COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) was established in 1998, as COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), a project of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS). At that time CIIT had the status of a public sector degree awarding higher education institution and was given a charter by the Federal Government in August 2000. Later, CIIT was upgraded to a Federally Chartered University in April 2018 under the COMSATS University Islamabad Act 2018.

The establishment of an IT Institution in Abbottabad was a visionary challenge of Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, Minister of Science and Technology of the time. COMSATS came forward to accept this challenge as an opportunity, which was brought to reality by the Founding Director of the campus, Dr. Haroon Rashid. Pakistan Army did the greatest service to the cause of education by offering 308 kanals of land at Tobe camp for establishing an IT Institute, which was graciously transferred by Pakistan Military and gratefully accepted by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology.

In a record period of 90 days, under the dynamic leadership and untiring efforts of Dr Haroon Rashid, the dilapidated barracks and overgrown jungle was converted into a vibrant seat of learning and on 3 September 2001, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus opened its doors to the knowledge thirsty youth of Hazara region and northern areas of Pakistan. Three undergraduate programs of Information Technology, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering were started with an initial intake of 121 students.

The tranquil atmosphere of Abbottabad campus, and the dedication of the faculty and staff of the campus, was the engine which gave impetus to the phenomenal growth in the academic offerings to the students. Today, Abbottabad campus has 12 departments, more than 5672 students, 17 undergraduate programs, 26 graduate (MS & PhD) programs, qualified faculty strength of 386 including more than 212 PhDs, 55 classrooms, and 90 state of the art laboratories. The University’s physical infrastructure emulates the best educational institutions of the country. The natural climatic advantages of Abbottabad city, large land area, sports and recreation facilities and above all, a secure and friendly environment, have all combined to make Abbottabad campus more of a resort. The campus is an ideal place to study, live and work. The campus area also encompasses lush green grounds, blooming flowerbeds, and trees. Set in these environs, with a panoramic background view of Thandiani and Galliyat mountains, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus is a perfect place to study with complete peace of mind.

COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus lives true to the Motto ‘We Aim to Inspire’