FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q.  Is the Virtual University a private or Government institution? Ans. Virtual University of Pakistan is very much a Government University. It was established by the Government of Pakistan to provide extremely affordable world class education to aspiring students all over the country.

Q.  Does the University have different standards for the various provinces? Ans. Absolutely not. The Virtual University provides an identical education to all its students regardless of their geographical location. All Virtual University students, regardless of whether they live in large cities or small towns or even remote areas are taught by the same professors, receive the same study materials. Even examinations are identical throughout the country.

Q.  How is identical education possible all over the country? Ans. The Virtual University uses free to air television for broadcasting its lectures and interaction between students and tutors happens over the Internet. Examinations are conducted in a formal proctored environment at centers allocated for the purpose by the University. The Virtual University operates its own four television channels (VTV1, VTV2, VTV3 & VTV4). Students listen to the lectures in classroom environment in virtual campuses spread all over the country. The students are provided at these campuses, free Internet facility to interact with the teachers. All lecture videos of Virtual University courses are also available for a very nominal cost.

Q.  Who are the Professors at the Virtual University of Pakistan? Ans. The Virtual University utilizes the services of the very best professors that the country has to offer. They belong to the best universities and other institutions of the country and are acknowledged masters of their subjects. Most of the professors hold PhD degrees and even several vice-chancellors of major national universities have taught courses at the Virtual University.

Q.  Then VU education must be very expensive! Ans. You will be surprised at the affordability of Virtual University programs. Despite the provision of world-class facilities and education, the cost of a BS program is only Rs. 500 per credit hour. The fee for the Diploma program, MCS, MIT and MBA fees are only Rs. 750 per credit hour. The fee for the MS program in Computer Science is Rs.2,500/- per credit hour.

Q.  So where do I study? Ans. If you are a full time student then you should join any one of the more than 100 campuses of the Virtual University. These are located in over 60 cities of the country and the list is available on the VU web-site (http://www.vu.edu.pk). By studying at any of these campuses you will be able to interact with your class-fellows and also avail free computer and Internet facilities which are required for student -teacher interaction. However, if you are a working professional or it is difficult for you to attend classes at a campus, then you can study from home. In this case you will need a television, and a computer with Internet connectivity.

Q.  And how do I study? Ans. You attend lectures as per the declared timetable through Virtual University's television network which operates four channels VTV1, VTV2, VTV3 and VTV4. The schedule is always available on the VU web-site. In case you miss any lecture, all Virtual University courses are also available on CDs at very nominal cost. In addition to the prescribed text books, extensive reading material is made available over the Internet through the university's Learning Management System (LMS).

Q.  What if I need to ask a question? Ans. You can ask questions at any time over the Internet using the Virtual University's comprehensive Learning Management System (http://vulms.vu.edu.pk). No other university of the country offers such a facility.

Q.  How do I appear for my exams? Ans. The Virtual University establishes examination centers throughout the country. Examinations are conducted under the supervision of the examiners who ensure the sanctity of the process.

Q.  Is the VU degree recognized? Ans. The Virtual University has been established by the Government of Pakistan. As such, its degrees are recognized nationally as well as internationally. Please visit the HEC web-site (http://www.hec.gov.pk/new/main/ourinstitutes.htm)

Q.  From where can I obtain the lecture CDs? Ans. CDs are easily available through the Virtual University bookshop (http://bookshop.vu.edu.pk). Availability of CDs is not limited to VU students only; students and faculty from other universities as well as the public at large can benefit from these courses.

Q.  Can Virtual University help me to learn how to operate a computer? Ans. Definitely. You do not need to go to any computer center to learn the basics of computers. The Virtual University has developed a very exciting and comprehensive set of interactive CDs that will lead anybody through the basic learning process. No teacher is necessary and all instructions on these CDs are delivered in Urdu, thereby making them extremely easy to understand and follow for all age groups.

Q.  Are the courses offered by VU comparable to international standards? Ans. Yes. Virtual University programs are based on curricula developed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The course outlines used in these curricula are based on international demands and standards.

Q.  Will I be able to continue my education in any other university after obtaining a degree from VU? Ans. Definitely. In fact, VU graduates are already pursuing their MS and higher studies at top universities both within Pakistan as well as abroad.

Q.  How can I get my admission form and where should I submit it? Ans. You can get the form and all necessary information from any of the Virtual University campuses. You can submit completed application forms along with all required documents to the same campus or directly to the Virtual University Head Office. You may also download the form without charge from the VU web-site (http://www.vu.edu.pk/apply).