Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, not-for-profit university founded in 1983 and described as Pakistan’s first private university. Its main campus is in Karachi.[1] It reports 3,986 current students university-wide (updated as of February 2025).[1] In the QS World University Rankings 2027 it is in the 951–1000 band.[2]
For the MBBS, AKU’s fee table for academic year 2027 shows foreign nationals and non-residential Pakistani students paying USD 38,120 tuition and USD 8,800 university fee per year, plus a one-time admission fee of USD 2,560.[3] Applicants write the AKU Test and must also submit a valid MDCAT score; English is the language of instruction.[4]
Key facts
| Official name | The Aga Khan University |
| Location | Karachi, Pakistan (Stadium Road, Karachi 74800)[4] |
| Type | Private, not-for-profit university; an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network[1] |
| Founded | 1983, by His Highness the Aga Khan; described as Pakistan’s first private university[1] |
| Students | 3,986 current students, university-wide (updated as of February 2025)[1] |
| Faculty and staff | 854 faculty and 12,697 staff, university-wide (updated as of February 2025)[1] |
| Schools and institutes | Nursing and Midwifery; Medicine; Educational Development; Muslim Cultures; Media and Communications; Arts and Sciences[5] |
| Other countries | Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom[1] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 951–1000 band[2] |
| MBBS | Five-year programme with problem-based learning; applications to the first year only[4] |
| MBBS tuition, academic year 2027, foreign nationals | USD 38,120 per year, plus university fee USD 8,800 per year[3] |
| Admission tests, MBBS | AKU Test and a valid MDCAT score (overseas four-year degree holders: AAMC MCAT instead of the AKU Test)[4] |
| Language of teaching | English[4] |
| Official website | aku.edu |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 5 November 2026.
About Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University was founded in 1983 by His Highness the Aga Khan as Pakistan’s first private university, and in the early 2000s it expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.[4] It began as a health-sciences university and is among the largest private health-care providers in Pakistan and East Africa; in September 2023 it launched a Faculty of Arts and Sciences.[1] Wikipedia adds that the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi was inaugurated in 1985.[6]
The university’s own figures are university-wide, not only for Karachi: 3,986 current students, 854 faculty and 12,697 staff (updated as of February 2025).[1] Its Medical College, which this page covers in detail because its fee table is published, states that two-thirds of AKU students and half of its faculty are women.[4]
How is Aga Khan University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Aga Khan University is in the 951–1000 band, according to a Dawn report of 20 June 2026.[2] A ProPakistani report and an Eduvision report of 19 June 2026 give the same band.[7][8] QS lists 18 Pakistani universities in this edition; Quaid-i-Azam University is the highest at joint 381st, and no Pakistani university is in the top 350.[2]
AKU’s pages that we read give no ranking of their own. Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one band as one view. How we compile rankings. For the other universities on the national list, see the Pakistan guide.
What can you study at Aga Khan University?
AKU’s website groups its teaching in Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Educational Development, Muslim Cultures, Media and Communications, and Arts and Sciences. Nursing and midwifery, medicine and teacher education are taught in Pakistan, and several programmes also in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.[5] The Faculty of Arts and Sciences was launched in September 2023;[1] the home page we read announced admissions open for its Bachelor of Studies in Arts and Sciences in Pakistan.[5]
The MBBS is a five-year programme that emphasises problem-based learning and early clinical contact, with students working in clinical teams at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Applications are accepted for the first year only; advanced standing is not offered.[4]
How much does the AKU MBBS cost for international students?
AKU publishes the MBBS fees in both Pakistani rupees (PKR) and US dollars. The USD column applies to “Foreign National & Non Residential Pakistani Students”. These are the amounts for the academic year 2027 cohort, the latest table on the MBBS fee page:[3]
| Fee (USD) | How often | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Annual | 38,120 | 39,000 | 40,000 | 41,000 | 42,000 |
| University fee | Annual | 8,800 | 9,000 | 9,200 | 9,400 | 9,600 |
| Admission fee | One time | 2,560 | 2,637 | 2,716 | 2,797 | 2,881 |
| Student health fee | Annual | 165 | 170 | 175 | 180 | 185 |
The table also lists a refundable security deposit (USD 240 in 2027), a one-time graduation fee (USD 197), a student activity fee (USD 40) and a one-time physical examination fee (USD 130). Hostel fee: USD 380 a month, plus USD 76 a month for air-conditioning on campus.[3] The document states that all fees except tuition and university fees are tentative and subject to change.[3] Pakistani students pay in rupees; their 2027 tuition is PKR 1,704,000 a year.[3]
Scholarships and financial assistance
AKU says admission to all its academic programmes is merit-based and needs-blind. After acceptance, students who cannot pay can apply for financial assistance. The University offers at least five full renewable scholarships to students joining the MBBS, awarded on merit and need, with no separate application form.[4] Whether these awards are open to foreign nationals is not stated in the brochure we read.
For living costs in Karachi and the rest of Pakistan, see our Pakistan guide.
How do you apply to Aga Khan University?
For the MBBS, applications are made online through AKU’s apply-online portal.[4] Students from anywhere in Pakistan and overseas may apply; AKU says there are no quotas, reserved seats or admissions against donations.[4] The 2026–27 round has closed; dates change each year, so check the MBBS admissions page for the next one.[9]
Eligibility
- Pakistani system: premedical Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) with at least 70 percent aggregate.
- A-Level: six O-Level subjects including English, biology, chemistry and physics, and at least a B grade at A-Level in biology, chemistry and physics or mathematics.
- International Baccalaureate: at least 32 points, with biology and chemistry and physics or mathematics.
- American or Canadian high school diploma: a CGPA of at least 3.25 on a 4-point scale, or 85 percent overall, with biology, chemistry and physics or mathematics.
Candidates from other systems need an equivalence certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) stating at least 70 percent HSSC equivalence.[4]
Tests and selection
All candidates write the AKU Test for shortlisting. Candidates with an overseas four-year undergraduate degree submit the AAMC MCAT instead, with an aggregate of at least 500 and at least 125 in each of its four sections.[4] Shortlisted candidates attend two interviews, submit a second application form and two reference letters, and must provide a valid MDCAT score as required by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). SAT II and the international MCAT are not accepted in place of the MDCAT.[4] The brochure also says it is likely that from the 2027 admission cycle AKU will use the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) for eligible applicants.[4] A candidate may apply to the MBBS twice at most.[4]
Which language level do you need?
English is the language of instruction. The MBBS brochure asks candidates to show competence in English comprehension and expression, both written and spoken.[4] It names no English test or score; English is judged within the admission process. AKU also says it is in the interest of students from overseas to have a good working knowledge of Urdu, and that it will arrange coaching where possible.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Aga Khan University MBBS cost for international students?
For academic year 2027, foreign nationals pay USD 38,120 tuition and USD 8,800 university fee per year, plus a one-time admission fee of USD 2,560. Hostel costs USD 380 a month.[3]
Which tests do I need for the AKU MBBS?
The AKU Test for shortlisting (the AAMC MCAT instead if you hold an overseas four-year degree) and a valid MDCAT score for final selection.[4]
Can international students apply to Aga Khan University?
Yes. The MBBS brochure says students from anywhere in Pakistan and overseas may apply, with merit-based admission open to candidates from around the world.[4]
How is Aga Khan University ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027 it is in the 951–1000 band, one of 18 Pakistani universities in that edition.[2]
Is Aga Khan University a private university?
Yes. It is a private, not-for-profit university founded in 1983 and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network.[1]
More about studying in Pakistan
- Pakistan: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Pakistan
- Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
- National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
- Quaid-i-Azam University
- University of the Punjab
Sources
[1] Aga Khan University: About AKU (page without a date; figures “updated as of February 2025”)
[2] Dawn: 18 Pakistani universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (press article of 20 Jun 2026; QS edition released 18 Jun 2026; QS itself (topuniversities.com) blocks automated access)
[3] Aga Khan University: Fee Structure, academic year 2027, Medical College (PDF) (file created 26 Aug 2026 (file metadata); amounts other than tuition and university fee marked tentative)
[4] Aga Khan University: MBBS Admission Information 2026–2027 (PDF) (booklet for the 2026–27 admission year; subject to change)
[5] Aga Khan University: Home page (page content with items dated up to 12 Oct 2026)
[6] Wikipedia: Aga Khan University (history and hospital; the article gives no student numbers or rankings)
[7] ProPakistani: 18 Pakistani universities included in QS World University Rankings 2027 (press article of 19 Jun 2026)
[8] Eduvision: 18 Pakistani universities ranked in QS World University Rankings 2027 (press report of 19 Jun 2026)
[9] Aga Khan University: MBBS admissions page (page without a date; states that admissions have closed for 2026–27)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.