Purpose This study aims to determine the impact of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) education quality indicators nexus using teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment on students’ satisfaction (SS) in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach An investigation was conducted using empirical research involving 440 postgraduate students from 11 private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique, and the data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The findings proved the existence of a significant and positive relationship between teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods and assessment of SS in Pakistani HEIs. Originality/value The novelty of this article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the impact of teaching and learning materials, physical infrastructure and facilities, teaching methods, assessment and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan.