Established in 1983, Aga Khan University is a private non-profit higher education institution located in the urban environment of the large metropolis of Karachi (population range over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Sindh. This institution also has branches in the following places: London, Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Kabul. Officially recognized by the Pakistan Higher Education Commission, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a small Pakistani coeducational higher education institution. The Aga Khan University (AKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as undergraduate degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associates or foundations), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates in various areas of study . This 39-year-old Pakistani higher education institution has a selective admissions policy based on entrance exams and students’ academic history and previous qualifications. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. AKU also offers various academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, accommodation, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Aga Khan Undergraduate Programmes
Our undergraduate programs prepare you to make significant contributions and improve the quality of life for those around you.
You will learn to apply classroom theory and academic research to solve challenges in the developing world. For those with a passion for making a difference, our transparent, merit-based admissions process and generous financial aid mean that a diversity of high-caliber students can attend AKU.
Pakistan
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (ASDH)
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Post-RM Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BScM)
Uganda
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Post-RM Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BScM)
- Diploma in General Nursing (EN-RN Conversion)
Kenya
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (Upgrading RN-BScM)
- Diploma in Oncology Nursing
- Diploma in Nursing (KRCHN) – (EN-RN Conversion)
Tanzania
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BScM)
Graduate Programmes
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who need it most, AKU’s graduate programs offer you a platform to turn your ideas into reality. Our postgraduate research programs specialize in solving the challenges of the developing world. Our students become resilient leaders who help communities improve their quality of life.
Pakistan
Institute for Educational Development
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Education
- Master of Education (MEd)
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences
- Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
Medical College
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences
- Master of Science (MSc) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Master of Health Policy and Management
- Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Master of Science in Public Health
Fees and Funding
Admissions to all academic programs at Aga Khan University are based on merit and are not need-based, that is, regardless of the student’s economic background. Students accepted into one of our academic programs who cannot afford the cost of their education at the University may apply for financial assistance.
AKU charges tuition for all of its programmes. Tuition and fees are reviewed annually to cover inflation and other cost increases. The University categorises students as “residential” and “non-residential”. Here are the criteria for resident and non-resident tuition and fees.
Residential Status
Students who live in Afghanistan, Burundi, Kenya, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are likely to be assessed as liable for “residential” fees.
Non-residential Status
Students categorised as “non-residential” are required to pay their dues in US dollars only.
The University categorises students as “non-residential‟ (whether holding Pakistani or dual citizenship), if they meet any one or more of the following criteria:
- Residence of the principal wage-earning member of the family; source of income during the previous three years;
- Whether the student was educated in an AKU residential or non-residential countries during the three years prior to the application for admission;
- Whether the student is eligible for State-supported education overseas;
- Whether the candidate or principal earning member is reimbursed educational expenses by their employer.
Students holding Pakistani nationality, CNIC and/or passport should note that this does not guarantee an AKU residential classification for the payment of tuition fee and any other charges. The University’s criteria, stated above, for the application of non-residential fee status will prevail.
Students whose parents are Pakistani citizens deputed to a government mission overseas, will be charged the fee prescribed for residential students. Documentary evidence should be provided in such cases.
Candidates doubtful of their fee status should seek clarification from the Office of the Registrar before applying. The Registrar’s decision on fee status shall be final and binding.
Procedure for Application and Award of Financial Assistance
For new students, the application submission deadline is mentioned in the admission offer package.
Onboard students must file a new application for financial assistance each academic year. The application submission deadline is the last working day of February of the forthcoming academic year.
The procedure for application is as follows:
- The Financial Assistance Application Form must be completed and submitted with the required supporting documentation. Incomplete and / or late applications for financial assistance will not be considered. No exceptions.
- The level of financial assistance awarded is determined through a predefined, point-based evaluation. This evaluation is based on the applicant’s socio-economic profile as declared in the Financial Assistance Application Form and the information provided during interviews with applicant / parents.
- The University’s Financial Assistance Committee comprises of non-University and University personnel who review the application and, based on the evaluation system, determine the level of financial assistance to be awarded. In order to ensure confidentiality and impartiality, the names of the applicants are not disclosed to the Committee members at the time of the review.
- The Aga Khan University will conduct an inquiry to verify information and supporting documents submitted as part of its review process.
- Submission of an application for financial assistance does not guarantee an award of financial assistance.
- Financial assistance offered in one year does not guarantee that financial assistance will be offered in other years. Continuation of financial assistance is conditional upon an annual submission by the student and assessment of financial need by the University.
- Where an applicant / student is not satisfied with the decision of the Financial Assistance Committee, an appeal can be made to the Student Financial Counselling and Assistance Office for a review of the application. The University will only consider the review appeal if it is supported with additional information / documents. The appeal for a review of the financial assistance application can only be submitted once. The decision of the University to such a review application will be final.
For further information please contact Student Financial Counselling and Assistance Office
Student Financial Counselling and Assistance Office
1st Floor, Dean’s Office Building
Aga Khan University
P.O. Box 3500
Stadium Road
Karachi
T: +92 21 3486 4469
E: student.fa@aku.edu
Office & Phone Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 am – 5:30 pm
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