LAHORE – In a historic first for Pakistan’s education sector, Arizona State University (ASU) is set to establish a full-fledged campus in Lahore under the name National Institute of Technology (NIT), becoming the first U.S. university to physically set up operations in the country.
The institute is scheduled to begin classes in Fall 2025 and will feature two flagship academic divisions: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. The curriculum will align with U.S. education standards while integrating local cultural values and academic frameworks.
The project is spearheaded by Shahzeb Awan, a lawyer trained at the University of London, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard-educated finance expert. The formal agreement was signed in April 2025 at ASU’s main campus in Tempe, Arizona.
ASU officials emphasized that the new campus will deliver student-centered education, focused on preparing graduates to excel in a rapidly evolving global economy.
A unique feature of NIT is its dual-degree model, which will allow students to earn credentials from both NIT and ASU. The setup also includes opportunities to study abroad at ASU campuses in the U.S., including Washington D.C., California, and over 30 global partner universities through the ASU-Cintana Alliance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development after meeting with ASU officials on July 24, calling it a “game-changer” for the country’s academic future.
“NIT will be a world-class institution that empowers our youth to thrive in global markets,” he said, pledging government support for innovative, career-focused education.
The launch of NIT is expected to enhance Pakistan’s global academic presence, create high-skilled job opportunities, and offer students access to world-class education without leaving the country.
