COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad

COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), formerly known as COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), is a public university in Pakistan. It is a multi-campus university with its principal seat located in Islamabad.

The COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) was established in 1998 as the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS). COMSATS is an inter-governmental organization with 27 member states in three continents: Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) initiated the proposal for the formation of COMSATS under the leadership of Nobel Laureate, Dr. Abdus Salam. The foundation-conference of COMSATS was held at Islamabad on October 4th and 5th, 1994. Representatives from thirty-six countries attended.

CIIT was envisioned as Pakistan's first exclusive Institute of Information Technology. It was established to meet the growing demand for IT professionals in the country and to promote the development of the IT sector in Pakistan.

CIIT started its operations in April 1998 with a few certificate courses and a postgraduate diploma in computer studies. The institute offered its first undergraduate program in computer science and engineering in September 1998.

CIIT quickly gained a reputation for excellence in IT education and research. It was awarded the status of a Degree Awarding Institution (DAI) by the Government of Pakistan in August 2000.

In April 2018, CIIT was upgraded to a full-fledged university and renamed the COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI).

Today, CUI is one of the leading universities in Pakistan, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology. It has a strong focus on research and innovation. Its faculty members are actively engaged in a variety of research projects, many of which are funded by national and international agencies.

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad is ranked as the #5 top university in Pakistan during 2024. The rank is improved by 3 points from last year.