In a strategic move aimed at transforming the future of higher education in Pakistan, Skills360 Pakistan, an education and development initiative under The Coach360 and co-founded by renowned entrepreneur Burhan Mirza, has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST). This collaboration promises to usher in a new era of industry-aligned learning for university students, ensuring they are not only academically competent but also professionally competitive.
The MoU was formalized in a ceremony attended by top leadership from both institutions, including Kashif Hussain Shah, Executive Director of Skills360, and Dr. Hina Akram Mudassir, Director of ORIC at FUUAST. The agreement represents a powerful alignment of visions between a forward-thinking academic institution and a pioneering professional development platform.
A Transformative Step Toward Student Empowerment
Under this partnership, Skills360 has pledged to reserve 25 seats across various short and long-term courses specifically for students from FUUAST. This exclusive allocation aims to expand access to practical, market-driven education in disciplines ranging from digital marketing to data analytics, coding, entrepreneurship, and more.
Going a step further in promoting inclusivity, Skills360 will offer a 50% scholarship on all its courses for students nominated by FUUAST’s management, making high-quality skills training more financially accessible to deserving candidates.
This move is part of Skills360’s broader mission to democratize access to education that reflects current industry standards and equips learners with skills that employers are actively seeking in today’s fast-evolving job market.
Blending Academia with Industry-Readiness
A highlight of the MoU is the potential academic recognition of Skills360’s certified courses. FUUAST is exploring the option to integrate these courses as elective components within its academic programs, following internal curriculum reviews and academic alignment. If implemented, this would make FUUAST one of the first public universities in Pakistan to formally embed industry-led training into its curriculum — a progressive move applauded by educationists and policy experts alike.
This integration is expected to serve as a model for other universities looking to modernize their approach to higher education by embedding real-world learning into traditional degree programs.
Real-World Experience Through Career Support
In an increasingly competitive job market, experience matters. That’s why the Skills360-FUUAST collaboration also includes a career support program for top-performing students. Participants who excel in their courses will gain access to internships through Skills360’s robust network of industry partners across various sectors.
These internship placements are designed to offer students hands-on experience and exposure to workplace environments, helping them build strong professional portfolios and greatly enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Visionary Leadership Behind the Initiative
During the signing ceremony, Burhan Mirza, co-founder of Skills360, emphasized the importance of aligning educational frameworks with market realities.
This collaboration is curated to create employment opportunities for students by aligning university education with practical, in-demand skills. Our goal is to help prepare the next generation of professionals who are not just academically sound but also market-ready,he said.
Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of FUUAST, echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership a landmark initiative.
We’re delighted to partner with Skills360 in our mission to enhance the employability of our students. This initiative will help our students gain access to real-world training and meaningful industry exposure,he stated.
High-Level Presence at the MoU Signing
The MoU signing was marked by the presence of several senior officials from both institutions. Notable attendees included Dr. Shaukat Wasi, Academic Director at Skills360; Mr. Kashif Hussain Shah, Executive Director at Skills360 and CEO of ProByte — Skills360’s technical partner; and Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of FUUAST, along with other university dignitaries.
This partnership stands as a beacon of innovation in Pakistan’s higher education landscape — where public universities and private skill development ventures unite to create a future that empowers students with the skills and opportunities they truly need.
