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In the era of big data, pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Data Science can be a promising choice for students aiming for a future-proof career. If you are an FSc pre-engineering or ICS student in Pakistan, you might be considering this option.
This blog post is your comprehensive guide to understanding everything about BS Data Science in Pakistan – from the top universities that offer this program, to its scope, admission process, and fee structure. So, let’s delve into the details and help you make an informed decision for your future.
What is Data Science?
Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.
This Ultimate Guide to BS Data Science in Pakistan is a part on the series of articles on the best degrees after ICS. Read our full blog here.
Best Degrees after ICS in Pakistan
BS Data Science Universities in Pakistan
In Pakistan several reputable universities offer a BS in Data Science program. Here is a list of all Public and private universities in all provinces of Pakistan that offer BS degree in Data Science.
| University | City | Degree | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women University Azad Jammu & Kashmir | Bagh | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| The Islamia University Of Bahawalpur | Bahawal Pur | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Science & Technology | Bannu | BS , 4 Years | Aug - Sep |
| Bacha Khan University | Charsadda | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| Gomal University | D.i. Khan | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Gwadar | Gwadar | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Haripur | Haripur | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Air University | Islamabad | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Comsats University | Islamabad | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| National University Of Computer And Emerging Sciences, Islamabad | Islamabad | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Sindh Madressatul Islam University | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Kotli | Kotli | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| University Of The Punjab | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | Aug - Sep |
| Hazara University | Mansehra | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan | Mardan | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| University Of Engineering & Technology ( Mardan Campus ) | Mardan | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Mianwali | Mianwali | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University Of Agriculture | Multan | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Quaid-e-awam University Of Engineering, Sciences & Technology | Nawab Shah | BS , 4 Years | May - June |
| University Of Okara | Okara | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Institute Of Management Sciences | Peshawar | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| University Of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar | Peshawar | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Khawaja Fareed University Of Engineering & Information Technology | Rahim Yar Khan | BS , 4 Years | May - June |
| University Of Sialkot | Sialkot | BS , 4 Years | Oct - Nov |
| The University Of Faisalabad | Faisalabad | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Gift University | Gujranwala | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Capital University Of Science And Technology | Islamabad | BS , 4 Years | Nov - Dec |
| Riphah International University | Islamabad | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Dha Suffa University(main Campus) | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Institute Of Business Management | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Iqra University [kch] | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | Aug - Sep |
| Karachi Institute Of Economics & Technology | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Zia-ud-din Medical University | Karachi | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Beaconhouse National University | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Imperial College Of Business Studies | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Lahore Leads University | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Minhaj University | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | Oct - Nov |
| National College Of Business Administration And Economics, Lahore | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | Jan - Feb |
| Qarshi University (lhr) | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| The Superior University | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| The University Of Lahore ( Main Campus ) | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | Jan - Feb |
| University Of Central Punjab | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | Oct - Nov |
| University Of Management And Technology | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Institute Of Southern Punjab | Multan | BS , 4 Years | Sep - Oct |
| City University Of Science & Information Technology | Peshawar | BS , 4 Years | Jan - Feb |
| Grand Asian University Sialkot | Sialkot | AD , 2 Years | July - Aug |
| Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute Of Engineering Sciences & Technology | Swabi | BS , 4 Years | May - June |
| The Islamic University Of Bahawalpur[rahimyar Khan Campus] | Rahim Yar Khan | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus | Faisalabad | BS , 4 Years | Feb - March |
| National University Of Computer And Emerging Sciences ( Lahore ) | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Riphah International University Lahore | Lahore | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| National College Of Business Administration And Economics ( Multan Campus ) | Multan | BS , 4 Years | Aug - Sep |
| Pak- Austria Fachhuochschule, Institute Of Applied Sciences And Technology | Haripur | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
| Emerson University Multan | Multan | BS , 4 Years | July - Aug |
Scope of BS Data Science in Pakistan
The job market for data science graduates in Pakistan is burgeoning with opportunities. The rise of the digital economy, increased focus on data-driven decision-making, and the advent of advanced technologies have escalated the demand for data science professionals. Banks, telecom companies, e-commerce platforms, and tech startups are constantly on the lookout for skilled data specialists.
Read everything about Scope of Data Science in Pakistan here.
Admissions Eligibility Criteria for BS Data Science in Pakistan
Applicants should have successfully completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent (A levels, International Baccalaureate) with a minimum of 60% marks. They should have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject in their high school curriculum.
Many universities require candidates to pass an entrance exam. This can be a general aptitude test or a subject-specific exam based on Mathematics and Basic Computer Science.
Admission Timeline
Admission to BS Data Science programs in Pakistan typically follows a similar timeline across most universities. Here are some key dates to remember:
- Application Availability: The application forms are typically made available starting in June.
- Application Deadline: The deadline for application submission can range from late July to early August.
- Entrance Exam: Universities usually schedule entrance exams for late August.
- Result Announcement: The results for the entrance exams are typically announced by mid-September.
- Admission Confirmation: Successful candidates are required to confirm their admission by late September.
- Program Start: The academic year usually begins in early October.
Please note that these dates are tentative and may vary from one institution to another. Always check the official university websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Fee Structure for BS Data Science in Pakistan
The fee structure for a BS in Data Science varies across universities in Pakistan. However, it generally falls under the following categories:
Tuition Fees
On average, the tuition fee for a BS in Data Science degree in Pakistan ranges from PKR 600,000 to PKR 1,200,000 for the entire course duration. This may fluctuate depending on the university’s reputation, faculty, and infrastructure.
Admission Fees
Universities generally charge a one-time admission fee at the time of enrollment. This fee ranges from PKR 20,000 to PKR 50,000, depending on the institution.
Miscellaneous Fees
In addition to tuition and admission fees, students may also need to budget for other costs such as library, laboratory, or sports facility fees. These miscellaneous fees typically range from PKR 5,000 to PKR 10,000 per year.
Note: These figures are averages and specific fees can vary from one university to another. It’s always advisable to check the fee details on the official university website or contact the admission office for the most accurate information.
Comparison of Fee Structures
University of Punjab BS Data Science Fee
The University of Punjab, one of the oldest and reputable institutions in Pakistan, charges tuition fees of approximately PKR 650,000 for the entire BS in Data Science course. The admission fees sit around PKR 30,000 and yearly miscellaneous fees are estimated to be PKR 6,000.
BS Data Science Fee in Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
LUMS, a highly prestigious university, has a higher fee structure due to its world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The overall tuition fees for the BS in Data Science program are close to PKR 1,200,000. The admission fees are around PKR 50,000 and the miscellaneous fees per year amount to about PKR 10,000.
National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST)
FAST, known for its strong focus on computer sciences and related fields, charges a tuition fee of approximately PKR 800,000 for their BS in Data Science program. The admission fees are about PKR 40,000, with miscellaneous fees reaching up to PKR 8,000 annually.
Remember, it’s crucial to confirm these figures from the respective university websites as they are subject to change and may vary based on a multitude of factors.
BS Data Science Curriculum in Pakistan
curriculum for a BS in Data Science varies slightly among universities, but commonly includes a blend of core courses and electives spanning over eight semesters.
Core Courses
Core courses typically offered in most Data Science programs include:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Probability and Statistics
- Linear Algebra
- Programming Fundamentals
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Machine Learning
- Data Analysis
- Data Visualization
Elective Courses
Some of the elective courses you could choose to pursue based on your areas of interest are:
- Big Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Mining
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Vision
Curriculum Comparison: University of Karachi, LUMS, NUST
While the core curriculum for each university is largely similar, each has its unique flavor in terms of elective offerings and teaching methodologies.
- University of Karachi: This university offers a comprehensive data science program, with a strong emphasis on practical applications of machine learning and big data analytics. Electives like Cybersecurity and Bioinformatics are unique to their program.
- LUMS: LUMS offers a balanced curriculum with strong foundations in mathematics and computer science, complemented by electives in areas such as computer vision, speech recognition, and digital media analytics.
- NUST: NUST’s program delves deeper into the technical aspects of data science, offering elective courses like Advanced Algorithms and High-Performance Computing. Their curriculum also includes a capstone project, providing hands-on experience in solving real-world data challenges.
Core Textbooks for BS Data Science in Pakistan
Here are a few fundamental textbooks that are commonly used in the curriculum of BS Data Science programs in Pakistani universities:
Probability and Statistics:
Introduction to Probability and Statistics” by William Mendenhall, Robert J. Beaver, and Barbara M. Beaver
Probability, Statistics, and Random Processes For Electrical Engineering” by Alberto Leon-Garcia
Linear Algebra:
Linear Algebra and Its Applications” by David C. Lay
Introduction to Linear Algebra” by Gilbert Strang
Programming Fundamentals:
Starting Out with Python” by Tony Gaddis
Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes
Machine Learning:
Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective” by Kevin P. Murphy
Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning” by Christopher Bishop
Elective Course Textbooks
For elective courses, the textbook selection may vary significantly based on the specific topic. However, here are a few commonly referenced ones:
Big Data Analytics:
Hadoop: The Definitive Guide” by Tom White
Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think” by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach” by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig
Computer Vision:
Computer Vision: Algorithms and Applications” by Richard Szeliski
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, and the selection of textbooks may vary based on the specific course and instructor’s preferences.
In conclusion, a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science holds great significance in today’s digital landscape, particularly in Pakistan. With the influx of Big Data, businesses across industries are seeking professionals who can interpret and analyze vast amounts of data to drive decision-making and strategy. This degree equips students with the necessary analytical skills, programming expertise, and understanding of machine learning algorithms, preparing them for a variety of high-demand roles. In terms of scope, graduates can look forward to opportunities in several sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce, among others. With the right training and skills, a BS in Data Science can indeed open doors to lucrative and fulfilling career paths.
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