Aga Khan University
Transforming lives through knowledge, leadership, and care.
📍 Karachi, Pakistan 🇵🇰
🏆 #3 in Pakistan · QS World #1001 · THE World #601
Quick Facts about Aga Khan University
- Founded: 1983
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 2,999
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $10,000 – $20,000/year
- Language: English
- Intakes: Fall
About Aga Khan University
Academics
AKU's academic offerings span a diverse range of fields, with a strong emphasis on health sciences, nursing, education, and research. Key faculties include the Faculty of Health Sciences, which offers programs like MBBS and BSc Nursing, and the Institute for Educational Development (IED), focusing on Master of Education and PhD in Education programs. The recently completed Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers a multidisciplinary undergraduate education with majors such as Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Human and Environmental Biology, and Politics, Philosophy and Economics. AKU is recognized for its high academic standards, world-class faculty, and advanced research facilities, publishing more research articles in peer-reviewed journals than any other university in Pakistan. The university's teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, with health sciences students honing their skills in the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME), a state-of-the-art facility for simulation-based learning.
International Students
Aga Khan University is committed to a diverse and inclusive culture, welcoming students regardless of their background. The university offers English-taught programs across its faculties, making it accessible to a wide international audience. While specific diversity statistics for international students were not immediately available, AKU's international presence with teaching sites in Pakistan, East Africa, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan fosters a global learning environment. The university provides financial assistance and tuition fee remission to a significant portion of its students, accepting them based on merit.
Campus & Location
The Aga Khan University's main campus in Karachi is an 84-acre oasis, featuring an affiliated hospital and two on-campus hostels. Described as a "breathtakingly beautiful place," the campus boasts an Olympic-standard swimming pool, cricket practice nets, tennis courts, squash courts, and gymnasiums. The campus architecture is inspired by Islamic design, with iconic features like dramatic portals and pink marble. Karachi, a bustling metropolis, offers a vibrant city life. The university's location provides students with access to various amenities and cultural experiences, though specific details on transportation and nearby attractions for students were not provided.
Career Outcomes
Aga Khan University has a significant economic impact, supporting approximately 42,000 jobs in Pakistan annually, with 33,000 in Sindh province alone. The university is a major employer, with various job openings in healthcare, research, and administration. AKU graduates are highly sought after, with many advancing to leadership roles in healthcare and education both locally and internationally. The university also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, having launched Pakistan's first National Health Incubator to support startups in the health sector. This initiative provides business training, advisory services, tailored financing, and co-working spaces to health entrepreneurs.
Information for International Students at Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$237/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Aga Khan University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Aga Khan University:
- Application fee: $7000
- Application deadline: 2025-08-15
Programs at Aga Khan University (25 programs)
Aga Khan University offers 25 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (5)
- Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post-RN BScN) (BSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Designed for registered nurses, this program enhances their knowledge and skills in advanced nursing practices, leadership, and research. It prepares them for expanded roles in healthcare.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program prepares students for a professional nursing career, focusing on clinical skills, critical thinking, and patient care. Graduates are equipped to work in various healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post-RN BScN) (BSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Designed for registered nurses, this program enhances their knowledge and skills in advanced nursing practices, leadership, and research. It prepares them for expanded roles in healthcare.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program prepares students for a professional nursing career, focusing on clinical skills, critical thinking, and patient care. Graduates are equipped to work in various healthcare settings.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Post-RN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post-RN BScN) (BSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Designed for registered nurses, this program enhances their knowledge and skills in advanced nursing practices, leadership, and research. It prepares them for expanded roles in healthcare.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager
Deadline: Typically in March-April
Master Programs (13)
- Master of Education (MEd) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This program enhances the professional knowledge and skills of educators, focusing on contemporary educational theories, research, and practices. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in schools and educational institutions.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Principal, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Educator, Educational Consultant
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSc CR) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program provides comprehensive training in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical research studies. It prepares professionals to lead and contribute to evidence-based medical advancements.
Field: Clinical Research
Career outcomes: Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Data Manager, Medical Writer, Research Scientist
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Health Policy and Management (MHPM) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, formulate, and implement health policies and manage health systems effectively. It prepares leaders for the healthcare sector.
Field: Health Policy and Management
Career outcomes: Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Administrator, Program Manager in Health Organizations
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program prepares nurses for advanced roles in clinical practice, education, and leadership, with a focus on evidence-based practice and research. Graduates can pursue specialized nursing careers.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Researcher
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Philosophy in Education (MPhil Education) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This research-oriented program provides advanced training in educational research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. It prepares students for doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Educational Researcher, Lecturer, Policy Analyst, PhD Candidate
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MSc Epi & Biostat) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program provides rigorous training in epidemiological methods and biostatistical analysis, essential for public health research and disease prevention. Graduates contribute to evidence-based health interventions.
Field: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Career outcomes: Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Public Health Researcher
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Education (MEd) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This program enhances the professional knowledge and skills of educators, focusing on contemporary educational theories, research, and practices. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in schools and educational institutions.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Principal, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Educator, Educational Consultant
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSc CR) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program provides comprehensive training in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical research studies. It prepares professionals to lead and contribute to evidence-based medical advancements.
Field: Clinical Research
Career outcomes: Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Data Manager, Medical Writer, Research Scientist
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Health Policy and Management (MHPM) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, formulate, and implement health policies and manage health systems effectively. It prepares leaders for the healthcare sector.
Field: Health Policy and Management
Career outcomes: Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Administrator, Program Manager in Health Organizations
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program prepares nurses for advanced roles in clinical practice, education, and leadership, with a focus on evidence-based practice and research. Graduates can pursue specialized nursing careers.
Field: Nursing
Career outcomes: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Researcher
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Philosophy in Education (MPhil Education) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This research-oriented program provides advanced training in educational research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. It prepares students for doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in education.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Educational Researcher, Lecturer, Policy Analyst, PhD Candidate
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MSc Epi & Biostat) (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This program provides rigorous training in epidemiological methods and biostatistical analysis, essential for public health research and disease prevention. Graduates contribute to evidence-based health interventions.
Field: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Career outcomes: Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Public Health Researcher
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Master of Education (MEd) (MA) — 24 months · English · Scholarship available
This program enhances the professional knowledge and skills of educators, focusing on contemporary educational theories, research, and practices. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in schools and educational institutions.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Principal, Curriculum Developer, Teacher Educator, Educational Consultant
Deadline: Typically in March-April
PhD Programs (4)
- PhD in Health Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This doctoral program offers advanced research training in various health science disciplines, preparing scholars to conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge to the field. Students specialize in areas like epidemiology, public health, or nursing.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Public Health Expert
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD in Education) (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
This program prepares educational leaders and researchers to address complex challenges in education through rigorous inquiry and scholarship. Students develop expertise in educational theory, policy, and practice.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Policy Maker in Education, School Leader
Deadline: Typically in March-April - PhD in Health Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
This doctoral program offers advanced research training in various health science disciplines, preparing scholars to conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge to the field. Students specialize in areas like epidemiology, public health, or nursing.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Public Health Expert
Deadline: Typically in March-April - Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD in Education) (PhD) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
This program prepares educational leaders and researchers to address complex challenges in education through rigorous inquiry and scholarship. Students develop expertise in educational theory, policy, and practice.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Researcher, Policy Maker in Education, School Leader
Deadline: Typically in March-April
Scholarships & Tuition at Aga Khan University
Annual tuition for international students: $10,000 – $20,000/year
✅ Aga Khan University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Aga Khan University
- National Ranking: #3 in Pakistan
- QS World University Ranking: #1001
- Times Higher Education (THE): #601
- Ranking tier: Top 200
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Aga Khan University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$237/month
Key Highlights
- Pakistan's first private university
- High academic standards
- Leading health sciences research
- Global presence across continents
- Multidisciplinary undergraduate education
Accreditation
- Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan
- Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC)
- College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP)
- World Health Organization (WHO) Recognition
- Joint Commission International (JCI)
- College of American Pathologists (CAP)
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I)
- National Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (NACTE)
Fields of Study at Aga Khan University
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Education
- Arts & Sciences
Notable Alumni
- Sahabzada Yaqub Khan
- Adnan Ali Khan
- Shahid Shafi
Frequently Asked Questions about Aga Khan University
What is Aga Khan University?
Aga Khan University is a private non-profit university located in Karachi, Pakistan, founded in 1983. It has approximately 2,999 students.
How much does it cost to study at Aga Khan University?
Tuition fees at Aga Khan University for international students range from $10,000 – $20,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $237/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Aga Khan University?
Application fee: $7000. Application deadline: 2025-08-15.
What language are courses taught in at Aga Khan University?
Courses at Aga Khan University are taught in English.
How many programs does Aga Khan University offer?
Aga Khan University offers 25 programs: 5 Bachelor's, 13 Master's, and 4 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Aga Khan University ranked?
#3 in Pakistan · QS World #1001 · THE World #601.
Does Aga Khan University offer scholarships?
Yes, Aga Khan University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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