUMS, NUST, Habib University, and AKU offer merit-based scholarships to students with exceptional SAT performance.
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