The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad is a comprehensive university with excellence in higher education, research and advocacy in agricultural sciences in Pakistan. The university is widely recognized as having a broad influence and impact through its contributions for HRD, enhancing agricultural productivity, food security and employment generation.
The Higher Education Commission ranks UAF at number one in Pakistan, and the QS ranks it at number 142 in the world in agricultural sciences. In the ISI Web of Knowledge/Scopus database, UAF holds second position out of 170 universities in Pakistan based on impact factor publications.
The UAF offers undergraduate and postgraduate study programs in various disciplines in agricultural sciences, life sciences, engineering, food science, basic sciences, social sciences and business. The University comprises six Faculties, nine Institutes, four Directorates, a Community College and four Sub-Campuses (Regional Centers). The UAF has produced > 53,000 graduates since 1961 including > 50% postgraduates and > 1000 PhDs. In the recent years about 30 new degree programs have been introduced and the existing degree programs have been restructured to cater more to the needs of communities, business and academia. More than 6000 students are enrolled in different undergraduate degree programs and another 7000 in postgraduate programs including > 650 PhD students. The enrolment of female students in different programs exceeds to 35% and gender mainstreaming is a priority at the university. The university also provides financial assistance to meritorious students unable to afford their education.
To build its own capacity and to promote a knowledge-based economy in Pakistan, UAF has a focus to strengthen its linkages with the national and international community. It has signed more than 100 agreements with national and international organizations for student and faculty exchange, internships, capacity building workshops and collaborative research projects. The university has a very vibrant faculty, which has more than 250 externally funded projects amounting to 2 billion rupees, including 40% international competitive grants. The university has a growing portfolio of academia – industry linkages and research commercialization. With a strong emphasis on generating new products and technologies, UAF has led the development of new crop varieties, agriculture implements vaccines and processes. A significant proportion of these have been up-scaled and adopted by the industry and commercial farms. Community building and social mobilization through Associate degree programs, skill development short courses and outreach programs is another important focus at the UAF.
National and international networking, diversified academic programs, knowledge & technology output and strong outreach focus are the fundamental components of UAF’s success leading to building community, leadership and knowledge based economy in the country.