If you’re considering one of Pakistan’s top private universities for healthcare, medical, or business education, you’re probably asking:
“What is the Aga Khan University Fee Structure 2026?”
Understanding the fees is crucial for planning your studies, budgeting for living expenses, and exploring scholarship opportunities. This guide provides a complete breakdown of Aga Khan University Fee Structure 2026, including tuition, admission charges, hostel costs, and financial aid options. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what it takes to study at this prestigious university.
About Aga Khan University
Founded in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a world-class private university located in Karachi, Pakistan. It is renowned for health sciences, medicine, nursing, and business programs. AKU is not just a university — it’s a hub for research, healthcare innovation, and professional development.
Some of the main faculties at AKU include:
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health)
- Graduate School of Media and Communications
- Institute for Educational Development
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations
AKU is known for high academic standards, quality facilities, and strong international collaborations.
Aga Khan University Fee Structure 2026 – Overview
The Aga Khan University Fee Structure 2026 depends on:
- Program type (Undergraduate, Graduate, or Professional)
- Department or faculty
- Duration of the program
- Type of seat (local or international student)
Unlike most public universities, AKU has higher fees due to its private status and internationally recognized programs. However, it also offers scholarships and financial aid to help deserving students.
Undergraduate Programs Fee Structure 2026
AKU offers undergraduate programs mainly in Nursing, Allied Health Sciences, and Foundation programs.
1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 600,000 – 700,000
- Admission Fee (One-Time): PKR 50,000
- Lab and Practical Charges: PKR 30,000 – 50,000
Nursing programs require practical training in hospitals, which slightly increases the overall cost.
2. Allied Health Sciences Programs
Allied Health Sciences include medical lab technology, radiology, and physiotherapy.
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 550,000 – 650,000
- Admission Fee: PKR 50,000
- Lab Charges: PKR 25,000 – 40,000
Practical exposure in labs and clinical placements are part of the program fees.
3. Foundation Programs
AKU also offers pre-medical foundation programs for students preparing for professional healthcare degrees.
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 400,000 – 500,000
- Admission Fee: PKR 40,000
Foundation programs focus on preparing students for medical, nursing, or allied health degrees at AKU.
Graduate & Professional Programs Fee Structure 2026
AKU offers a range of graduate programs including MBA, Master of Public Health (MPH), and specialized health sciences programs.
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 750,000 – 850,000
- One-Time Admission Fee: PKR 50,000
- Other Charges (Library, Labs): PKR 20,000
2. Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 650,000 – 750,000
- Admission & Registration Fee: PKR 50,000
- Practical & Research Fees: PKR 20,000 – 30,000
3. Graduate Health Sciences Programs
- Tuition Fee (Per Year): PKR 600,000 – 800,000
- These include physician assistant, clinical nursing, and specialized laboratory programs.
One-Time Admission & Registration Charges
In addition to tuition, students pay one-time fees:
- Admission processing fee: PKR 50,000
- Registration fee: PKR 20,000 – 30,000
- Student ID card: PKR 2,000
- Security deposit (refundable): PKR 20,000
These charges are usually paid in the first semester.
Hostel & Living Expenses
Many AKU programs require on-campus residency, especially for undergraduate students.
- Hostel Charges (Per Year): PKR 200,000 – 250,000
- Mess Charges: PKR 20,000 – 30,000 per month
- Total Annual Living Cost: PKR 440,000 – 610,000
💡 Tip: Commuting from home can reduce costs significantly, but most students prefer hostel for convenience.
Additional Costs Students Often Overlook
- Books and stationery: PKR 30,000 – 50,000 per year
- Lab and medical kits: PKR 20,000 – 50,000 per semester
- Laptop & software for research or online learning
- Printing, assignments, and project materials
- Transportation if commuting
Scholarships & Financial Assistance 2026
AKU offers merit-based and need-based scholarships:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: For high-performing students, covering up to 100% tuition
- Need-Based Financial Aid: For students with financial constraints
- Special International Scholarships: For students from outside Pakistan
- Some programs offer research assistantships or teaching assistantships to reduce tuition
Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying at Aga Khan University.
Comparison With Competitor Blogs
Most competitor blogs only provide basic tuition tables, often missing:
- One-time admission and registration charges
- Hostel and living costs
- Lab or practical fees
- Scholarship and financial aid information
This guide is better because it:
✔ Covers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
✔ Includes all additional costs
✔ Explains scholarships and financial aid
✔ Provides tips for budgeting and planning
✔ Written in clear, human-friendly language
Total Estimated Cost Per Program
| Program | Tuition Fee (Per Year) | One-Time Charges | Hostel + Mess | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Nursing | PKR 600,000 – 700,000 | PKR 50,000 | PKR 440,000 – 610,000 | PKR 1,090,000 – 1,360,000 |
| Allied Health Sciences | PKR 550,000 – 650,000 | PKR 50,000 | PKR 440,000 – 610,000 | PKR 1,040,000 – 1,310,000 |
| Foundation Program | PKR 400,000 – 500,000 | PKR 40,000 | Optional | PKR 440,000 – 540,000 |
| MBA | PKR 750,000 – 850,000 | PKR 50,000 | Optional | PKR 800,000 – 900,000 |
| MPH | PKR 650,000 – 750,000 | PKR 50,000 | Optional | PKR 700,000 – 800,000 |
Smart Financial Planning Tips
- Plan for full program cost including tuition, hostel, and extras.
- Apply for scholarships early to maximize benefits.
- Use campus resources like libraries and labs to reduce costs.
- Keep a monthly budget for books, projects, and mess charges.
- Explore part-time opportunities or research assistantships.
Final Thoughts
The Aga Khan University Fee Structure 2026 reflects its status as a high-quality private university with internationally recognized programs. Tuition may be higher than public universities, but scholarships and financial aid make it achievable for many students.
Before applying:
- Confirm exact fees on AKU’s official website
- Check scholarship and financial aid options
- Budget for hostel, living, lab, and additional costs
With careful planning, Aga Khan University offers world-class education in Pakistan without unexpected financial surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the tuition fee for BSc Nursing at AKU in 2026?
PKR 600,000 – 700,000 per year.
2. Are scholarships available at AKU?
Yes, both merit-based and need-based scholarships are offered.
3. Does tuition include hostel charges?
No, hostel and mess charges are separate.
4. Are there additional lab or practical fees?
Yes, depending on the program, lab fees can range PKR 20,000 – 50,000 per semester.
5. How does AKU compare with other private universities in Pakistan?
AKU offers higher-quality education with international recognition, but tuition is higher than public universities. Scholarships help offset costs.