Pakistan has a rich tradition of producing highly skilled doctors, surgeons, and healthcare professionals who contribute not only to the local healthcare system but also play a vital role internationally.
With the increasing demand for quality healthcare and modern medical research, choosing the right medical university has become one of the most important decisions for aspiring doctors.
The right institution not only provides academic knowledge but also shapes clinical skills, research exposure, and future career opportunities.
This guide explores the best medical universities in Pakistan, highlighting their history, admission process, tuition fees, scholarships, and living costs. It also provides an overview of the top institutions in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, giving students a complete picture before making their choice.
Medical Education in Pakistan
Medical education in Pakistan is regulated by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), ensuring that programs meet national and international standards. Most programs follow a five-year MBBS curriculum, with opportunities for specialization in postgraduate studies.
There are two main types of institutions:
- Public Medical Universities – Affordable, government-funded, and highly competitive due to merit-based admissions.
- Private Medical Universities – Offer advanced facilities, international collaborations, and more flexibility in admissions, but usually charge higher fees.
Both public and private medical universities in Pakistan have produced globally recognized doctors and researchers.
Top 10 Best Medical Universities in Pakistan
Here is a detailed list of the top 10 medical universities in Pakistan (2025) with their specialties:
1. Aga Khan University (Karachi)
- Established: 1983
- Type: Private, not-for-profit
- Specialties: Medicine, Surgery, Nursing, Research, and Public Health
- Highlights:
- Ranked among the top medical institutions in Asia.
- Affiliated with Aga Khan University Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Pakistan.
- Strong focus on medical research and international collaborations.
- Admission: Highly competitive, requiring excellent academic performance and entrance exam.
- Tuition Fees: Approximately PKR 1,800,000 – 2,200,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Limited merit and need-based scholarships available.
- Pros: Global recognition, modern facilities, international career opportunities.
- Cons: Very high fees, tough admission process.
2. King Edward Medical University (Lahore)
- Established: 1860 (one of the oldest medical institutions in South Asia)
- Type: Public
- Specialties: MBBS, BDS, Postgraduate programs in surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.
- Highlights:
- Attached to Mayo Hospital, the largest hospital in Pakistan.
- Known for producing some of the best surgeons and physicians in South Asia.
- Admission: Through MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test).
- Tuition Fees: PKR 50,000 – 70,000 per year (very affordable).
- Scholarships: Government scholarships available for merit and need.
- Pros: Affordable, historic reputation, excellent clinical exposure.
- Cons: Overcrowded due to large patient influx.
3. Dow University of Health Sciences (Karachi)
- Established: 1945
- Type: Public
- Specialties: MBBS, BDS, Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health.
- Highlights:
- Known for modern teaching methods and clinical training.
- Affiliated with Dow University Hospital and Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases.
- Admission: Based on MDCAT and merit list.
- Tuition Fees: PKR 60,000 – 80,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Available for talented students with financial need.
- Pros: Affordable, research-focused, excellent clinical facilities.
- Cons: Competitive environment, heavy workload.
4. Fatima Jinnah Medical University (Lahore)
- Established: 1948
- Type: Public (initially established for women)
- Specialties: MBBS, BDS, postgraduate programs in gynecology and pediatrics.
- Highlights:
- Dedicated to women’s medical education.
- Affiliated with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
- Admission: MDCAT and merit-based selection.
- Tuition Fees: PKR 50,000 – 70,000 per year.
- Scholarships: Government and HEC scholarships available.
- Pros: Women-focused education, excellent clinical training.
- Cons: Limited seats, intense competition.
5. Army Medical College (Rawalpindi)
- Established: 1977
- Type: Public (Military-run, affiliated with NUMS)
- Specialties: MBBS, BDS, postgraduate medical sciences.
- Highlights:
- Known for discipline, structured environment, and quality education.
- Students often join the Pakistan Army Medical Corps.
- Admission: Through NUMS Entry Test.
- Tuition Fees: PKR 75,000 – 100,000 per year.
- Scholarships: NUMS offers financial aid and army-sponsored seats.
- Pros: Highly respected, disciplined environment, strong clinical training.
- Cons: Strict lifestyle, limited civilian seats.
6. Allama Iqbal Medical College (Lahore)
- Established: 1975
- Type: Public
- Specialties: MBBS, postgraduate studies.
- Affiliated Hospital: Jinnah Hospital Lahore
- Admission: MDCAT-based entry.
- Fees: PKR 50,000 – 70,000 annually.
- Pros: Affordable, excellent clinical exposure.
- Cons: Limited research opportunities.
7. University of Health Sciences (Lahore)
- Established: 2002
- Type: Public (regulatory and teaching university)
- Specialties: Medical education, research, postgraduate training.
- Highlights:
- Central body for medical colleges in Punjab.
- Strong in curriculum design, exams, and research.
8. Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (Jamshoro)
- One of the oldest institutions in Sindh.
- Offers MBBS, BDS, Nursing, and Public Health.
- Tuition fees around PKR 50,000 – 70,000 annually.
- Affiliated hospitals provide vast clinical training.
9. Khyber Medical University (Peshawar)
- Leading medical university in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Offers MBBS, BDS, Nursing, Allied Health Sciences.
- Fees: Around PKR 60,000 annually.
- Known for research and community health programs.
10. Quaid-e-Azam University (Islamabad, Biological Sciences)
- Though not a dedicated medical university, QAU is famous for biological sciences and research in medicine.
- Strong collaborations with hospitals and research centers.
Best Medical Universities in Karachi
- Aga Khan University – International recognition.
- Dow University of Health Sciences – Affordable and research-oriented.
- Jinnah Sindh Medical University – Known for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Best Medical Universities in Islamabad
- Quaid-e-Azam University – Research in medicine and biological sciences.
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University – Affiliated with Shifa International Hospital.
- Federal Medical and Dental College – Public-sector institution with growing reputation.
Best Medical Universities in Lahore
- King Edward Medical University – Oldest and most prestigious.
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University – Women-focused institution.
- Allama Iqbal Medical College – Strong in clinical training.
- University of Health Sciences – Research and regulatory body.
Admission Process for Medical Universities in Pakistan
- MDCAT (Medical and Dental College Admission Test):
- Conducted nationwide by the PMDC.
- Mandatory for MBBS/BDS admissions in both public and private universities.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum 60% marks in FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent.
- High MDCAT score required for top universities.
- Application Process:
- Online application through university portals or centralized systems (NUMS/UHS).
- Submission of academic transcripts, CNIC/B-Form, and passport-size photos.
Tuition Fees in Pakistan’s Medical Universities
- Public Universities: PKR 40,000 – 80,000 annually.
- Private Universities: PKR 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 annually.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- HEC Need-Based Scholarships
- Provincial Government Scholarships
- Merit Scholarships by institutions like Aga Khan University.
- International scholarships for postgraduate students.
Living Costs for Medical Students in Pakistan
- Accommodation (hostel): PKR 6,000 – 15,000/month.
- Food: PKR 8,000 – 12,000/month.
- Transport: PKR 3,000 – 5,000/month.
- Books & Supplies: PKR 20,000 – 40,000 annually.
Pros and Cons of Studying Medicine in Pakistan
Pros:
- Affordable education (in public universities).
- Strong clinical exposure due to high patient flow.
- Globally recognized doctors.
- Opportunities for postgraduate studies abroad.
Cons:
- Intense competition.
- Limited research facilities in some institutions.
- Workload and stress are very high.
Conclusion:
Pakistan is home to some of the best medical universities in South Asia, offering affordable, high-quality education and world-class doctors.
From the globally recognized Aga Khan University in Karachi to the historic King Edward Medical University in Lahore, each institution plays a vital role in the healthcare system.
For aspiring medical students, the choice depends on career goals, budget, and location. Public universities like King Edward Medical University and Dow University provide affordable education with excellent clinical exposure, while private institutions like Aga Khan University offer global recognition and advanced research facilities.
Whether in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, medical universities in Pakistan continue to shape the future of healthcare by preparing doctors who serve both nationally and internationally.
