How to Obtain an NIC/CNIC/Passport for University Applications
By Muntasir • Published May 18, 2026 • Updated May 29, 2026
A valid passport is the primary identity document required for university applications and international study, with most destination countries setting their own validity requirements. National ID cards like Pakistan's CNIC or Malaysia's i-Kad support university processes but serve different roles: Pakistan's CNIC is mandatory for local university applications and passport issuance, while Malaysia's i-Kad is issued after arrival with a valid student pass. Processing timelines and costs vary significantly by country and service level.
What Documents You Need for University Applications
The identity documents required depend on where you are studying. If you are studying internationally, a passport from your home country is mandatory. Most universities worldwide do not accept national ID cards as travel or visa documents, even if they are valid in your home country.
For domestic university applications within your home country, requirements differ. Pakistan requires the CNIC for all university applications, while Malaysia issues the i-Kad only after you arrive with a valid student pass.
Passport: The Universal Requirement
A passport is the only document accepted across all countries for international study and travel. Validity requirements vary by destination, so check the rules for the country where you plan to study. The UK government sets out the documents required for a Student visa application on its official page .
Pakistan Passport Fees and Timeline (2025)
Current fees for a 36-page machine-readable passport, as reported by Pakistan Observer for April 2025 , are:
| Validity | Service Level | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | Normal | Rs. 4,500 | 21 working days |
| 5 years | Urgent | Rs. 7,500 | 5 working days |
| 10 years | Normal | Rs. 6,700 | 21 working days |
| 10 years | Urgent | Rs. 11,200 | 5 working days |
| 5 years | Fast Track | Rs. 12,500 | 2 working days |
| 10 years | Fast Track | Rs. 16,200 | 2 working days |
For a 100-page passport valid 10 years, the Normal fee is Rs. 12,400 and Urgent is Rs. 20,200. Fast Track service is available in 47 cities across Pakistan, offering the quickest turnaround.
Australian and Canadian Passports
Adult Australian 10-year passports cost AUD $412 in 2025, rising to AUD $422 from 1 January 2026 . Standard processing is typically 6 weeks; a Priority Processing service is offered for an extra fee.
Canadian passport applications require proof of citizenship and valid identification, with processing varying by province and service level selected.
National ID Cards by Country
National ID cards serve different purposes depending on the country. Some are required for university applications in your home country but are not recognized internationally for travel or study abroad.
Pakistan's CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
The CNIC is mandatory for Pakistani university applications. Pakistani citizens aged 18 and above apply for the CNIC, while those under 18 are issued a Juvenile Card (B-Form / JCNIC) through NADRA. The card is also required to obtain a Pakistani passport.
CNIC Costs and Processing
NADRA, Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority, offers three service levels:
| Service Level | New CNIC Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Free | 15 days |
| Urgent | Rs. 1,500 | 12 days |
| Executive | Rs. 2,150 | 6 days |
According to NADRA's 2025 fee structure , new CNIC applications under the normal service are free of charge, making it the lowest-cost identity option for Pakistanis. Processing timelines begin after approval, and delivery to your home address is included.
CNIC Application Requirements
You must visit a NADRA Registration Center or use the Pak Identity Mobile App to apply. Required steps include providing biometric verification (fingerprints), having your photograph taken on-site, and identity verification by a parent, sibling, or blood relative.
Malaysia's i-Kad (Biometric Residence Permit)
The i-Kad is issued only to international students with valid student passes , not as a university admission requirement. The card is not available before arriving in Malaysia.
i-Kad Process and Timeline
The i-Kad is not a separate application. It is included when you apply for your Student Pass through EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services). The RM 50 fee is bundled into your visa costs . After your Student Pass is approved (4-8 weeks), the i-Kad takes approximately 3 weeks for delivery once your passport is endorsed.
What the i-Kad Does
The i-Kad is a valid form of identification within Peninsular Malaysia for daily purposes like campus access and local transactions. However, it is not a travel document. Carry your passport for flights, international travel, or visits to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Replacement fees are tiered: RM 150 for the first replacement, RM 300 for the second, and RM 500 for the third and subsequent replacements.
University Application Requirements Across Countries
University identity requirements vary significantly by institution and destination country.
UK University Requirements
For UK universities, students must hold a valid passport or other travel documentation . Pakistani students applying for UK student visas must provide additional documents including proof of English proficiency (IELTS typically required), financial evidence, and TB screening (Pakistan is on the UK's tuberculosis testing list).
The initial UK student visa costs £363, with renewal at £490 . Applications are accepted up to 3 months before your course starts, with a decision expected within 3 weeks of your biometric appointment.
US University Requirements
US universities require international applicants to demonstrate financial ability to cover at least one year of tuition and living expenses . A valid passport is mandatory. For F-1 student visas, you must provide your passport, Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt of $350 , completed DS-160 application, and the $185 non-immigrant visa application (MRV) fee .
Domestic University Applications in Pakistan
Pakistani universities require CNIC or B-Form (birth registration form) as mandatory documents for all applications . If your name has changed, update both your CNIC and passport to match your academic records (SSC or O-Level certificate). Universities use the name from your CNIC or academic certificate for enrollment.
When to Apply for These Documents
Apply for your passport as soon as you have a confirmed university acceptance or at minimum 6-8 weeks before your intended departure date. Processing delays are common, especially during peak application seasons (May-July for September intakes).
For the CNIC, allow 15 days under normal service, 12 days under urgent, or 6 days under executive service. Since CNIC applications are free under the normal service in Pakistan, there is no financial penalty for slower processing.
For UK and similar visa applications, submit your visa application after you receive your CAS from the university. Processing takes 3 weeks minimum, so time this 4-6 weeks before your course starts.
Key Differences: National ID vs. Passport
A national ID card is recognized only within the country which issued it. A passport is your only valid travel and identity document recognized globally. National IDs like the CNIC are essential for domestic university applications, banking, and government services in their home countries, but are not accepted for international travel or study abroad.
If you are studying internationally, obtaining a valid passport is non-negotiable. Do not delay this step. If you are studying domestically, verify whether your university accepts CNIC, B-Form, or passport as acceptable identity documents for enrollment.
Sources
- UK Student Visa Documents Required (GOV.UK)
- Pakistan Passport Fees and Processing Updates (Pakistan Observer, April 2025)
- DGI&P Fast Track Passport Service
- NADRA CNIC Fees July 2025 Update (Pakistan Observer)
- Australian Passport Office Fees
- UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students (IDP Pakistan)
- UC Admissions International Applicants
- I-901 SEVIS Fee (ICE)
- US Visa Fees for Services (US Dept. of State)
- Pakistan University Admissions 2025 Guide (Colaraz)
- Malaysia's i-Kad for International Students (EasyUni)