Aga Khan University Admission 2023 | Apply online
The Aga Khan University, established in 1983, is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban environment of the large city of Karachi (population over 5,000,000), Sindh. The institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: London, Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Kabul. Officially accredited by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a small (UNRank enrollment range: 2,000-2,999 students) co-educational Pakistani higher education institution. Aga Khan University (AKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (ie certificate, diploma, associate or foundation), bachelor degree, master degree, several fields of study. It offers doctoral degrees. This 39-year-old Pakistani higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance exams and students’ past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for admission. AKU also provides various academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including library, accommodation, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Aga Khan University Admission
At AKU, our transparent merit-based admissions process and generous financial assistance ensure that a diverse group of high calibre students will be able to attend the programme of their choice.
While we are selective in the students we accept, we do not discriminate on faith, gender or national origin.
Selection processes vary by academic programme, but some common criteria include: fluency in the English language, prior academic performance, critical reasoning skills, attitude and leadership potential.
The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education and research that works to
improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond. We educate leaders, generate life-saving
knowledge and set an example that raises standards in the societies in which we work. We empower
women and the disadvantaged, strengthen pluralism and partner with world-renowned institutions to
address problems that affect millions of people.
A not-for-profit institution, AKU was founded in 1983 by His Highness the Aga Khan. As Pakistan’s first
private university, we paved the way for the growth of the country’s private higher education sector. In
the early 2000s, the University expanded to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United
Kingdom.
At AKU, students flourish in a supportive environment that embraces diversity, demands excellence and
encourages leadership and direct engagement with real-world challenges. Our graduates go on to study
and work at eminent universities and organizations around the world, and to make a difference in their
home countries.
AKU is open to all, regardless of race, religion, gender or geographic origin. Two-thirds of students and
half of faculty members are women. Admission is based on merit, and our needs sensitive financial
assistance programme ensures that individuals from lower-income backgrounds are able to attend.
Aga Khan THE MEDICAL COLLEGE
The Medical College, established in 1983, offers programmes that maintain high quality and flexibility
which allows students to develop broadly and function effectively. The University attaches great
emphasis to the professional, personal and intellectual development of students, so that its graduates
become contributory members and leaders of society.
The programmes are designed to equip students with appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and
behaviour necessary to understand and influence factors that affect the health of individuals and
communities. The curricular objective of the Medical College also includes clinical competence in
community settings and hospitals, as well as the assessment of health and prevention of disease in
communities. This is through primary health care programmes monitored by AKU in a number of urban
settlements. Agreements with leading academic institutions have contributed to faculty and curriculum
development, student mobility and research affiliations in various fields. Institutions such as the
University of Washington, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of Michigan and
Johns Hopkins in the United States and the universities of Alberta, Calgary, Simon Fraser, and British
Columbia in Canada, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK, and the Catholic
University of Portugal and NOVA University in Portugal, are just some examples of distinct, and
innovative partnerships. These partnerships have enabled advanced training and research, promoting
access to specialities and expertise, and opening up new opportunities in Pakistan and internationally.
ADMISSION TO THE MEDICAL COLLEGE
Under its charter, AKU is open to all academically qualified candidates without consideration to gender,
religion, race, creed, colour or domicile. Students from anywhere in Pakistan and overseas may apply.
There are no quotas, reserved seats or admissions against donations. Merit-based admissions are open to
candidates from around the world.
Admission to all University programmes is based on merit and potential for leadership. Merit will be
assessed by several criteria including scholastic achievements, performance on an AKU Admission Test
and interviews, productive use of time and other experiences indicating potential for leadership.
Fulfilment of basic eligibility requirements or a high academic score in any single discipline or any other
outstanding achievement alone is not sufficient for selection. Candidates and their parents or supporters
who expect their candidature to be strong enough to warrant selection are advised that the outcome of the
selection process cannot be anticipated at any stage. Experience over the years has shown that
competition for admission is intense. Candidates are advised in their own interest to apply to other
institutions as well.
Every effort is made to select students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds. This is done
in the belief that diversity in the student body greatly enriches the educational experience.
As English is the medium of instruction at AKU, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in
English comprehension and expression, both written and verbal.
It is in the best interest of students, particularly from overseas, to have a good working knowledge of
Urdu. The University would also make necessary arrangements for acculturation and strengthening of
language skills through coaching, where possible.
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE, BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBBS)
The five-year MBBS programme emphasises on problem-based learning (PBL) and early clinical contact,
with a gradual shift in focus to patient-based learning using best evidence practice in later years. The
curriculum also incorporates current evidence-based medical education concepts and uses multiple modes
of learning. Electives in a wide variety of subjects each year increase opportunities for broader intellectual
development. Students will have opportunities to work in clinical teams at the Aga Khan University
Hospital (AKUH), as well as in the national and community-oriented health services operating in urban
and rural populations.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applications are accepted for the First year MBBS programme only. The University does not accept
applications for admission in advanced standing.
Candidates in Pakistan or overseas, who have successfully completed or are completing their HSSC /
graduate / postgraduate education in the year of application by the dates scheduled for submission in this
brochure may apply. Candidates must meet the following:
i. The University’s minimum academic eligibility requirements and successfully completing the
admission processes as stated in this brochure for AKU.
ii. All candidates (in Pakistan and overseas) must also meet the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC)
requirements and regulations applicable at the time of admission to medical colleges in Pakistan. This
includes:
• Submission of valid MDCAT scores as administered by PMC.
• Meeting the subject requirements. As per the notification of PMC in Admission regulations
2023, any candidate seeking admission can apply for the MBBS programme who has passed the
subjects of biology, chemistry and either physics or mathematics in the examination of the
Higher Secondary School Certificate or an equivalent 12th grade qualification recognised in
Pakistan.
Candidates must meet the requirements in case of a revision in the PMC regulations for 2023. Please
review their website for details and updates: www.pmc.gov.pk
PROVISIONAL APPLICATIONS
The Aga Khan University will accept applications for the MBBS programme only from candidates who
will be writing their final year examinations in Summer of 2023. All such applications will be evaluated
for admission on a provisional basis. In cases where provisional admission is granted, candidates will be
required to submit their pending HSSC examination or their graduation/postgraduate examination results
in accordance with the minimum eligibility requirements by the dates specified in this brochure. The
University does not process applications that do not meet eligibility requirements or are submitted, for
any reason, after the deadline.
It is candidate’s responsibility to ensure that the pending results are received in the admission office
according to the published schedule.
ADMISSION PROCESS SUMMARY
Stage I
• Submitting an application online according to the eligibility requirements of AKU.
• Writing the AKU Test or submitting its equivalent as explained in this brochure.
Please refer to relevant section in this brochure.
•
Stage II
• Interviews: Shortlisting of candidates is based on the applicable Test or its
equivalent. The number of candidates interviewed is limited. Candidates will be
required to attend two independent interviews.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit following:
i. Application Form II: An opportunity to present your academic achievements, Extracurricular’s, other interests and achievements.
ii. Two Reference Letters: References from teachers to be filled on University’s
prescribed format.
iii. Submission of the valid MDCAT results as mandated by PMC. Please review PMC
website for details: www.pmc.gov.pk Test results should be submitted as soon as
candidates receive their result.
Please note: SAT II and international MCAT will not be accepted as a substitute of
the MDCAT to fulfil the PMC requirements.
Final Selection: Shortlisted candidates are rank ordered based upon a comprehensive review of
scholastic achievements, interview evaluations and other attributes assessed through documents
provided.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY
The Medical College has no preference for any particular type of preparation and qualification.
Candidates prepared in Urdu or English-medium institutions, in Pakistan or overseas, who have
successfully completed or are completing their HSSC/graduate/postgraduate education in Summer 2023
and meet the eligibility criteria may apply. Candidates must present qualifications that are appropriate to
the system of education in which they have been prepared. The University will evaluate applications on
the basis of the candidate’s achievements in the most current academic qualification.
Candidates from Pakistan and overseas who have pursued diverse curricula and present different
qualifications are evaluated in comparison with others presenting the same or similar qualifications.
During evaluation, no attempt is made to relate achievements in diverse educational systems to a
numerical equivalent of the qualification in Pakistan.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The minimum academic requirements following different systems of education, to be eligible to apply, are
outlined here. For further clarification, candidates are requested to write to mbbs.query@aku.edu
Pakistani System of Education
Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) with a minimum aggregate of 70%.
O-Level and Pakistani HSSC System of Education
• Satisfactorily completed Ordinary Level (O-Level) with at least six subjects including English,
biology, chemistry and physics.
• Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) with a minimum aggregate of 70%.
British or Equivalent Advanced Level Certificates of Education
• Satisfactorily completed Ordinary Level (O-Level) with at least six subjects including English,
biology, chemistry and physics.
• Advanced Level (A-Level) with at least a “B grade” in biology, chemistry and either physics or
mathematics.
The SAT II, Advance Placements, IBCC equivalence or conversion of grades into percentage will not be accepted as a
substitute for the Advanced Level grades. Advanced Subsidiary Level grades are not acceptable in lieu of Advanced
Level grade.
American and Canadian High School Diploma
High School (Grade 9-12) with a minimum CGPA of 3.25 (on a 4-point scale); or 85% overall
average; or an average ‘B’ grade as assessed by the home institution.
Candidates must have studied biology, chemistry and either physics or mathematics at High School
level (from grade 9 through 12).
THE AKU TEST AND ITS EQUIVALENT
Unless stated otherwise in this section, the AKU Test must be written by all candidates applying to the
MBBS programme.
AKU TEST APPLICABILITY:
Candidates in Pakistan and overseas, irrespective of the curriculum or system of education followed at
high school / equivalent level; are required to write the AKU Test. This also includes candidates who have
studied an undergraduate degree in Pakistan. Equivalent Tests will not be acceptable.
CANDIDATES WITH AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE OR A HIGHER QUALIFICATION
FROM OVERSEAS
Candidates applying with an overseas (four year) degree, irrespective of their current residence are
required to submit the MCAT written through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). A
minimum aggregate score of 500 is required including a score of 125 in EACH of the four components:
biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; chemical and physical foundations of biological
systems; psychological, social, and biological foundations of behaviour; and critical analysis and
reasoning skills. For more details, please visit website: www.aamc.org.
VALIDITY OF TEST SCORES
The international MCAT written in 2023 and thereafter will be considered for admission to the 2023-2023
academic year.
The AKU Test scores are valid for consideration only in the year in which they have been written.
The validity of PMC’s MDCAT score is determined by the Pakistan Medical Commission, visit:
www.pmc.gov.pk
SUMMARY:
Test requirements from candidates in Pakistan and overseas following different systems
of education.
| System of Education | Applying / Studying in Pakistan or Overseas |
| ▪ Pakistani HSSC ▪ British ▪ American / Canadian ▪ International Baccalaureate ▪ Indigenous High School Certificate | ▪ AKU Test for shortlisting ▪ MDCAT Test for final selection and to meet PMC* requirements |
| ▪ Undergraduate, Graduate & Postgraduate | ▪ AAMC [MCAT] for candidates with degree from Overseas ▪ AKU Test for candidates with degrees from Pakistan ▪ MDCAT Test for final selection and to meet PMC* requirements (for all). |