LAHORE: The Emerson University Multan (EUM) has announced Rs5,000 increase in tuition fees for its BS Computer Science and Emerging Technologies programmes, while keeping fees unchanged for BS Morning programmes in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences in its 2025-26 budget.

The decision was made during the 6th meeting of the Finance and Planning Committee, which approved a deficit-free budget of Rs1.32 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ramzan, emphasised academic development, technological advancement and financial relief for students, while maintaining11scal discipline.

EUM Treasurer Nadeem Mushtaq confirmed that the budget was formulated entirely from internal revenue streams. Last year, EUM received Rs380 millionfrom the Punjab government and the HEC, with a similar amount expected this year. Student fee revenue is projected at Rs710 million.

Major allocations in the budget include Rs80 million for an endowment fund, Rs52.7 million for pensions, and over Rs500 million for high-tech computer labs featuring augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), robotics, digital logic design (DLD) and holographic systems.

In a student-friendly move, EUM announced a scholarship and fee concession package, including a 90pc fee waiver for 1st position holders in intermediate board exams, 80pc for 2nd position, 70pc for 3rd position, and a 50pc tuition discount for siblings studying simultaneously at the university.

The committee alsoapproved regulations for the university`s contributory pension scheme, a significant policy development for employees.

VC Prof Ramzan said the budget reflected prudent financial management and a commitment to self-reliance and austerity.

He expressed satisfaction over timely salary and pension disbursements and hoped for continuedgovernment support for development projects.

The meeting was attended by Registrar Dr Muhammad Farooq, Controller of Examinations Aftab Ahmad Khakwani, HEC Additional Secretary Zahida Azhar, Punjab Finance Department`s Muhammad Arif, HEC`s Arsalan Majeed, and Deputy Director of Finance, among others.