Aga Khan University
Also known as AKU
Aga Khan University, based in Karachi, is a private university focused on health sciences and medical education, and is regarded as one of Pakistan's leading medical institutions with affiliated teaching hospitals.
Quick Facts
| Founded | 1983 |
|---|---|
| Location | Karachi |
| Province | Sindh |
| Private or Government | Private |
| Institution Type | University |
| HEC Recognition | HEC Recognized |
| Website | http://www.aku.edu/ |
About
Aga Khan University, based in Karachi, is a private university focused on health sciences and medical education, and is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading medical institutions with affiliated teaching hospitals.
Degree Programs
| Program | Duration | Eligibility | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 5 years | — |
Admissions
Undergraduate admission is normally based on HSSC or an equivalent qualification, with many institutions adding an entry test or interview. Postgraduate admission commonly requires GAT or an institutional equivalent. Requirements, closing dates and merit criteria change each cycle, so treat the institution’s own admissions page as authoritative. As a private-sector institution, fees are set institutionally rather than by government schedule, and can differ substantially between programmes — ask for the full per-semester schedule, not just the first instalment.
Admission Dates
| Program | Last Date | Status | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKU BS Arts and Sciences Admissions 2026-27 | 12/01/2027 | Open | Apply |
Applying in Sindh
Sindh institutions commonly use their own admission tests or accept NTS, with medical and dental admission governed by the national MDCAT. Karachi and Hyderabad concentrate most of the province’s higher-education capacity, and competition for public-sector seats there is correspondingly heavy.
HEC Recognition and Accreditation
The Higher Education Commission lists Aga Khan University as a recognised institution. Recognition means the HEC accepts the institution as competent to award degrees, and that its degrees can be attested and treated as valid for further study and public-sector employment. Recognition is institutional, however, and does not by itself confirm that any particular programme is accredited by its professional body. Applicants should confirm programme-level accreditation with the relevant council directly.
Disciplines
Rankings
| Provider | Ranking | Year | Overall Rank | Subject Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | QS World University Rankings by Subject | 2026 | Medicine: 201-250 |
Contact Details
- Address: Stadium Road, Karachi 74800
- Phone: +92-21-34863902, +92-21-34863900, +92-21-34863901,; +92-21-34930051, +92-21-34932094
- Official website: aku.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aga Khan University recognized by HEC?
Yes. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan lists Aga Khan University as a recognised institution, which means its degrees can be attested by the HEC and are accepted for further study and public-sector employment. Recognition applies to the institution; individual programmes may additionally require accreditation from a professional council.
Is Aga Khan University private or government?
Aga Khan University is a private-sector institution. Private institutions set their own fee schedules rather than following a government scale, so ask for the complete per-semester cost across the full degree rather than only the first instalment.
What entry test is required for admission to Aga Khan University?
Requirements vary by programme. Most undergraduate intakes are based on HSSC or an equivalent qualification, and many institutions add their own entry test or interview. Confirm the current requirement on the institution's own admissions page, since criteria and closing dates change each cycle.
Does HEC recognition mean every programme at Aga Khan University is accredited?
No. HEC recognition confirms the institution is chartered to award degrees. Individual programmes in regulated fields need separate accreditation — the Pakistan Engineering Council for engineering, PMDC for medicine and dentistry, the Pakistan Bar Council for law, NCEAC for computing. A programme can sit inside a recognised institution without holding that professional accreditation, so check the specific programme before enrolling.
Where is Aga Khan University located?
Aga Khan University is located in Karachi, Sindh. Full address and contact details are listed above; the official website is www.aku.edu.