10 Best Medical Schools in Pakistan
Situated in South Asia, Pakistan is a great country to consider if you’re planning to study medicine abroad. This country opens a lot of opportunities for both professional and personal growth. By studying here, you’ll have the chance to explore the field of medicine and healthcare as Pakistan holds more than 1,900 hospitals.
With over 200 universities and 2,000 colleges, Pakistan offers a wide selection for international students. Moreover, this country is known for its affordable tuition fees and state-of-the-art facilities, so it’s no wonder why they serve as educational havens for aspiring doctors from all around the world!
In this article, let’s talk about the top Pakistani medical schools. We listed down the medical schools here together with their official website and admission links. As you choose your next school, make sure to check each university’s background and see what fits your needs!
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How long do you have to study Medicine in Pakistan?
You need to complete 5 years of study to get a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from a Pakistani medical school.
Which is the top medical school in Pakistan for international students?
Aga Khan University Medical College is the top medical institution in Pakistan for international students. This institution is highly recognized locally and internationally as it offers a good curriculum for medicine. More than that, students have access to cross-cutting-edge technology used in teaching and training.
Aside from this institution, there are also some Pakistani universities that you can enter if you’re planning to study medicine here. Check out our list below!
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Top Medical Schools in Pakistan
1. Aga Khan University Medical College
Aga Khan University is a global institution with campuses all over the world. Its Pakistani campus, which is based in Karachi, was founded in 1983. This was made possible by Prince Aga Khan IV, who envisioned the university’s hospital and medical college. Aga Khan University Medical College is considered the best medical school in Pakistan.
Its 5-year MBBS program was created to equip aspiring doctors with the skills, values, knowledge, and attitudes that they need to flourish in the medical system. The curriculum follows problem-based learning, which focuses on early clinical contact and evidence-based practice.
Years 1 and 2 cover Humanities and the Social Sciences, followed by 13 modules that center on the body systems and their processes. Lessons are taught through flipped classrooms, large classes, and team/problem-based learning.
Clinical clerkship starts at year 3, with students being sent to the community for basic immersion. The last 2 years feature in-depth rotations in hospitals, including community centers and other related facilities.
2. University of Health Sciences Lahore
Located in Punjab, the University of Health Sciences Lahore is a public institution that specializes in medical education. Established in 2002, it is recognized as the second-best health science school in the country.
One of its many offerings is a 5-year MBBS program, which is a revolutionary curriculum designed to improve medical practice and research. Through this degree, students are equipped with the knowledge and the necessary skills to flourish as doctors.
At the end of schooling, these future physicians are expected to excel in the acts of injections, venous cutdowns, catheterizations, normal deliveries, episiotomies, and lumbar punctures, to name a few.
Apart from developing the above-mentioned competencies, students are also expected to engage in any of the university’s research pursuits.
3. Dow University of Health Sciences Medical College
The Dow University Medical College was founded in 1945, following the 1881-instituted medical school of Hyderabad. With decades of education under its belt, the school is recognized as one of the finest medical schools in Pakistan.
Its MBBS program follows a spiral and module system that is divided into 3 phases. First is the Basic Sciences Spiral, which runs from semesters 1-4. Through case-based learning, students are taught the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and community medicine.
The second phase, known as the Clinical Sciences Spiral, employs scenario-based learning and student research. The lessons run from semesters 5-8.
Completing the curriculum is the third spiral, which is known as the Integrated Supervised Practical Training. This centers on clinical rotations that are completed at the Dow University Hospital.
4. Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences
Khyber Medical University is a public educational institution based in Peshawar, Pakistan. Founded in 2002, it is a consortium of various schools – including the KMU Institute of Medical Sciences, Kohat.
The institute, which opened in 2006, offers a competitive 6-year MBBS program. Based on test scores – among many other factors – it only admits 100 students every year.
The curriculum is grounded on educational theory and adult learning principles. Through these, students are taught basic science in a clinical context.
Years 1 and 2 are dedicated to foundational knowledge, with years 3 to 5 comprising of module learning, rotations, and clerkships. The last phase, year 6, is for apprenticeship training/internship.
By the end of the program, aspiring doctors are expected to develop critical thinking, clinical skills, and ideal professional decorum.
See Also: 10 Best Medical Schools in India
5. Riphah International University – Islamic International Medical College
Established in 2002, the Riphah International University is a private institution chartered by the national government. Under its wing is the Islamic International Medical College (IIMC), which was created in 1996 to mold medical professionals with Islamic values.
The school is recognized by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council. It is also listed in the catalog of WHO, the International Medical Education Directory USA, the International Institute of Medical Education USA, and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research.
This medical university in Pakistan offers an MBBS course that follows an innovative curriculum plan. The approach centers on the student, as well as the patient, community, and their problems. Instruction is delivered through small group discussions, laboratory practice, and exposure to the clinical setting.
Due to the competitive nature of admission, IIMC only accepts 100 students a year.
6. Isra University Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences
Isra University is a public educational institution located in Hyderabad. Owned by the Isra Islamic Foundation, it offers an MBBS degree through the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences.
Compared to the general ruling, Isra University has a higher requirement for MBBS applicants. Students should have 70% minimum marks or a 550 in SAT-II. A university admission test is also required, but this is waived for international students.
The MBBS program follows an annual schedule, which is highly different from the rest of the university’s courses. The first 2 years, called the professional phase, cover basic and pre-clinical studies. Following these are the cycles of medical, para-clinical, and surgical studies. During the clinical phase, students are deployed to hospitals for familiarization with treatments, procedures, and services.
7. King Edward Medical University
King Edward Medical University (KEMU) is one of the first institutions in Pakistan. Established in 1860, it is named after the former Emperor of India, King Edward VI.
As the former Lahore Medical School, the university keeps true to tradition through its MBBS program. Admission is quite selective, as priority is given to those with the highest merits in the Punjabi province. Foreign applicants, on the other hand, need to meet marks equivalent to that of the HSSC exam.
After the 4-year classroom education, KEMU students undertake their internships at either the Mayo Hospital or any other government hospital. This will depend on merit, with rotations in Medicine and Surgery being reserved for those with the highest marks. Following graduation, students are awarded full registration status by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
8. Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
Based in Sindh, the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences is one of the oldest medical schools in Pakistan. Founded in 1881, it is affiliated with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
As one of the best medical schools in the country, it aims to train aspiring physicians per the highest professional standards. At the same time, these students are inculcated with ethical values that help them meet their patients’ and the community’s healthcare needs.
The first and second phases of studies are focused on anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. It also features additional courses in community medicine, bioethics, behavioral science, information technology, and research. Pathology, pharmacology, forensic medicine, and surgical skills are included in the third cycle, while the other clinical sciences make the fourth leg. For the final year, rotations are done in the various departments of the hospital.
9. Ziauddin University Medical College
The private university, which was founded in 1995, is named after Ziauddin Ahmad. Located in Karachi, it is known for its medical, health, and biomedical engineering programs.
Its MBBS course is governed by the Medical College, which aims to transform its students into skilled doctors, teachers, and researchers. Through problem-based learning and case discussions, these aspiring students are taught the fundamentals needed to address the healthcare needs of individuals and their respective communities.
Clinical rotations are done in any of the Ziauddin Hospitals in Kemari, Clifton, and North Nazimabad. Internships are also completed in the Sikanderabad’s Primary Health Care Centers and the Sobhraj Maternity Home.
10. Gandhara University – Kabir Medical College
The final university in our list of top medical schools in Pakistan is Gandhara University, a private educational institution based in Peshawar, Pakistan. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Muhammad Kabir, it is widely known for its specialized health courses.
Its MBBS course is delivered through the Kabir Medical College. Highly competitive, it only accepts 50 applicants every year.
The 1st and 2nd years of the program include courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, community medicine, and behavioral sciences. The 3rd and 4th years cover clinical courses, including that of pathology, forensic medicine, surgery, medicine, pediatrics, and ophthalmology, to name a few.
The last year of MBBS culminates in internships, which are done in the university’s affiliated teaching hospitals.
Despite its rigorous requirements, Kabir Medical College students are readily eligible to take the PLAB examination and the USMLE. That’s because the school is recognized by both the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, as well as the International Medical Education Directory, USA.
We hope that this article helped you in choosing your medical school. We know that studying abroad can be expensive as you need to cover your tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. To help you out, we listed some university and government scholarships. Make sure to visit the scholarship page to see the different awards that can support your studies!