Aga Khan University
Karachi, Pakistan • Founded 1983 • World Rank #1173
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1983, the Aga Khan University is a non-profit private higher education institution with its main campus in Karachi, Pakistan, and campuses in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.
Officially recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Aga Khan University (AKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in medicine, nursing, education, and media & communications. This transnational university has a selective admission policy and provides library, housing, sports facilities, financial aid, study abroad programs, and administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Aga Khan University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Aga Khan University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Degrees
Also Advanced Diploma (1yr of study) in Primary Education, English Language Teaching, School Management, Specialist Teachers, Education Leadership and Management
Bachelor's 2 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Medicine
- Surgery
Master's 8 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Development Studies
- Education
- Epidemiology
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Public Health
Doctoral 3 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Education
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
Aga Khan University groups its teaching by faculty. Faculties usually operate with academic autonomy and may have distinct admissions criteria from the institution as a whole.
Kenya (Campus Abroad) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Media Studies
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Tanzania (Campus Abroad) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Uganda (Campus Abroad) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
United Kingdom (Campus Abroad) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Islamic Studies
Medicine (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Development (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Sciences
- Teacher Trainers Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing and Midwifery (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Below: Aga Khan University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
21 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Pakistan
Bachelor's Degree 5 programmes
Master of Philosophy 2 programmes
Master's Degree 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Associate's Degree 1 programme
How to apply to Aga Khan University
Application guidance for Aga Khan University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse Aga Khan University's 21 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at Aga Khan University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit your application
Aga Khan University processes applications through www.aku.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +92 (21) 3493 0051. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aga Khan University
Quick reference for Aga Khan University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
How old is Aga Khan University?
The institution opened in 1983 (approximately 43 years ago).
Where is Aga Khan University located?
Aga Khan University is located in Karachi, Pakistan.
Is Aga Khan University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How is Aga Khan University ranked?
Aga Khan University is ranked #1173 globally and #7 in Pakistan.
What degrees does Aga Khan University offer?
Aga Khan University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Is Aga Khan University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Education Commission, Pakistan.
Where can I learn more about Aga Khan University?
Aga Khan University's official website is www.aku.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in Pakistan
The institutions topping Pakistan's rankings give national context for Aga Khan University. Context matters because employer perception in Pakistan often correlates with national rankings.
Faculties at nearby universities
If you're weighing Aga Khan University against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some Pakistan institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Compared with Aga Khan University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Aga Khan University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
Studying in Pakistan: guides and resources
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