When we talk about studying psychology in Pakistan, the journey often begins with a unique perception. Many students, especially those coming from an FSc (Pre-Medical) background, turn toward psychology when they are unable to secure admission to medical colleges due to merit constraints. For them, psychology becomes the second option—closely linked to medicine because it deals with helping people, improving lives, and understanding human behavior. This belief—that psychology is a way of “treating people” without being a doctor—remains a common motivation for students.

However, psychology in Pakistan is not limited to pre-medical students alone. The subject is also offered at the FA (Arts) level, meaning that nearly half of psychology students actually come from an FA background. These students later continue their studies at the Bachelor’s level, where psychology is offered in many universities across the country.

In the public sector, institutions such as Government College University (GCU) Lahore, Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamic International University Islamabad, Fatima Jinnah University Rawalpindi, Foundation University, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, and University of Sargodha are prominent in offering psychology programs. Alongside them, several private universities have also introduced undergraduate and postgraduate programs, making psychology one of the most widely available social sciences disciplines in Pakistan.

This expansion shows that psychology in Pakistan is no longer seen as a fallback option but as a growing and respected field. With increasing awareness of mental health, more students now choose psychology out of passion rather than compulsion—recognizing its value in education, health, organizations, and community development.

FAQ: Study Psychology in Pakistan

1. Is psychology a good career in Pakistan?
Yes. Psychology is an increasingly respected profession in Pakistan, with career opportunities in clinical practice, education, industry, counseling, and community development. The growing awareness of mental health has made psychology a high-demand field.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to study psychology in Pakistan?
Students from both FSc (Pre-Medical) and FA (Arts) backgrounds can pursue psychology. Most universities require at least 45–50% marks in intermediate education for admission into undergraduate psychology programs.

3. Which universities are best for psychology in Pakistan?
Some leading universities offering psychology include Punjab University, Quaid-i-Azam University, Government College University Lahore, Lahore College for Women University, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Sargodha, Fatima Jinnah University, Islamic International University Islamabad, and Foundation University. Several private universities also offer strong programs.

4. What subjects are taught in psychology at the undergraduate level?
Typical subjects include Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Counseling, and Psychological Testing.

5. What are the career options after a degree in psychology in Pakistan?
Graduates can work as clinical psychologists, counselors, HR specialists, teachers, researchers, forensic experts, or NGO professionals. With postgraduate studies, they can specialize further in clinical, forensic, organizational, or educational psychology.