MBBS Programme

2010
The University
Chartered in 1983 by the Government of Pakistan as the
country's first private university, Aga Khan University
(AKU) is committed to excellence in education, research
and service, and to the full utilisation of modern
communication and information technologies.
Through ongoing partnerships with prestigious overseas
institutions, AKU brings international expertise to bear
upon the establishment and enhancement of its current
and future programmes and services. In line with its
commitment to the advancement of the status of women,
the University seeks similar collaborations to strengthen
women-oriented professions such as nursing and
teaching. AKU occupies a pivotal place in Aga Khan
Development Network and is contributing in major ways
to social development. It prioritises higher education and
research initiatives relevant to the problems of Pakistan
as well as the Muslim and the developing world.
AKU's Faculty of Health Sciences, comprising a Medical
College and a School of Nursing, is co-located with Aga
Khan University Hospital in Karachi. The University's
Institute of Educational Development is situated at
another campus in Karachi, while its Institute for the
Study of Muslim Civilisations is based in London. The
University's admission policy is needs-blind and based
on merit.
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Pursuant to the International mandate expressed in its
Charter, AKU is now moving towards becoming an
international university, with the intention of
establishing a permanent presence in some regions, such
as East Africa and United Kingdom, and focusing on
intermediary capacity building in others. The University
has also launched teaching and training sites in
Afghanistan, Syria and Egypt. At the same time, AKU is
extending the range and scope of its academic and
service operations. It is now planning a major Faculty of
Arts and Sciences at a new campus on the outskirts of
Karachi, along with a programme in Human
Development.
Medical College
The Medical College offers a five-year undergraduate
programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of
Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The programme
is designed to equip students with appropriate
knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and behaviour
necessary to understand and influence factors that affect
the health of individuals and communities.
AKU attaches great emphasis to the professional,
personal and intellectual development of students, so
that its medical graduates become contributory members
and leaders of society.
The curriculum in the Medical College was reviewed and
revised in October 2002. The curriculum maintains high
quality, increasing flexibility, allowing students to
develop more broadly and function effectively in low-
cost settings. It is based on the principles of adult
learning and incorporates current Evidence-Based
Medical Education concepts.
The undergraduate medical curriculum uses multiple
modes of learning, with emphasis on Problem-Based
Learning (PBL) and early clinical contact, with a gradual
shift in focus to patient-based learning using best
evidence practice in later years. Opportunities for
broader intellectual development will be increased by
providing electives in a wide variety of subjects each
year. Students will have opportunities to work in clinical
teams at the Aga Khan University Hospital, as well as in
the national and community oriented health services
operating in urban and rural populations.
The curricular objectives of Aga Khan University
Medical College include clinical competence in
community settings and hospitals, as well as assessment
of health and prevention of disease in communities
through primary health care programmes monitored by
AKU in a number of urban squatter settlements.
Agreements with leading academic institutions, such as
Harvard University in the United States, McGill and
McMaster universities in Canada and the Karolinska
Institute in Sweden, have contributed to faculty and
curriculum development. Recent affiliations include
collaborations with the Hospital for Sick Children in
Toronto University of Waterloo, University of Calgary,
University of British Columbia in Canada, and
University of Alabama in the United States. These
2
partnerships enable advanced training and research,
specifically in areas where such opportunities are not
available in Pakistan.
Admission to the MBBS Programme
Under its Charter, Aga Khan University is open to all
academically qualified candidates of either gender,
regardless of religion, race, creed, colour or domicile and
no such person shall be denied the privileges of the
University on the grounds of gender, religion, creed, race,
class, colour or domicile.
Admission to the Medical College is based on merit and
potential for leadership. This is assessed through
several criteria including scholastic achievements,
achievements in extracurricular and co-curricular
activities, participation in social work, productive use of
time and other experiences indicating potential for
leadership. These criteria form the sole basis for
admission.
Students from anywhere in Pakistan and overseas may
apply. There are no quotas and no reserved seats. There
are no admissions against donations.
Fulfilment of basic eligibility requirements or a high
academic score in any single discipline or any other
outstanding achievement alone is not sufficient for
selection. The University will evaluate applications on
the basis of student achievement in the most current
certificate examination.
Experience over the years has shown that competition for certificate from the Inter Board Committee of Chairman
admission is intense. Students are advised in their own (IBCC) in Pakistan. The qualification must be
interest to apply to other institutions as well. equivalent to the pre-medical qualification in Pakistan.

Applicants and their parents or supporters who expect For Candidates applying from overseas
their candidature to be strong enough to warrant In accordance with the current rules of the PMDC,
selection are advised that the outcome of the selection available on their website (www.pmdc.org.pk)
process cannot be anticipated at any stage. candidates with qualifications other than those from the
Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in
Applicants must be able to demonstrate competence in Pakistan are eligible to apply without a pre-med
English comprehension and expression, both written and equivalence i.e. with biology, chemistry and
verbal, as the mode of instruction is English. mathematics (in lieu of physics). Such candidates will be
required to procure an eligibility certificate from PMDC
It is in the best interest of students particularly from by submitting the following to PMDC:
overseas, in order to gain maximum from AKU, to have i. SAT II examination score with minimum 550
adequate knowledge of Urdu. The University would also marks in each subject i.e. biology, chemistry,
make necessary arrangements for acculturation and physics/ mathematics;
strengthening of language skills through coaching. ii. Valid TOEFL or IELTS with a score of 500 or
5.5, respectively.
Requirements of the Pakistan Medical and iii. Equivalence from IBCC (1): this equivalence
Dental Council (PMDC) should state that the candidates High School
achievement is equivalent to a High School
The PMDC is the licensing body in Pakistan; its qualification in Pakistan.
requirement for admission to the medical colleges in
Pakistan must be met by all applicants. AKU Requirement for Candidates Applying from
Pakistan and Overseas:
For Candidates in Pakistan
Candidates following systems of education other than the Candidates should note that for applications to be
Pakistani system will be required to submit equivalence processed for admissions to AKU in addition to PMDC
requirements, minimum (academic) eligibility
(1) IBCC may be contacted on the following addresses:
Regional Office located at: Board of Intermediate Education, Karachi Bakhtairi Youth Centre, North Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: 021-6639878; Fax: 021-6639878
Islamabad
Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad ; H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: 051-9101170; Fax: 051-9250451
website: www.ibcc.edu.pkEmail: sec_ibcc@ibcc.edu.pk 3
requirements as specified in this brochure for students
following different systems of education will need to be
fulfilled.
Application for Admission
Applications for admission are accepted for the first year
MBBS class only. These will be accepted until February
4, 2010. Applications received after the closing date will
not be processed.
Information on admissions and application material may
be downloaded from the AKU web-site www.aku.edu or
procured from specified branches of Soneri Bank in
Pakistan. In addition, the Medical College application
package [form, sample test paper, brochure and the admit
card] costs Rs. 200 in Pakistan. This may be obtained
from the Admission Office by cash payment in person. If
required by post in Pakistan and overseas, please refer to
section on mode of payment.
Submitting an Application
An application for admission must be submitted on the
prescribed application form. Candidates are required to
write their name on the application form as stated on their
Secondary School Certificate.
The application must only include the following:
! Attested copies of mark sheets/transcripts as
applicable;
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! The Admit card;
! Application fee: The non-refundable application fee
for candidates applying from Pakistan is Rs. 3,000
and for applicants who will be overseas during the
admission process it is US$ 180. [This is payable by
a bank draft in favour of Aga Khan University, or by
cash if the application is delivered by hand. Money
orders, postal orders and personal cheques are
not acceptable. Applicants are strongly advised not
to send cash by post.] For making payments, please
refer to section on “Mode of Payment”.
Before submitting applications, applicants must ensure
that they have complied with the instructions given with
the application form.
It remains the responsibility of the applicant to complete
the application requirements according to the
instructions and time schedule. No reminders will be
sent by the Admission Office. Once acknowledged, an
application will not be returned.
Aga Khan University reserves the right to revoke
admission and registration if an application form is
discovered to be inaccurate or incomplete, or if
supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent.
Any applicant who presents a fraudulent document in
support of an application for admission may be identified
to other universities and colleges.
Mode of Payment
Applicants may pay their application fee through the
following modes of payment:
For candidates in Pakistan: The payment can be made
by a demand draft in favour of “The Aga Khan
University” or by online deposit to any branch of Soneri
Bank Limited. The banking details are as follows:
Title : The Aga Khan University
Account # : 01021227508
Branch code : 0024
Branch : The Aga Khan University Branch
Stadium Road Karachi
The acknowledgement of payment given by the bank on
the deposit slip should be sent along with the application
form to the Admission Office.
For candidates overseas: The payment may be made
by demand draft in favour of “The Aga Khan University”.
The completed application form should be posted by
registered mail or sent through a reliable courier service
or delivered in person to the Admission Office from
Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. The
last date to receive applications in the Admission Office
is February 4, 2010. There is no provision for processing
applications after the closing date.
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All applications must be mailed to the following
address:
Office of the Registrar
Medical College - Undergraduate Programme
Aga Khan University
Medical College
P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road,
Karachi 74800
Telephone Number: 0213-4864410
Provisional Applications
The Aga Khan University will accept incomplete
applications from candidates who will be writing their
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination/
graduation/postgraduate examination in the summer of
2010.
All such applications will be evaluated for admission on
a provisional basis. In cases where provisional
admission is granted, candidates will be required to
submit their [pending] HSC examination or their
graduation/post-graduate examination results in
accordance with the minimum eligibility requirements
by the dates specified in this University brochure.
If the HSC/graduate/post-graduate examination result of
a provisionally admitted candidate is less than the
minimum eligibility requirement and is not submitted
within the due dates, the admission offer made by the
University will stand cancelled.
It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that pending
results are received in the Admission Office according to
the published schedule.
Repeat Applications
Applicants not successful in their first attempt may apply
again with additional information supporting their
application. Candidates' most current scholastic
achievements will be used for evaluation purposes.
A fresh application together with necessary
documentation must be submitted for a particular
admission session. The University does not have a policy
of carrying forward applications from one session to
another. Candidates who are not successful in three
attempts are ineligible to apply.
Academic Requirements for Eligibility
(For candidates applying from Pakistan and overseas)
Applicants prepared in Urdu or English medium
institutions, in Pakistan or overseas, who have
successfully completed or are in the process of
completing their HSC/ graduate/ post-graduate
education and meet with the eligibility criteria may
apply. Applicants must present qualifications, which are
appropriate to the system of education in which they have
been prepared.
The College has no preference for a particular type of
preparation and qualification.
6
Applicants from Pakistan and overseas, who have
pursued diverse curricula and present different
qualifications, are evaluated in comparison with others
presenting the same or similar qualifications. During
evaluation NO attempt is made to relate achievements in
diverse educational systems to a numerical equivalent of
the qualification in Pakistan.
Pakistani Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
Education
An achievement of at least 65% in the HSC pre-medical
examination is necessary for applying to the Medical
College.
For provisional applicants, the shortlisting, interviews
and ranking by the Admission Committee will take place
on a provisional basis while the HSC scores are awaited.
British or equivalent Advanced Level Certificates
of Education
At the Ordinary Secondary School level, applicants
should have satisfactorily completed at least six subjects
including English, biology, chemistry and physics.
Required O-Level mark sheets must accompany the
application.
At the Advanced Level of the General Certificate of
Education or equivalent, for students applying from
Pakistan, three or more subjects are required with a
minimum grade “B” in each of the three subjects. The
subjects must include chemistry, biology and physics.
Candidates from overseas may apply with mathematics
in lieu of physics. (Please review PMDC requirements as
outlined in this brochure)
The requirements for applicants presenting Scottish,
West African or East African Certificates of Advanced
Level Education are similar.
The SAT II, Advance Placements and IBCC equivalence
will not be acceptable as a substitute for the Advanced
Level grades.
For provisional applicants, shortlisting, interviews,
ranking by the Admission Committee will take place on a
provisional basis; admissions for candidates selected
with a provisional status will be confirmed only if the
Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education
or equivalent is according to the minimum eligibility
requirements specified in this brochure and are
submitted within the published timelines.
Canadian and American High School Certificates
Applicants in Pakistan and Overseas following the
American and Canadian system of education may apply
if they meet the following criteria:
! Present evidence of satisfactory completion of
Higher Secondary School certificate with a minimum
cumulative GPA of 3.25, 85% or Grade B;
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! Candidates applying from Pakistan should have
studied biology, chemistry and physics at Higher
Higher
Secondary School level [grade 9 through 12];
! Candidates from overseas may apply with
mathematics in lieu of physics. (Please review
PMDC requirements as outlined in this brochure)
Candidates following any of these systems of education,
if shortlisted are also required to submit SAT II in three or
more subjects. The subjects must include biology,
chemistry and physics.
Candidates from overseas may write mathematics in lieu
of physics. The minimum required score for each of the
three SAT II subjects is 700. Achievements in subjects
additional to those required will earn credit during the
selection. Alternatively, candidates may submit three
required Advanced Placement (AP) subjects in lieu of
the three required SAT IIs. The minimum eligibility
score is a '4' in each of the three subjects. Candidates
must note that a combination of SAT II and AP is not
acceptable.
The above requirements are also applicable to
candidates applying with an additional two years of
college/university education.
The required SAT II transcripts or AP scores must be
received in the Admission Office directly through the
Educational Testing Services (ETS) latest by August 20,
2010. The code assigned to Aga Khan University for SAT
II reporting is 1746.
The SATs are conducted by the Educational Testing
Services of the College Board, SAT Programme, P.O. Box
6200, Princeton, NJ 08541-6200, USA.
Candidates who have copies of their SAT II scores must
submit attested copies of the same to meet the published
deadlines. These may then be followed up by original
mark sheets from ETS.
For provisional applicants, shortlisting, interviews,
ranking by the Admission Committee will take place on a
provisional basis; admissions for candidates selected
with a provisional status will be confirmed only if the
pending HSC transcript and SAT II /AP transcript is
according to the minimum eligibility requirements
specified by AKU and submitted within the published
timelines. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure
that all pending documents are received in the
Admission Office according to the published timelines.
Applications will be considered for final evaluation only
if SAT II or AP scores are received in the Admission
Office within Aga Khan University published deadlines.
Higher Secondary Certificates of Education
(Other than Pakistani Board, American and Canadian
system of Education)
Applicants' qualifications will be considered only if they
present evidence of satisfactory completion of Higher
Secondary School with at least 65% achievement or
equivalent.
8
Candidates with an International Baccalaureate (IB) may
apply. The minimum eligibility requirement for
application is 32 points.
Before submitting an application, candidates must
review PMDC requirements as outlined in this brochure.
Graduates and Post-Graduates
Candidates from Pakistan and overseas who have
achieved a cumulative grade B or a cumulative GPA of
3.0 or have achieved at least 65% marks or equivalent in
their degree examination may apply, irrespective of their
achievements in Higher Secondary Certificate
examination. It will be necessary for candidates in
Pakistan to have read biology, chemistry and physics as
formal subjects at the Higher Secondary School level.
Students with degrees from overseas may have
mathematics in lieu of physics. (Please review PMDC
requirements as outlined in this brochure)
The Admission Test
All applicants resident in Pakistan and overseas are
required to write the Aga Khan University Admission
Test irrespective of the curriculum or system of education
followed. This provides a uniform measure of evaluation
for all applicants irrespective of the biases of the
different Boards of Education in Pakistan and different
systems of education.
Applicants will be issued an admit card enabling them to
write the Admission Test. Where it is not received in
time, applicants are advised to write the Admission Test
at a convenient centre taking a copy of the application
form, a photo ID and appropriate documents for
identification.
The Admission Test includes an English Language
component, which aims to test competency in the English
language; a section on Science and Mathematics
Reasoning to ascertain the candidate's science and
mathematics reasoning skills and a section on Science
Achievement, comprising multiple choice questions in
biology, chemistry, and physics. The questions are
designed to test recall of factual information, application
of knowledge, deduction and problem-solving ability.
These questions are based on the Higher Secondary
Certificate curriculum in Pakistan. Details of the
Admission Test are provided in the Sample Test paper.
The Aga Khan University Admission Test scores are valid
for a period of two years from the date the test is written.
For admission 2010 – 2011 academic year, the test in
2008, 2009 will be acceptable only in cases where the
candidate does not write the Admission test in the year of
application. Candidates applying to the Medical College
in the 2010 academic year are encouraged and advised to
write the Admission Test even if they have written the
Admission Test in the preceding year. Candidates who
request the University to use their previous test scores for
shortlisting purpose should note that their score will be
normalized to the 2010 test scores.

The Medical College does not provide any special

preparation for the Admission Test nor does it authorize
any publication or preparatory classes for this purpose.

Validity of Test Scores

The SAT II scores are valid for a period of two years from
the date the test is written. For admission to the 2010
academic year, SATs written from May 2008 and
thereafter will be acceptable.

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 Schedule for 2010 Academic Session

Medical College Admission Process

2010 Schedule
February 4 Last date to receive applications
Admission Test Schedule
Venue
Hyderabad
Karachi
Pakistan Lahore
Multan
Quetta
Rawalpindi
March 14
Dubai
London
Overseas Nairobi
New-York
Singapore
Toronto
(Timings will be stated on the admit card. In case of any change,
applicants will be notified through the press.)
April/May Shortlisting of applicants, Interviews
Last date for receipt of SAT II, AP and certification results for all systems of education
August 20
other than Pakistani Intermediate Examination
August Announcement of new class
September 29 Last date for receipt of Pakistani HSC examination results
October 4 Commencement of MBBS Year I

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 AKU Medical College Admission Process- Summary

Application Process

Submitting application in accordance with eligibility requirements of

Aga Khan University

AKU Test

Mandatory for all applicants

AKU Admission Test: comprises biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics reasoning,
science reasoning and English.

Shortlisting and Interviews

Shortlisting for interviews is based on combination of Secondary School achievement

and the AKU Admission Test score.
(Number of applicants interviewed are limited)

Final Selection

Rank ordering of shortlisted applicants based upon review of scholastic achievements,

interview reports, reference letters, co-curricular and other accomplishments.

11
Financial Information
Tuition and other Charges
AKU charges fees for all its programmes. The tuition and
fees structure and schedule for the 2010 session are
available separately. The College reviews its tuition and
fees annually to cover inflation and other cost increases.
Those responsible for student's financial obligations
should plan accordingly.
The annual tuition and other fees are subsidized by the
University for Pakistani students. Overseas candidates
are charged the full cost payable in US dollars only. The
University reviews its tuition and fees annually to cover
inflation and other cost increases. Therefore, students
are advised to plan their financial obligations for the
course of study accordingly.
For overseas students who have Pakistani or dual
citizenship, factors affecting liability for higher tuition
include any one or more of the following criteria:
a) Their parents' residence and source of income
during the previous three years;
b) Whether the student was educated in Pakistan or
abroad during the three years prior to the application
for admission;
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c) Whether the student is eligible for State-supported
education overseas;
d) Whether parents are reimbursed educational
expenses by their employer.
Foreign citizens and Pakistani nationals who will be
required to pay the higher tuition are advised to plan
their financial support from sources available to them
before applying for admission. The University may
consider applications for financial assistance where such
students have demonstrated financial need and have
thoroughly explored all other possible sources of
assistance.
If the applicant's parents are Pakistani citizens deputed
to a government mission overseas, such students will be
charged the fee prescribed for students in Pakistan.
Documentary evidence will however be required in such
cases.
Applicants doubtful of their fee status should seek
clarification from the Office of the Registrar before
applying.
Successful applicants are required to pay a component of
the fee on acceptance to the programme and the balance
over the year of study. The schedule of tuition and other
charges for the 2010-2011 academic year is being
provided separately.
Students defaulting on payments within the due dates
may be suspended and/or barred from classes and
examinations until the clearance of dues in accordance
with the University's policies and procedures.
In cases where a student withdraws or is asked to
withdraw from the University after commencement of a
term, tuition for the entire term will be charged.
Payments may be made in cash or through a bank draft in
favour of Aga Khan University. Personal cheques are not
acceptable.
University Financial Assistance
Programme
Since admission to AKU is needs blind, the University
operates a Financial Assistance Programme which
ensures that no Pakistani student, resident in Pakistan,
who qualifies for admission to the Medical College, is
excluded because of inability to pay tuition fees.
Through the University's financial assistance
programme, students are awarded soft loans and grants-
in-aid in some instances. The loan is payable in easy
instalments after graduation from the programme.
Details should be obtained from the Student Financial
Assistance and Counselling Office.
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For the 2009-2010 academic year, about one-half of the
students enrolled were awarded financial assistance by
the University.
Assistance is offered on the basis of demonstrated need
as evaluated by the University from data provided by
students and their families and other avenues that the
University may deem appropriate. Every student
applying for financial assistance must also demonstrate
that he or she has thoroughly explored all other possible
sources of assistance. However, every student is
required to make some contribution towards fees, living
expenses and other costs, so as to not totally depend on
the University for assistance. Continuation of financial
assistance is conditional upon yearly assessment of
financial needs.
Financial assistance arranged by the University is
intended to favour and encourage qualified students from
families with low income, as well as those from rural and
underdeveloped areas of the country who have no means
to pay for their education at AKU.
Applications for financial assistance for students joining
in October 2010 will be acceptable within seven working
days after receipt of the admission letter. Application
forms are available online. These are also available from
the Student Financial Assistance and Counselling
Office.
Accommodation new class only if the appeals cities circumstances
suggesting that the University has violated provisions of
Accommodation for undergraduate outstation students is its Charter or that there has been failure to comply with
arranged in the hostels managed by Aga Khan University. the admissions procedure as described in the prospectus.
These hostels provide single and shared, non air-
conditioned, furnished accommodation. Preference in
allocation of rooms is given to students from outside
Karachi. The hostel for women is situated on the
University Campus.

A fee is charged for all accommodation on campus. The

charges for the hostel for the 2010 session are given
separately. Meals may be purchased separately from the
University's cafeteria and tuck shop.

All students living in the hostels are expected to conform

to rules and regulations. Residence is conditional upon
proper use and care of the property, considerate
behaviour and periodic reappraisal of the student's need
for such accommodation.

Contested Decisions

In all matters pertaining to the selection of students, fees,

grants, evaluation of scholastic performance, discipline
and student affairs, the decision of the University shall
be final. Appeals in matters of student selection will be
considered within 15 days of the announcement of the

14
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
Fax: (92) 2134934294; Tel: (92)21 34930051
E-mail: student.affairs@aku.edu