Arizona State University (ASU) has launched the National Institute of Technology (NIT), its first physical campus in Pakistan, which is located in Lahore.
AS will become the first U.S. university to establish a physical presence in the country, launching classes in Fall 2025. Shahzeb Awan, a University of London-trained lawyer, and Jahanzeb Burana, a Harvard-educated finance expert, led the initiative and formalised it in April 2025 at ASU’s Tempe campus.
NIT will feature two schools: the School of Management Sciences and the School of Data Sciences and Information Technology. These schools will integrate an American curriculum with the cultural and educational contexts of Pakistan.
Celebrating a new chapter in 🇺🇸🇵🇰 educational partnership!
At the opening of NIT, CG Hawkins highlighted the strong academic ties between the U.S. and Pakistan -including a new dual degree program between NIT and Arizona State University!
It was great to see students from the… pic.twitter.com/K1RhuDfgFl
— U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 29, 2025Students will have the opportunity to pursue dual degrees from ASU and NIT, providing them with access to global study opportunities at ASU campuses in Washington, D.C., California, and through the ASU-Cintana Alliance’s network of over 30 partner institutions worldwide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described NIT as a “milestone” for Pakistan’s education sector, emphasising its role in preparing youth for global markets.
NIT aims to promote innovation through advanced laboratories, innovation hubs, and incubators that support entrepreneurship and green technology research. Committed to accessibility, 30% of seats will be reserved for students from underprivileged backgrounds via need-based scholarships, ensuring affordability and inclusivity.
The ASU-NIT partnership enhances Pakistan’s higher education landscape, boosting employment prospects and global academic reputation. It offers students unparalleled opportunities and strengthens U.S.-Pakistan ties.
