PESHAWAR: The Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST) will hold its first convocation May 31 at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.

This historic event will celebrate the graduation of students from various academic disciplines, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey of excellence and innovation, according to a statement issued here on Wednesday.

Founded in 2020 with a vision to transform Pakistan’s higher education landscape, PAF-IAST is modelled on the world-renowned Austrian Fachhochschule system.

It combines rigorous academic training with hands-on industrial application. The institute’s unique approach bridges the critical gap between theory and practice, producing graduates who are academically proficient and industry-ready from day one.

Speaking ahead of the event, Rector Prof Mohammad Mujahid said: “These students are more than just our first cohort — they are our torchbearers.”

“They have not only embraced the applied model of learning we champion but have gone on to secure jobs, start their businesses, and represent Pakistan in global academic and entrepreneurial arenas. Their success is the clearest validation of our mission,” he further said.

The convocation will honour students graduating from a wide range of forward-looking programmes in computing, engineering, biomedical sciences, information design, and railways & transportation engineering. These programmes reflect PAF-IAST’s commitment to interdisciplinary education aligned with Pakistan’s emerging economic needs and global industry trends.

In just five years, PAF-IAST has developed strategic international partnerships with over a dozen institutions across Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and beyond. Students have participated in split-degree and exchange programmes, while faculty members have contributed to collaborative research, technology transfer, and curriculum co-development with global partners.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2025