Virtual University of Pakistan

Virtual University:
The Virtual University of Pakistan is the first distance learning university in Pakistan based entirely on modern information and communication technologies. It was established by the Government of Pakistan as a public sector, not-for-profit institution with a clear mission: to provide extremely affordable education to students all over the country and abroad. Using free-to-air satellite television broadcasts and the Internet, the Virtual University allows students to follow its rigorous programs regardless of physical location. It thus aims at alleviating the lack of capacity in existing universities while simultaneously tackling the acute shortage of qualified professors in the country. By identifying the top professors of the country, regardless of their institutional affiliations, and requesting them to develop and deliver courses, the Virtual University aims at providing the best courses not only to its own students but also to students of all other universities in the country.

Recognition:

The Virtual University of Pakistan holds a Federal Charter, making its degrees recognized and accepted all over the country as well as overseas.

Governance:
The Board of Governors is the apex body of the University, responsible for the general supervision and control of administrative, academic and financial affairs and having the power to lay down the policies of the University. The Rector is the chief executive and academic officer of the University; this position's responsibility is to ensure that the provisions of the Virtual University Ordinances Statutes, Regulations, and Rules are faithfully observed in order to promote teaching, research, administration, general efficiency and good order of the University. Authorities of the University include:

Executive Council
Academic Council
Boards of Studies
Advanced Studies and Research Board
Selection Board
Finance and Planning Council
Affiliation Committee.
Officers of the University include the Registrar, the Director Finance, the Director Administration, the Controller of Examinations, Manager IT and the University Auditor.

Bachelor of Science Programs:
The Bachelor of Science program prepares its students to meet the demanding challenges of the modern workplace. The degree requires more than 130 credit-hours of work. In the senior year, student will be required to spend a good deal of time completing a capstone project. Typically. this project will be done in collaboration with industry, under the guidance of a professional nominated by the University. The curriculum for various majors is based on the recommendations of the National Curriculum Revision Committees approved by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). However, the Academic Council of the University may update the curricula from time to time.
Virtual University of Pakistan offers two types of 132 credit-hour programs
Bachelor of Science programs for Intermediate or Equivalent Certificate holders
Bachelor of Science programs for lower Bachelor degree holders (FAST TRACK program)

Master's Degree Programs:
Students who have completed their Bachelor's degree (with at least 45% marks) from a recognized university or institution can apply for admission to Master of Computer Science (MCS), Master of Information Technology (MIT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. These programs comprise seventy-two credit hours each, spread over four semesters and allow graduates to upgrade their skill sets into the requirements of the modern knowledge era. Rigorous curricula allow graduates of these programs to compete effectively with their counterparts who have graduated from corresponding four year baccalaureate programs.
Students completing their 16-year education in computer science and information technology field are provided the opportunity to take admission this advanced level degree program. According to HEC criteria, these degrees are equivalent to an MPhil program offered by any other university in the country.

Suitability of VU Programs:
People which are currently in job, and want to do Master Program, for them VU is a wrong choice, because of its ever changing policies, tough assignments time line (2-4 in each subject), quizzes(2-4 in each subject), they are online, but their mechanism of examination is very old, they are monitoring tightly, but they are not making paper efficient enough, so they can check the ability even it is solved with the help of book. for the invigilation, they are using Yahoo accounts. so, as a overall, if you have good memory, and you are doing very easy job, you can do it.
Programs by Faculty:
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology:
Master of Computer Science
Master of Information Technology
Faculty of Management:
Master of Business Administration

Campuses:
Virtual University was founded in 2002 since which it has expanded operations to reach more than sixty cities throughout the country with more than one hundred associated institutions providing infrastructure support to students. In addition, Pakistani students residing in several other countries in the region are also enrolled in the University's programs.
Virtual University has two types of campuses, its own, and those that are run by other organizations. These private campuses use buildings in private institutions in various cities. These facilities are required to have a computer lab and Internet access.

Milestones and Achievements:
VU feasibility study final feasibility report. December 8, 2001
President of Pakistan inaugurated the Virtual University of Pakistan. March 23, 2002
First batch of 500 students starts classes. March 26, 2002
Federal Charter granted by Government of Pakistan. September 1, 2002
VU start broadcasts over its own TV Channels VTV1, & VTV2. June 15, 2004
VU selected as coordinating institute of multi-country IDRC funded project. March 1, 2005
VU, in keeping with its Open education Resources policy, puts is lectures on Youtube November, 2005
Launch of MCS, MIT and MBA programs. March 6, 2006
Launch of two new TV channels VTV3, & VTV4. September 26, 2006
VU become Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) member. November 7, 2006
VU agreement with Ujala TV Dubai for telecasting VU programs. November 30, 2006
VU agreement with University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences of offering joint BS Bio-informatics program. May 25, 2007
Launch of MS program in Computer Science. Fall 2007
Launch of B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. (2-year programs). Fall 2009"
VU Launch its In-House Developed LMS (Learning Management System)and other MIS(s) By IT Department. Spring 2009
Virtual University of Pakistan held its First Convocation on Tuesday 18 May, 2010 simultaneously at Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Jamshoro, Karachi and Quetta.