You can get into NUST without NET by applying on ACT or SAT basis, but read the requirements carefully: NUST accepts the SAT only for Business Studies, Social Sciences and LLB. Engineering, Computing, Applied Sciences and Architecture need an ACT composite of at least 25 and an ACT Science score of at least 25.
Key facts
- Separate application form and separate merit lists for ACT/SAT seats
- National seats: ACT/SAT 75%, HSSC 15%, SSC 10%
- International seats: ACT/SAT 100%
- ACT code 2915, SAT code 2790, scores valid for 2 years, ACT superscore accepted
- Scores had to reach NUST by 25 July 2026 for the 2026 intake
- Processing fee: Rs 5,000 (USD 40) national seat, Rs 10,000 (USD 80) international seat
Source: NUST page on applying on the basis of ACT/SAT, checked October 2026
Who can apply
NUST has a limited number of ACT/SAT seats in its undergraduate programmes, in two categories.
National seats are open to Pakistani candidates from both O/A Level and FA/FSc streams. You pay the normal national fee.
International seats are open to:
- Pakistanis with dual nationality, wherever they did HSSC
- Pakistani nationals who passed an intermediate-equivalent exam in a foreign education system
- Pakistani students who studied abroad for HSSC but sat a Pakistani board exam from abroad
Foreign nationals who need a visa to study in Pakistan apply for international seats through NUST's separate international portal. A Pakistani studying in Pakistan under the Pakistani system can apply for NET and ACT/SAT national seats, but not international seats.
International seats pay international fees, and a candidate selected on an international seat cannot convert to a national seat later. For international candidates NUST also asks for TOEFL 500 or IELTS 5.5, unless your HSSC was taught in English. International candidates cannot apply for the Aerospace and Avionics Engineering programmes at CAE Risalpur.
The expatriate and foreign admission post covers the international route in more detail.
Score requirements by programme
This table is from NUST's ACT/SAT page. The ACT changed in April 2025, so NUST lists two versions of the Engineering requirement.
| Programmes | What NUST accepts |
|---|---|
| Engineering, Computing, BS Biotechnology, BS Food Science and Technology, BS Agriculture, BS Environmental Science, Architecture and Industrial Design | ACT taken before April 2025: composite (Maths, English, Reading, Science) of at least 25. ACT taken from April 2025: composite (Maths, English, Reading) of at least 25, and Science of at least 25 |
| Natural Sciences | ACT STEM score of at least 25 |
| Business Studies, Social Sciences, LLB | SAT with at least 550 in each section, or ACT: before April 2025, Maths, English and Reading each at least 25; from April 2025, composite of at least 25 |
These are minimums to apply. They are not what it takes to be selected. Selection goes by merit position on the ACT/SAT list, and NUST does not publish closing scores for it.
LLB applicants also need a valid HEC Law Admission Test (LAT) score of at least 50%.
How merit works on ACT/SAT basis
For national seats, your ACT or SAT score takes the place of NET in the usual formula:
national seat: ACT/SAT 75% + HSSC 15% + SSC 10%
international seat: ACT/SAT 100%
A-Level final-year candidates on national seats get 25% for their O-Level equivalence, as with NET. Whatever the weights, you still need at least 60% in SSC and HSSC, or IBCC equivalents, to be eligible.
NUST prepares the ACT/SAT national list and the ACT/SAT international list separately from the NET list. If you do not enter your ACT/SAT score by the deadline, NUST gives that component zero weight.
Dates and deadlines
| Item | 2026 intake | 2027 intake (tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| ACT/SAT application form | 4 May to 25 July 2026 | 4 May to 25 July 2027 on the dates page |
| Last date for scores to reach NUST | 25 July 2026 | 25 July 2027 |
For 2027, the admissions portal says ACT/SAT registration starts on 20 April 2027, while the dates page lists 4 May. Check both pages in April and go by whichever NUST updates last. Scores that reach NUST after the deadline are not considered.
Scores must come straight from ACT or College Board, sent to NUST with the codes above. It is your job to make sure they arrive by 25 July, so send them well before it.
Can you apply on both NET and ACT/SAT?
Yes. NUST's FAQ says ACT/SAT applicants do not need to sit NET, but they can also apply through NET and be considered on both lists. If you are selected on more than one (NET, ACT/SAT national and ACT/SAT international), you keep one seat of your choice.
Each route has its own processing fee. NET costs Rs 5,000 per series for Pakistanis and dual nationals.
For most FSc students in Pakistan, NET is the main route and ACT/SAT is a second shot. If you are an A-Level student already sitting the ACT for foreign applications, applying on both costs one extra fee and gives you a second list.
Documents and IBCC
FSc students can apply on Part-I marks, but admission is confirmed only when you produce the full HSSC result with the right subjects and percentage. O/A Level and other foreign-system students apply on their IBCC O-Level equivalence. Admission is confirmed only with the A-Level equivalence, again from IBCC. NUST says missing subjects or a missing IBCC certificate before classes start leads to cancellation. The A-Level guide covers this.
FAQ
Can I get admission in NUST engineering with SAT?
No. NUST's ACT/SAT page lists SAT only for Business Studies, Social Sciences and LLB. Engineering needs an ACT composite of at least 25 and an ACT Science score of at least 25.
What SAT score is required for NUST?
At least 550 in each SAT section to apply for Business Studies, Social Sciences or LLB. That is the minimum to apply. Selection depends on your merit position.
Do I need to give NET if I apply on ACT basis?
No, ACT/SAT applicants do not need NET. You can sit NET as well and be considered on both lists.
What is NUST's ACT code?
2915 for ACT and 2790 for SAT. Scores are valid for 2 years and NUST accepts the ACT superscore.
