In the present digital age, freelancing has brought opportunities for earning to millions of people on the planet, and Pakistan is not different either. With the emergence of online marketplaces such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, and similar websites, an increased need for competent people who can provide professional services from a distance is being felt. In order to unlock the potential and empower the youth, the Government of Pakistan initiated the National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) as a pioneering undertaking of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).
The program is designed to offer free, quality training to students, graduates, and professionals nationwide, equipping them to earn a respectable livelihood from home through freelancing.
What is the National Freelance Training Program (NFTP)?
National Freelance Training Program is a government-backed program providing free training in digital skills in different technical and creative disciplines. It is administered by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and funded by the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication. The program aims to develop a talented pool of freelancers who can compete globally.
Course Categories Provided by NFTP
The NFTP courses are categorized into three broad domains, with each focusing on key skills needed to excel as a freelancer:
- Technical Domain
This domain is suited for those with an IT, engineering, or computer science background.
Courses are:
Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP)
WordPress Design and Development
Mobile App Development
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Software Development Basics
Website Hosting and Domain Management
- Creative Design Domain
This domain deals with visual communication and artistic ability.
Courses are:
Graphic Design (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
UI/UX Design
Logo Design
Branding and Marketing Design
Adobe XD and Figma Tools
Social Media Design
- Content Marketing & Advertising Domain
This is ideal for individuals who have a writing sense, good communication skills, and are passionate about digital marketing.
Courses include:
Content Writing
Copywriting
Blogging & Article Writing
Digital Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads)
Social Media Marketing
Email Marketing
Affiliate Marketing
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Freelancing Training (Common Module)
Besides the specialized streams, all NFTP students also undergo freelancing training:
How to make profiles on freelance websites (Fiverr, Upwork)
Bidding techniques and writing proposals
Communication and negotiation with the client
Portfolio creation
Time management for a freelancer
Payment options (Payoneer, Wise, etc.)
Training Centers Across Pakistan
The National Freelance Training Program has more than 20+ centers across all the provinces, including:
Punjab (Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi)
Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Abbottabad)
Balochistan (Quetta, Khuzdar)
AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan
Training is offered both online and offline, depending on your location and chosen center.
Fee Structure
Registration Fee: FREE- Course Fee: FREE
- Certification: FREE (Upon satisfactory completion and performance)
The government fully funds this initiative, so financial issues don’t come in the way of learning.
Courses Duration
Each course is 3 to 6 months long, depending upon the chosen domain and your speed. Classes are conducted 5 days a week, with flexible hours to suit students, job holders, and freelancers.
Eligibility Criteria
Pakistani National
Minimum Education: Matric or Intermediate (preferably Graduate)
Age: 18 to 40 years
Basic Computer Literacy
Passion to learn and earn through freelancing
How to Apply for NFTP Courses
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply:
Visit the official NFTP website: https://nftp.pitb.gov.pk
Click on “Apply Now”
Fill in your details (CNIC, Email, Phone Number)
Choose your nearest training center and preferred domain
Submit your application and wait for confirmation
Appear for the entry test (if required)
National Freelance Training Program Courses List
The National Freelance Training Program (NFTP) is among Pakistan’s most influential online learning schemes. With an increased youth population and unemployment rate in the country, schemes like NFTP provide actual skills, allowing young people to earn money, gain international exposure, and help make the nation’s digital economy grow.
Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home mom, or someone seeking a side hustle—this program can become your key to success as a freelancer.
