NUST SADA Guide: School of Art, Design and Architecture

What Is SADA?

SADA (School of Art, Design and Architecture) is NUST's creative design school at the H-12 Islamabad campus. It offers two undergraduate programs that blend artistic vision with technical rigour. SADA's building is one of the most architecturally distinctive structures on campus, with large studio spaces for design work.

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) at SADA

The B.Arch is a 5-year professional degree accredited by PCATP (Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners). The curriculum covers architectural design, building technology, history of architecture, urban design, and sustainable architecture. Students complete design studios each semester and a thesis project in the final year. After graduation and one year of practical training, graduates can register with PCATP as professional architects.

BS Industrial Design at SADA

BS Industrial Design is a 4-year program focusing on product design, user experience, ergonomics, and design for manufacturing. Graduates work in product development, furniture design, automotive design, and UX/UI design. The program is one of the few industrial design degrees in Pakistan.

Admission Requirements

Admission to SADA requires a valid NUST NET score plus a school-specific aptitude test that evaluates drawing skills, design thinking, and creativity. Candidates must also submit a portfolio of their artwork and design projects. The portfolio is a significant factor in the admission decision.

Fee Structure

SADA programs fall under the Architecture and Business fee category: PKR 275,400 per semester. This is higher than engineering programs (PKR 197,050) and reflects the studio-based teaching model and material costs.