There is no doubt that medicine is the most reputable and sought-after field in Pakistan. Once a child is born, the parents automatically start considering him/her as a doctor. “Mera bacha barey hokey doctor banega,” but how? When it’s time for university admissions, most people are often left confused about which medical universities in Pakistan to choose.
Top 5 Medical Universities in Pakistan
It’s that time of the year again. Anyone who wishes to pursue the medical field will know how crucial this phase is. Here are the top 5 best medical universities in Pakistan that must be considered. So, buckle up and do your research before it’s too late.
1- Agha Khan University
Agha Khan University A.K.A “AKU” is one of the most prestigious institutes nationwide and internationally. Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, AKU is internationally recognised for its world-class medical education and research facilities. It is located in Karachi and is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. Starting in 2000, the University expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom. Today, it still holds the top ranking among the biggest medical universities in Pakistan.
The university consistently ranks among Asia’s top medical institutions and is known for its modern curriculum, research output, and state-of-the-art teaching hospital.
Accreditation: PMC, HEC, and international medical councils.
Admission Criteria
- Own admission test (does not accept MDCAT).
- Minimum 75% marks in A-levels/FSc.
- Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI).
- Merit calculation: 50% AKU test + 30% FSc/A-level marks + 20% interview.
- Financial aid is available for deserving students.
- Separate admission track for international students.
Fee Structure Breakdown 2025 (Pakistani students)
- Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable): PKR 211,000
- Tuition Fee (per year): PKR 1,549,000
- Hostel Charges (optional, per year): PKR 444,000 – PKR 624,000 (depending on room type)
- Security Deposit (refundable): PKR 15,000
- Student Activity Fees / Other Charges: Approximately. PKR 20,000 – 30,000 per year
- Estimated Total Annual Cost (with hostel): Around PKR 2.1 to 2.2 million per year
| Note: Every year, there is a slight increment in all the fee charges. You can access the official document here: AKU Fee Structure For 2025- 2029 |
Fee Structure Breakdown (International Students)
- Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 2,420
- Tuition Fee (per year): USD 37,400
- Hostel Charges (optional, per year): Approximately USD 5184 (depending on the room type; A/C or non A/C)
- Security Deposit (refundable): USD 220
- Student Activity Fees / Other Charges: Approximately USD 8,000 or more.
| Additional Note: International students or “non-residential” students must pay their fees in dollars ONLY. |
2- King Edward Medical University
KEMU is a public medical university located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It was established as Lahore Medical School during the British Rule in 1860. This University stands as Pakistan’s oldest and most prestigious medical institution. Originally established as Lahore Medical School, KEMU has consistently ranked as the nation’s premier medical education centre. The university’s historic campus in the heart of Lahore houses state-of-the-art facilities, including Mayo Hospital, one of South Asia’s largest teaching hospitals.
The university has a rich history of producing great physicians who have served not only in Pakistan but also in the US, UK and many other parts of the world. KEMU also produces one of the highest numbers of successful USMLE Match candidates in Pakistan every year.
Admission Criteria
- Academic Qualifications: Matriculation (SSC) or equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks / FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent with at least 65% marks.
- Entrance Examination: Candidates must have appeared in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and secured a minimum of 65% marks.
- Required Documents: Attested copies of academic certificates (Matriculation and FSc), MDCAT result card, Domicile certificate, Recent passport-sized photographs and CNIC or B-Form.
- Merit calculation: 50% MDCAT score + 40% FSc marks + 10% Matriculation marks
| For the most accurate and updated information, it is advisable to regularly visit the KEMU official website and consult their admissions section. Read the official document here: King Edward Preparation of Mandatory Documents |
Fee Structure Breakdown 2025
- Tuition Fee: PKR 18,030 Per Year
- Admission Fee (One-Time): PKR 2,000
- Registration Fee (One-Time): PKR 1,000
- Security Fee (Refundable): PKR 5,000
- Hostel Fee (Optional): PKR 20,000
- Total Estimated Cost for the Entire Programme (5 Years): Around PKR 250,000 – 300,000
- For Foreign/Overseas Students: The Annual Fee is around USD 10,000 – 12,000
| Note: It must be noted that KEMU follows the fee policy set by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) and the Punjab Government, so the fee is quite subsidised compared to private universities. However, despite the affordable fees, it is really difficult to get into the university as the acceptance rate falls below 2%. |
3- DOW University of Health Sciences
DOW University of Health Sciences (DUHS) is yet another exceptional medical institute in Pakistan. DUHS is a public medical university located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It was established as Dow Medical College during the British Rule in 1945 and is named after British civil servant Sir Hugh Dow.
DUHS has evolved into one of Pakistan’s largest medical universities. The institution is renowned for its comprehensive medical education system, including three medical colleges and multiple teaching hospitals. DUHS is particularly known for its innovative research programmes and modern teaching methodologies.
Admission Criteria:
- HSSC (Pre-Medical)/ A-Level or equivalent examination duly certified by IBCC with minimum 60% marks as per PM&DC rules and regulations.
- Candidate’s domicile of Karachi.
- MDCAT passed score as per PM&DC rules & regulations.
- The candidate’s CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or B form (if he/she is under 18 years of age).
- Father’s National identity card NADRA with a permanent address of Sindh
- An entrance test is mandatory.
Fee Structure Breakdown 2025:
| Fee Type | Open Merit | Self Finance | Overseas Pakistani | Foreign National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admission Fee | PKR 25,000 | PKR 50,000 | PKR 100,000 | PKR 100,000 |
| Tuition Fee | PKR 48,000 | PKR 650,000 | USD 18,000 | USD 20,000 |
| Exam Fee | PKR 13,000 | PKR 13,000 | – | – |
| Library Fee | PKR 10,000 | PKR 10,000 | – | – |
| Student Activity Fee | PKR 10,000 | PKR 10,000 | – | – |
| University Development Fee | PKR 20,000 | PKR 20,000 | – | – |
| Transport Fee (Optional) | PKR 43,000 | PKR 43,000 | PKR 43,000 | PKR 43,000 |
| Document Verification Charges (once: at the time of admission) | PKR 5,000 | PKR 5,000 |
4- Army Medical College
Part of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), AMC was established in 1977 and has become one of Pakistan’s most selective medical institutions. The medical college provides medical and dental education to its cadets before their commissioning in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps. The college is known for its military discipline, excellent clinical exposure through the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), and high academic standards.
The Army Medical College was a part of NUST and Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad prior to NUMS. It is a prospective institution that is successfully serving the country.
Admission Procedure
- NUMS entry test (mandatory)
- Minimum 70% marks in FSc/equivalent
- Physical fitness test for military track students
- Merit calculation: 75% NUMS test + 25% FSc marks
- Separate quotas for civilians and armed forces children
- Military track students receive stipend
Fee Structure 2025
- The fee structure for civilians is 183,360 PKR/year for both MBBS and BDS.
- The fee for the children of army officials is nearly 100,000 PKR/year for both programmes.
5- Ziauddin University
A private medical institution established in 1995, Ziauddin University has quickly risen to prominence for its modern approach to medical education. The university is known for its integrated curriculum, early clinical exposure, and strong focus on research-based learning.
Admission Procedure
- University’s own admission test
- Minimum 65% in FSc/A-levels
- Interview process
- Merit calculation: 60% entry test + 40% academic record
- Annual fee: PKR 950,000-1,200,000
- Need-based scholarships available
Fee Structure 2025
- Admission Fee (One-time): PKR 200,000
- Annual Tuition Fee: PKR 2,680,000
- Foreign Students: USD 18,000/year
Eligibility Criteria for Medical Universities
Candidates must have completed their intermediate or equivalent education from a recognised institution with a minimum of 70% marks. Additionally, candidates must have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the intermediate level.
Some Overview About MDCAT
This time of the year, the entire country is buzzing about “MDCAT Prep.” But what even is it, and why is every medical student so focused on it? Well, mainly because it can make or break their careers. If you are a student who aims to get admission to a private/public medical college or dental college in Pakistan, then you need to clear the MDCAT. At all costs!
MDCAT is an examination given to gain admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery). It stands for the Medical and Dental College Test and is a paper-based exam conducted annually by the PMDC (Pakistan Medical and Dental Council). This exam consists of 200 MCQS. As per the latest PMDC regulations, the MDCAT is divided into 5 sections: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English and Logical Reasoning.
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Must Keep In Mind
There is no doubt that all these medical universities in Pakistan offer robust academic programmes. But as a student, one must consider their career goals, budget and location preferences when making a decision.
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