Arizona State University to Open First US Campus in Pakistan with National Institute of Technology in Lahore
In a major leap for Pakistan’s education system, Arizona State University (ASU), one of America’s top public universities, is bringing its academic excellence to Lahore with the launch of the National Institute of Technology (NIT). This marks the first time a U.S.-based university will have a physical campus in Pakistan. Classes at the NIT campus are set to begin in Fall 2025. Propakistan
The new institute will offer cutting-edge programs through two main academic divisions — the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. These programs will follow American curriculum standards but will be tailored to meet Pakistan’s cultural and educational context, creating a unique blend of global quality and local relevance.
The establishment of NIT is being led by two Pakistani professionals: Shahzeb Awan, a lawyer trained at the University of London, and Jahanzeb Burana, a finance expert educated at Harvard. The agreement between ASU and NIT was officially signed in April 2025 at ASU’s main campus in Tempe, Arizona, in the presence of both educational and government representatives.
ASU officials described this move as part of their broader mission to provide student-centered learning environments across the globe. The NIT campus will focus on preparing graduates with the real-world skills necessary to excel in today’s global job market. To enhance this mission, the institute will offer dual degree options, enabling students to earn diplomas from both ASU and NIT, all while having the opportunity to study in Pakistan and abroad.
Moreover, Pakistani students enrolled at NIT will gain access to ASU’s vast global network, including study abroad options in Washington D.C., California, and over 30 partner institutions through the ASU-Cintana Alliance. This will give local students a unique chance to experience international education without needing to leave the country for the full duration of their degree.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met with ASU officials and welcomed the initiative, calling it a “historic step toward building a modern and job-focused higher education system.” He emphasized that the government fully supports this partnership, which is expected to create new academic pathways, boost employment, and enhance Pakistan’s academic reputation on the world stage.
The launch of the National Institute of Technology is seen as a game-changer for Pakistan’s youth. It reflects a clear commitment to reforming higher education by aligning it with global standards and future employment trends, especially in critical sectors like technology, data science, and business innovation.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Fall 2025 opening, education experts and students alike are optimistic that NIT will open a new chapter in Pakistan’s educational journey — one that blends American academic excellence with Pakistani ambition.
