Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology has been sponsored by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys' Association of Pakistan, Karachi. It was set up through Sindh Government Ordinance No. XII of 1993 dated 6th October, 1993 and the Charter granted by Governor of Sindh on 8th October, 1993. The Act was passed by the provincial Assembly of Sindh on 17th September, 1995 and assented by Governor of Sindh on 16th October 1995, and published in the Gazette as "Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Act 1995 - Sindh Act No. X of 1995."

The Association decided to establish a high class University of Engineering and Technology as a Centre of Excellence offering instructions of International Standard with integrated programmes dealing with the fast growing technologies of the world with courses designed to produce qualified personnel of high calibre specialising in new technologies needed in developing countries. This objective is in line with the Government policy of inducting the private sector for promoting Education in Engineering and Technical subjects at graduate and post-graduate levels.

In its first phase, the University has been established on a plot of 8 acres in Block-5 of Gulshan-e-Iqbal on Main University Road. For future expansion, a plot measuring 200 acres has been acquired on link road.

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys' Association has a long and cherished history of its association with and engagement in Educational and cultural activities. It had established "Aligarh Institute of Technology" for imparting Diploma level Course nine years back and is now a leading institution in the Country.The Association had also a plan under consideration for setting up a Technical University. After the announcement of Government policy in December 1992, wherein universities were allowed in the Private Sector, concerted efforts were made to that effect through a National Committee of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology for this purpose.

There were only two Engineering Colleges in the country at the time of Independence in 1947. Due to concerted and determined efforts of the Government, a reasonable improvement was made over the years but it still lacked a break-through in quality education. It is difficult for the technical education centres to produce the necessary skilled and trained man-power and expertise needed to cope with rapidly emerging technologies. The 6th and 7th Five-year Plans threw sufficient light on the importance and need of the development of facilities for producing technical/vocational Engineers and Research Workers. It was as a result of all these factors that a final move was made which resulted in the establishment of Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi on 8th October 1993.

Within a short span the University has achieved a commendable position. It is now the member of "International Association of Universities" and "Association of Commonwealth Universities". An other worth mentioning fact is, that Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology is being represented on the "Governing Board" of "International Association of Universities" through its Vice Chancellor who is, one of the members of this board. The board has forty members representing different parts of the world and advises UNESCO on higher education.