AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY

Aga Khan University is a private international university, offering a range of programmes in undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies in Pakistan, the United Kingdom and East Africa. The University offers undergraduate and graduate level courses in the fields of medicine, nursing and teacher education as part of formal degrees, as well as several advanced diploma, certificate and short courses. In addition, AKU's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations, UK offers a graduate programme and short courses to strengthen research and teaching about the heritage of Muslim societies, giving specific attention to the challenges these societies face in contemporary settings.
Continuing professional education is also offered to practising doctors, working nurses and teacher educators. Admissions are purely merit-based and financial assistance is available to those who have no means to pay for the cost of their education. As part of Aga Khan Development Network, the University requires a high standard of academic excellence, but also looks for people with a passion for learning and the desire to make a change.

The Aga Khan University heavily subsidises the educational cost for students.

However, the University provides further support through its Financial Assistance Programme which ensures that no Pakistani resident who qualifies for admission to the Medical College, School of Nursing or the Institute of Educational Development is excluded because he/she is unable to pay tuition fees. The University also considers applications for limited financial assistance from foreign students, especially those from low-income countries.

Assistance is offered on the basis of demonstrated need, as evaluated by AKU from data provided by students and their families, as well as any other avenue that the University may deem appropriate. Every student seeking financial assistance must also demonstrate that he or she has thoroughly explored other possible sources of funding; evidence of such search will be required when submitting an application.

Financial assistance arranged by the University is intended to favour and encourage qualified students from families with low incomes, as well as those from rural and underdeveloped areas of the country who have no means to pay for their education at AKU.

However, every student is required to make some contribution towards tuition fees, living expenses and other costs, and not depend on the University for full assistance. Continuation of assistance is conditional upon a yearly assessment of financial needs.

Financial Assistance is awarded as a combination of soft loans and grant-in-aid. The loan is payable in easy instalments after graduation from the programme.