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MS Software Engineering (MSSE) Highlights
Introduction
The Master of Science in software engineering MSSE is basically a specialisation within computer science. The students earn complete exposure to computer application development including software development techniques, development framework, programme language and machine language. Students also have a chance to study and brush up skills which makes them a professional developer in different languages. It also gives you the opportunity to work as a developer in different companies.
MS Software Engineering Program Objectives
- Having a Vast knowledge to brush up your skills which allows you to solve complex problems.
- As per your skills which can play a lead role in the local as well as worldwide software industry by acting as designer and manager of latest software’s.
- It allows students to join a reputed and professional level position in the computer field.
- Students are able to plan, implement, define the new techniques and methods.
MS Software Engineering University-Wise Admission Comparison in Pakistan 2026
MS Software Engineering is an advanced postgraduate degree in Pakistan designed for students interested in software development, system design, application engineering, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies in computing. A university-wise admission comparison helps applicants evaluate differences in curriculum depth, research opportunities, and laboratory and computing facilities across institutions. The comparison table highlights faculty expertise, access to software labs, high-performance computing resources, development frameworks, and opportunities for thesis-based research, industrial projects, and internships. By reviewing admission requirements, eligibility criteria, merit policies, program accreditation, and fee structures, students can make well-informed academic decisions. It also identifies universities offering stronger collaborations with tech companies, software development firms, and research institutes. This comparison assists students in selecting MS Software Engineering programs aligned with modern software development practices and professional industry standards in Pakistan.
| University | Duration | Credit Hours | Fee (Per Year) | Admission Month | Eligibility Criteria | Specializations Offered | Scholarship Options | Entry Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 380,000 - 460,000 | • Fall (Jul-Aug) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA), NUST GAT 50% | • Software Project Management • Secure Software Engineering • Data Engineering • Cloud & Distributed Systems |
NUST Merit Scholarships, Need-Based, HEC | NUST GAT (General) |
| COMSATS University Islamabad | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 210,000 - 270,000 | • Fall (Jul-Aug) • Spring (Dec-Jan) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Web & Mobile Engineering • Software Quality Engineering • Enterprise Software Architecture • DevOps & Automation |
Merit & Need-Based, HEC, CUI Scholarships | CUI Admission Test (NTS/University) |
| University of the Punjab, Lahore | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 140,000 - 180,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Design & Architecture • Software Testing & Quality Assurance • Web Engineering • Database Systems |
Merit & Need-Based, HEC, Punjab Govt. | PU-CAT |
| Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 1,150,000 - 1,400,000 | Fall (Mar-Apr) | BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA), LUMS Admission Test | • Software Systems & Architecture • Human-Computer Interaction • Data-Intensive Computing • Software Security |
LUMS Financial Aid, Merit Scholarships, Need-Based | LUMS Graduate Admission Test |
| University of Karachi | 2 Years | 30 | 75,000 - 110,000 | • Fall (Sep-Oct) • Spring (Mar-Apr) |
BS/BSc Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2nd Division | • Software Development • Software Project Management • Database Systems • Network Programming |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | KU Admission Test |
| University of Peshawar | 2 Years | 30 | 65,000 - 100,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Technologies • Software Quality Assurance • Information Systems |
Merit & Need-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | UoP Postgraduate Admission Test |
| University of Sindh, Jamshoro | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 95,000 | • Fall (Nov-Dec) • Spring (May-Jun) |
BS/BSc Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 45% Marks | • Software Development • Database Management • Web Engineering • Software Testing |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | University of Sindh Admission Test |
| University of Sargodha | 2 Years | 30 | 85,000 - 120,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Web Engineering • Software Project Management • Mobile Application Development • Software Quality Engineering |
Merit-Based, Need-Based, Punjab Govt. | UOS Admission Test |
| Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan | 2 Years | 30 | 80,000 - 115,000 | • Fall (Sep-Oct) • Spring (Mar-Apr) |
BS/BSc (4 Years) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Software Architecture |
Merit-Based, BZU Schemes, HEC | BZU Postgraduate Test |
| University of Gujrat | 2 Years | 30 | 95,000 - 130,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS (4 Years) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Development • Web Technologies • Software Testing • Enterprise Systems |
Merit Scholarships, HEC | UOG Graduate Admission Test |
| Hazara University, Mansehra | 2 Years | 30 | 65,000 - 100,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Applications • Database Design • Software Project Management |
Merit-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | HU Entry Test |
| Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 95,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Development • Web Engineering • Database Systems • Mobile Computing |
Merit-Based, HEC, KP Govt. | AWKUM Departmental Test |
| Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST) | 2 Years | 30 | 75,000 - 110,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Technologies • Software Quality • Network Programming |
Merit-Based, HEC | KUST Admission Test |
| University of Malakand | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 95,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Software Design |
Merit-Based, HEC | UOM Departmental Test |
| Forman Christian College University (FCCU), Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 400,000 - 480,000 | Fall (Aug-Sep) | BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Architecture • Human-Centered Software Engineering • Data Science Engineering • Secure Software Development |
Merit Scholarships, Need-Based Financial Aid | FCCU Graduate Studies Test |
| Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) | 2 Years | 30 | 100,000 - 135,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA) | • Web Engineering • Software Testing • Database Systems • Mobile App Development |
Merit-Based, Punjab Govt., HEC | LCWU Departmental Test |
| Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore | 2 Years | 30 | 250,000 - 310,000 | Fall (Aug-Sep) | BS (4 Years) Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2.5 CGPA | • Software Development • Web Technologies • Database Management • Software Project Management |
Merit-Based Scholarships, Alumni | Kinnaird College Admission Test |
| University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad | 2 Years | 30 | 75,000 - 110,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc (Hons) Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2nd Division | • Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Network Programming |
Merit-Based, HEC, AJK Govt. | UAJK Admission Test |
| Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 95,000 | • Fall (Nov-Dec) • Spring (May-Jun) |
BS/BSc Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 45% Marks | • Software Development • Web Engineering • Database Management • Software Quality |
Merit-Based, HEC, Sindh Govt. | SALU Admission Test |
| University of Balochistan, Quetta | 2 Years | 30 | 55,000 - 90,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2nd Division | • Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Information Systems |
Merit-Based, HEC, Balochistan Govt. | UoB Postgraduate Test |
| Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta | 2 Years | 30 | 60,000 - 95,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS/BSc Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2nd Division | • Software Development • Web Technologies • Database Systems • Software Engineering Fundamentals |
Merit-Based, Balochistan Govt. | SBKWU Admission Test |
| University of Management & Technology (UMT), Lahore | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 350,000 - 430,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2.5 CGPA | • Software Project Management • DevOps & Cloud Engineering • Data Engineering • Enterprise Software Solutions |
Merit-Based, Need-Based, Alumni | UMT Graduate Admission Test |
| University of Lahore (UOL) | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 320,000 - 390,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Development • Web & Mobile Engineering • Software Testing • Database Management |
Merit Scholarships, Need-Based, Installments | UOL Graduate Admission Test |
| FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Lahore | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 420,000 - 500,000 | • Fall (Aug-Sep) • Spring (Jan-Feb) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.5/4.0 CGPA), FAST Admission Test | • Software Architecture & Design • Software Quality Assurance • Web Engineering • Data Engineering |
Merit Scholarships, Need-Based | FAST-NUCES Graduate Admission Test |
| Preston University, Karachi | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 190,000 - 250,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2.0 CGPA | • General Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Software Project Management |
Merit-Based, Installment Plans | Preston University Admission Test |
| Superior University | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 210,000 - 280,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2.0 CGPA | • Full-Stack Development • DevOps & Cloud Computing • Software Quality Engineering • Mobile & Web Engineering |
Merit Scholarships, Corporate Scholarships | Superior University Graduate Test |
| Minhaj University | 2 Years | 30 | 140,000 - 190,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT, Minimum 2.0 CGPA | • Software Engineering • Web Technologies • Database Systems • Mobile Application Development |
Merit-Based, Need-Based | Minhaj University Admission Test |
| Virtual University | 1.5 - 2 Years | 30 | 55,000 - 85,000 | • Fall (Sep) • Spring (Mar) |
BS Software Engg/CS/IT (2.0/4.0 CGPA) | • Software Engineering • Web Development • Database Systems • Software Project Management |
Merit-Based, Fee Installments | No Entry Test |
MS Software Engineering Specialisations in Pakistan
There are many specification fields in this advanced degree program. Basically masters in software engineering has 2 types of specialisation such as software development and software application development. Application developers analyse the needs of a user to design an application. Specialisation in a software engineering program permits students to set a skill set.
Specialisations are given below:
- Web design and development
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing and virtualization
- Information Systems
- Networking software
- Cyber security
Other Online Popular Master’s Degrees in IT Field/Computer Science
IT and computer science both are quickly developing and advanced areas of study. On a daily basis new opportunities in this field are continuously growing. Some others option in computer science and IT are
- Masters in big data solutions
- Masters in computer science
- Software engineering for embedded systems
- Master’s degree in business intelligence and big data
- Master’s degree in research in cybersecurity
- Masters computer science in IT security
- Masters in digital humanities
- Masters in artificial intelligence
- Masters in machine learning
- User experience design
- Master’s degree in we technologies and cloud computing
- Masters of information technology
What Are The Best Paying Software Engineering Degrees
These are the best paying software degrees which plays an important role in industry which are:
- Computer engineering
- Technology management
- Computer science
MS Software Engineering Duration and Credit Hours
Two years degree programme consists of 11 subjects and 30 credit hours, all subjects are compulsory.
MSSE Scope and Career
MSSE degree programme provides the students with the tremendous skills and subjects related knowledge to lead the best career option in dynamic areas of latest technology. Also aware students with vast scientific knowledge prove his/her self in different specified fields. Due to the exponential growth of the technology has led to a growing demand for professionals in the field. Various opportunities are available for professional careers in the aviation and aircraft industry. It will prepare them to amicably apply software engineering principles, process and practice to maintain, analyse, design and develop software systems.
Learning Outcomes of MSSE Degree Program
- Express and apply Software Engineering concepts, optimally design solutions and follow quality standards in professional development.
- Analyse and document the problems that arise in the software and plan for the nearest solution timely.
- Use different software development tools.
MS Software Engineering Syllabus and Courses
The following is the course outline of MS Software Engineering:
Semester 1
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Software Quality Assurance and Testing | 3 |
| Research Methodology | 3 |
| SE Elective–I | 3 |
| SE Elective–II | 3 |
| Understanding of Holy Quran–I | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
Semester 2
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Software System Architecture | 3 |
| Advanced Requirements Engineering | 3 |
| SE Elective–III | 3 |
| SE Elective–IV | 3 |
| Understanding of Holy Quran–II | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
Semester 3&4
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Thesis/Two Courses | 6 |
| Total | 6 |
Skills of MSSE Degree Program
- Make you able to communicate effectively, in both oral and written forms.
- Skills make you successful in the engineering profession, sustain a process of life-long learning in engineering or other professional areas.
- Develop ability to participate and lead in team work in an environment with different disciplines/fields of engineering.
- Professionally handle complex engineering problems and tasks, using engineering principles, methodologies and tools.
- Students are able to understand and practise the advanced knowledge of software engineering.
Difference MSCS and MSSE
- Basically these two degrees are closely related. CS is a broad discipline while SE is a narrow one.
- Masters of sciences in computer science (MSCS)
- The students should choose masters of science in computer science if they want to get into a professional field like machine learning, Artificial intelligence, these types of fields. Computer science is the tech-intensive field oriented around information systems and computers.
- Masters of sciences in software engineering (MSSE)
- The students should choose masters in software engineering program if they want to earn the whole life cycle of how software is built. Software engineering is a process of designing, building, testing software applications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is MS Software Engineering?
A: MS Software Engineering is a postgraduate program focused on advanced software design, development, testing, and management techniques to prepare professionals for the IT industry.
Q: What is the eligibility for MS Software Engineering in Pakistan?
A: Applicants must have a BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or a related field with at least 2.5 CGPA or 60% marks from an HEC-recognized institution.
Q: Which universities offer MS Software Engineering in Pakistan?
A: Leading universities offering this program include NUST, COMSATS, FAST-NUCES, UET Lahore, and Bahria University.
Q: What is the duration of the MS Software Engineering program?
A: The program typically spans 2 years (4 semesters), including coursework and a research thesis.
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