The Virtual University of Pakistan was established in 2002 and aims at raising the standard of higher education in Pakistan by providing high quality, easily accessible and affordable world-class education to students from all regions through the utilisation of the latest Information and Communication Technologies.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:
Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) offers BS degree programs in the field of Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Accounting and Finance, Mass Communications and Psychology. These programs have a duration of four years (eight semesters) comprising 132 credit hours.
The candidates holding Intermediate or equivalent qualifications with at least 45 percent marks are eligible to apply. Candidates holding Bachelor's degree (at least 45% marks) from a recognised institution may also apply for BS program with course exemptions. All relevant information in this regards is available at http://www.vu.edu.pk/
Virtual University also offers Master's Program in the field of Computer Science, Information Technology and Business Administration (MBA, MCS and MIT). These programs have a duration of two years (four semesters) comprising 72 credit hours.
Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution in any discipline with at least 45% marks can apply for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Candidates holding BA/B.Sc from a recognised institution in any of the following: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Commerce, Statistics, Economics and Bachelors of Engineering with at least 45% marks can apply for admission to the Master of Computer Science (MCS) or Master of Information Technology (MIT) programs. In addition, candidates holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with at least 45% marks are also eligible to apply for MIT.
The University also offers a one year (two semesters) Diploma in Computer Science & Information Technology. Candidates holding Intermediate or equivalent qualifications with at least 45% percent marks are eligible to apply. Candidates who successfully obtain Diploma in Computer Science & Information Technology are eligible to continue their studies in any of the above-mentioned BS Programs by taking the appropriate remaining courses.
Virtual University of Pakistan is also offers Professional short certificate courses of one semester duration. Candidates seeking further information and applying for admission online may visit http://www.vu.edu.pk/
Candidates may be admitted to all of the above programs at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. If a candidate fails to enroll, his/her admission shall stand cancelled.
MODE OF EDUCATION:
The Virtual University develops its courses by utilising the services of the best available professors in the country. The University owns and operates its own four channels VTV-1, VTV-2, VTV-3 and VTV-4. These free-to-air channels may be received by using a simple digital receiver and solid dish antenna of 8 feet size.
Several cable operators also carry these channels nation-wide and more are expected to do so in the near future. Students attend their lectures either at Virtual Campuses or from home. Interaction amongst students or between students and their teachers happens over the Internet. Students registered at Virtual campuses are provided computer and Internet facilities while those studying from home have to have access to a computer with an Internet connection at home. A comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) running on the Virtual University's web servers allows the students to access study materials around the clock over the Internet.
A custom developed Moderated Discussions Board (MDB) within the LMS allows students to interact effectively with their tutors. All assignments are handed out & submitted through the LMS and access to all relevant reading material is also provided on-line. In addition to being broadcast over the University's television channels video lectures of all courses are also available on multimedia CDs at a nominal cost (http://bookshop.vu.edu.pk).
The CDs enable students to review lessons at any time and at their own pace. Soft copies of lecture handouts/notes are available on VU LMS and may also be purchased (http://bookshop.vu.edu.pk).
Examinations are conducted by the Virtual University in a formal proctored atmosphere. Exams Centers are announced, examiners and invigilators appointed and then examinations conducted either electronically or of-line at these centers in a strictly proctored environment.
VIRTUAL CAMPUSES:
Currently there are nearly one hundred virtual campuses spread all over Pakistan. The majority of these have been established in association with the private sector while the University itself operates 11 centers. More University operated as well as private campuses will be added in the future.
These virtual campuses provide the required infrastructure for attending classes, accessing the Learning Management System and for conducting proctored examinations. These campuses also act as satellite administrative centers for VU students.
TEACHING SCHEDULE:
In an academic year, there are two semesters, namely fall and spring, each of 18 weeks duration. The fall semester begins usually in the 3rd week of September every year and the spring semester in the 3rd week of February of the following year. Semester duration includes actual teaching time, conduct of examinations etc.
There is also a summer session of 8 to 10 weeks as part of an academic year that is optional. Students who wish to pass their "F" grade (s) or to improve any "D" grades may enroll in this session in the courses offered. The exact teaching schedule of each semester is notified separately through the LMS.
LECTURE TRANSMISSION SCHEDULE:
Virtual University of Pakistan delivers its lecture via its own free-to-air television channels collectively known as the Virtual University Network (VUTV). The lecture transmission schedule is updated weekly and displayed on the Virtual University web site (http://www.vu.edu.pk) under the 'student services' link.
TUITION FEES EXPENSES:
Tuition fee rates are fixed and are independent of the number of courses being taught in one semester. Security, Admission and Registration fee are charged once at the start of the first semester. The remaining charges are payable quarterly.
FEE DETAILS OF VU ACADEMIC PROGRAMS ARE AS UNDER:
The schedule for the payment of dues is notified at the start of each semester. The fees should be deposited in the authorised bank branches by the announced date. If the candidate, once admitted in a degree program, enrolls himself/herself by depositing university dues and subsequently leaves the university under any circumstances, the university dues already deposited by him/her shall not be refunded in any case except the security fee.
Refund of tuition fee and other dues can be made to a student only if the University considers the student to be ineligible for the enrolment in a semester. Application for cancellation of admission and refund of dues is to be submitted to the Registrar, Virtual University of Pakistan.
EDUCATION FOR PAKISTANIS ABROAD:
Virtual University of Pakistan has extended its services to foreign countries in order to provide opportunity to overseas Pakistanis and their children to seek admission into its degree programmes. Admission requirements, rules and regulations will remain the same for overseas students. The instructions for their admission, details of university dues, and conduct of examination etc are displayed on the University web site http://www.vu.edu.pk
STUDY LOCATION:
Applicants may attend classes at their choice of Virtual Campus or from home and should indicate appropriately on the admission application form. In any case, all candidates shall have to appear for their examinations at the VU designated exam centre.
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BS Master Diploma Professional
DETAILS OF FEE program Program Course Certificate
(Rs) (Rs) (Rs) Course (Rs)
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Admission Fee (one time) 2,000 3,000 2,000 -
Registration Fee (one time) 500 1,000 500 500
Security (one time, refundable) 2,000 5,000 2,000 -
Tuition fee (per month,
payable quarterly) 1,300 2,000 1,850 -
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