The University of South Asia traces its educational roots to the National College of Computer Sciences (NCCS), established in Lahore in 1987. The institution began its first degree program in 1993, became the Institute of South Asia in 2003, and was established as the University of South Asia through the University of South Asia, Lahore Act 2005.

Today, USA is a chartered degree-awarding university in Lahore offering programs across computing, management, commerce, law, humanities, art and design, allied health sciences, sciences, architecture, culinary and related disciplines.