A medical career begins with finding the right institution that best fits your needs. In Pakistan, Karachi is home to some of the nation’s top medical schools, providing holistic education with quality research and state-of-the-art equipment to students aiming to become physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. There are many medical universities in Karachi that have produced some of the most renowned doctors in the country.
It can be confusing to select the right program, considering the numerous government and private medical schools located in Karachi. There are several factors to keep in mind, for instance, the tuition fee, the programs being offered, social integration etc.
To narrow down your search, Graana.com has compiled a list of the top-ranking universities in Pakistan that offer well-rounded academic training programs.
Medical Universities in Karachi
The most prominent public and private medical colleges in Karachi are included in the table below, along with details on the number of total seats available, the status of the university, and tuition fees.
| Sr. # | Medical College | Public/Private | No. of Seats | Fee Structure (PKR) |
| 1 | Aga Khan University | Private | 100 | 6,350,100 |
| 2 | Dow University of Health Sciences | Public | 350 | 1,59,000 |
| 3 | Dow International Medical College | Public | 150 | 14,554,992 |
| 4 | Ziauddin Medical College | Private | 150 | 4,840,000 |
| 5 | Jinnah Sindh Medical University | Public | 350 | 1,59,000 |
| 6 | Karachi Medical and Dental College | Public | 250 | 1,50,000 |
| 7 | Jinnah Medical & Dental College | Private | 100 | 13,794,283 |
| 8 | Baqai Medical and Dental University | Private | 175 | 7,428,420 |
Aga Khan University
Aga Khan University, famously known as AKU, is Pakistan’s most prestigious private educational institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. This independent research centre was established in 1983 by Prince Karim Aga Khan and is regarded as the top medical college in Pakistan by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) today.
Aga Khan University consists of 6 campuses, with the main campus located in Karachi. The other campuses are spread across Kenya, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing students’ intellectual, personal, and professional potential in order to produce future leaders and productive members of society.
The admissions procedure of AKU does not include any quotas, special seating, or admittance granted in exchange for donations. Candidates from all over the world are eligible for merit-based admissions.
The AKU is affiliated with numerous famous international universities, and its medical degree program is structured in accordance with the curriculum and evaluation criteria of global standards.
The program’s primary teaching methods are problem-based learning and evidence-based practice. The university also provides financial aid on needs-based criteria.
Fee Structure
- For the 5-year program, the tuition fee for national students is 6,350,100 PKR.
- For the 5-year program, the tuition fee for foreign students is 148,010 USD.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Graduate Programs
- MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- MS in Health Policy and Management
- Master of Health Professions Education
- PhD in Health Sciences
Postgraduate Programs
- Internship Program
- Residency Programs
- Fellowship Programs
Address: National Stadium Rd, Aga Khan University Hospital
Contact: 021-34930051
Dow University of Health Sciences
Dow Medical College was founded in 1945 and was named after Sir Hugh Dow, the former governor of Sindh. It is one of the most well-reputed and oldest public universities in Karachi. It is the preferred option for many students who are applying for MBBS admissions at medical universities in Karachi.
The university is currently associated with the Dow University of Health Sciences, which was founded in 2003, and the Civil Hospital Karachi, which serves as its teaching hospital. The college provides future doctors with rigorous academic and practical training.
Dow University of Health Sciences comprises both undergraduate and graduate colleges. Dow International Medical College, Dow Medical College, Dow Dental College, Dow College of Pharmacy, Dow College of Biotechnology, and Dow School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology are the institutions on the list.
A number of renowned research and diagnostics institutes are also part of the Dow University of Health Sciences. A few examples include the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, the Dow Institute of Radiology, and the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases.
Fee Structure
- The total fee is 159,500 PKR for the 5-year program.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Pharm-D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- BS Generic Nursing (BSN), Post RN. Nursing
- Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
- BS in Dental Care Professional (DCP)
- BS Medical Technology
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- BS Nutritional Sciences
- BS Biotechnology
- Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS)
- Associate of Biomedical Engineering
Postgraduate Programs
- PhD in Basic Medical Sciences
- PhD in Public Health Program
- Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
- Master in Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science In Biostatistics And Epidemiology (MSBE)
- Master of Science In Public Health (MSPH)
- Masters In Nursing (MSN)
- MS Advanced Physiotherapy (MSAPT)
- MS Transfusion Medicine & Tissue Typing
- Post Graduate Diplomas
Address: Baba-e-Urdu Road
Contact: 021-111 113 847
Dow International Medical College
The Dow International Medical College was founded in 2007 and provides degrees through the Dow University of Health Sciences. The college, which has 150 slots, was founded primarily to provide educational opportunities to Pakistanis living abroad.
The DIMC is a cutting-edge facility with an updated digital library, fully-equipped labs, research facilities, an animal house etc. It is also listed in the WHO directory.
The Dow University Hospital and the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases both are affiliated with the Dow International Medical College. The college also has separate dorms for male and female students. For extracurricular activities, the campus includes a state-of-the-art gym and cricket field.
Fee Structure
- International students have to pay an annual fee of 17,000 USD, or 85,000 USD in total.
- The cost for internationally sponsored students is 10,000 USD per year or 50,000 USD overall.
Hostel fee: 1,000 USD annually
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Pharm-D (Doctor of Pharmacy)
- BS Generic Nursing (BSN), Post RN. Nursing
- Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
- BS in Dental Care Professional (DCP)
- BS Medical Technology
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- BS Nutritional Sciences
- BS Biotechnology
- Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS)
- Associate of Biomedical Engineering
Postgraduate Programs
- PhD in Basic Medical Sciences
- PhD in Public Health Program
- Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)
- Masters in Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science In Biostatistics And Epidemiology (MSBE)
- Master of Science In Public Health (MSPH)
- Masters In Nursing (MSN)
- MS Advanced Physiotherapy (MSAPT)
- MS Transfusion Medicine & Tissue Typing
- Post Graduate Diplomas
Address: Baba-e-Urdu Road
Contact: 021-111 113 847
Ziauddin Medical College
Established in 1996, Ziauddin Medical College is a renowned private medical college in Karachi. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum, case-based discussions and problem-based learning (PBL) to help students understand challenging concepts.
HEC has also ranked Ziauddin Medical College among the top 10 medical colleges in Pakistan.
Dr. Ziauddin Hospital has three campuses in North Nazimabad, Clifton, and Kemari that are linked with the medical college.
Fee Structure
- For the first three years, the tuition for local students is 4,840,000 PKR.
- For the five-year program, foreign students have to pay 90,000 USD in tuition.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
Postgraduate Programs
- M.Phil.
- PhD Programs
- Doctor of Medicine in Clinical Sciences
- Master of Surgery in Clinical Sciences
- Masters in Health Care Management
- FCPS/MCPS
Address: 4/B, Shahrah-e-Ghalib, Block 6, Clifton
Contact: 021-35862937
Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) was founded in 1973 and was formerly known as Sindh Medical College. However, in 2012, it attained university status. Located in the Cantonment Area, JSMU comprises seven constituent colleges and institutions.
The list includes the Sindh Medical College, the Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, the APPNA Institute of Public Health, the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Institute of Health & Business Management and Social Sciences, the Institute of Nursing, and the Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
The college offers access to the HEC Digital Library and has a cutting-edge video conferencing facility.
Jinnah Sindh Medical University is not only one of the greatest HEC-accredited medical schools, but it is also a top government medical university in Karachi for MBBS and other programs. Additionally, JSMU collaborates closely with the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, the National Institute of Child Health, and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases to assist students in becoming qualified practitioners.
The university also offers services including biometric attendance, WiFi, libraries, a dorm, and transportation, among others.
Fee Structure
- The 5-year program’s fee for open merit candidates is 159,500 PKR.
- The 5-year program’s fee for local self-financed students is 2,200,000 PKR.
- The fee for foreign self-financed students is 59,087 USD per year.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- Pharm D.
- BDS
Postgraduate Programs
- Masters in Public Health (MSPH)
- Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE)
Address: Rafiqui H.J Shaheed Road, Cantonment
Contact: 021-99205185
Karachi Medical and Dental College
The Karachi Medical and Dental College was founded in 1991 and has maintained its position as the city’s top dental school since then. Due to the lack of a quota system and self-finance seats, KMDC was the first to implement an entrance exam for MBBS admissions. It accepts up to 250 medical and 100 dentistry students each year.
The University of Karachi serves as KMDC’s degree-granting institution, while the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital serves as its teaching hospital. KMDC is accredited by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
The college, which is connected to the College of Physicians, provides postgraduate programmes for FCPS and MCPS.
Fee Structure
- Open merit students have to pay a fee of 150,000 PKR.
- The cost of the 5-year program for international students is 5,553,125 PKR.
- The 5-year program costs 11,817 USD for international students.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- BDS
Address: Block M, North Nazimabad, Karachi.
Contact: 021-99260300
Baqai Medical and Dental University
Baqai, which was established in 1988, is regarded as one of Karachi’s top private medical schools, offering programs in pharmaceutical sciences, medical sciences, and dental sciences, among others. The university has its own buses in order to give students a convenient means of transportation because it is situated on Super Highway, just before the toll plaza.
In addition to others, the constituent colleges of Baqai Medical University include Baqai Medical College, Baqai College of Veterinary Sciences, and Baqai Dental College.
Baqai was listed as the 13th-best medical school in Pakistan in the HEC rankings. Students at this university have access to the most advanced medical technology, as well as well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and athletic facilities.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS
- BDS
- Pharm-D
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- BSc Nursing
- Doctor of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Medicine (DPTRM)
- BS Software Engineering (BS-SE)
- BS Bioinformatics (BS-BI)
- BBA (Hons.) Major in Health Management
- BS Medical Technology
Postgraduate Programs
- MD Internal Medicine
- MD Pediatrics
- MS Surgery
- Master of Public Health
- MS Ophthalmology
- MS Otorhinolaryngology
- MSc Medical Technology
- MBA
- MS Hematology
- MS in Transfusion Medicine
- MSc Hematology
- MPhil Programs
- PhD Programs
- Post Graduate Diplomas
Address: 51, Deh Tor, Gadap Road, Near Toll Plaza, Super Highway
Contact: 021-34410293 to 298
Government Medical Universities in Karachi
| Sr. # | Medical College | Public/Private | No. of Seats | Fee Structure (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Dow University of Health Sciences | Public | 350 | 1,59,000 |
| 3 | Dow International Medical College | Public | 150 | 14,554,992 |
| 5 | Jinnah Sindh Medical University | Public | 350 | 1,59,000 |
| 6 | Karachi Medical and Dental College | Public | 250 | 1,50,000 |
For information on the top medical schools in other cities of Pakistan, follow Graana blog.
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