King Edward Medical University is a public medical university located in Neelagumbad, Anarkali, Lahore. It began as Lahore Medical School in 1860 and later became a full university. The Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Medical & Dental Council both recognise it. The university is fully co-educational.
Main teaching hospitals include Mayo Hospital, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lady Aitchison Hospital, Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital, Nawaz Sharif Hospital, Said Mitha Hospital and Mian Munshi Hospital. Students receive strong clinical exposure from the early years.
KEMU holds a strong reputation in Punjab. Closing merit for MBBS remains among the highest in the province.
Programs and Degrees
KEMU offers a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs.
Undergraduate Programs
- MBBS – 5 years
- Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) – 5 years
- BS (Hons) Allied Health Sciences – 4 years (various technology streams)
- Allied Vision Sciences programs
- Generic BSN Nursing and Post-RN BSN
Postgraduate Programs
- MD and MS in major clinical specialties (Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Anaesthesia and others) – usually 4 to 5 years
- MDS in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- MPhil in basic sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology subjects, Pharmacology, Community Medicine) – 2 years
- Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master in Community Eye Health
- PhD in Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences – 3 to 8 years
- Selected postgraduate diplomas and fellowships
All major programs carry the required PMDC or HEC approvals and follow standard durations.
Fee Structure
Public-sector fees at KEMU stay low compared with private medical colleges.
For local open-merit MBBS seats the first-year total (admission fee + tuition + miscellaneous charges) is around Rs 18,000. Later years cost roughly Rs 15,000–16,000 each. The complete five-year university charges usually stay under Rs 1–2 lakh for most students.
Hostel, mess, examination and security deposits are charged separately. DPT, Allied Health Sciences and postgraduate programs have their own subsidised fee schedules. Overseas and self-finance seats cost significantly more.
Students normally pay yearly. Limited instalment options may be available through the accounts office. Always confirm the latest fee notification on the official website because government revisions can occur.
Admissions Information & How to Apply
MBBS Admissions
Admissions for MBBS are handled centrally by the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore. Candidates do not apply directly to KEMU for open-merit seats.
Eligibility criteria
- FSc Pre-Medical or equivalent with at least 60% marks
- Valid MDCAT score (passing marks as fixed by the authority)
- Relevant domicile (mostly Punjab for open merit)
Merit formula used by UHS: 10% Matric + 40% FSc + 50% MDCAT. Closing aggregates for KEMU stay among the highest in Punjab.
Step-by-step process
- Appear in the MDCAT.
- Apply online through the UHS admissions portal once it opens (usually after MDCAT results).
- Upload Matric, FSc, MDCAT result card, domicile, CNIC and photographs.
- Wait for the college-wise merit lists. Only the highest scorers get selected for KEMU.
- Report to the university with original documents and deposit the dues if selected.
Exact opening and closing dates change every cycle. Check uhs.edu.pk and kemu.edu.pk regularly.
Other Undergraduate Programs
DPT, Allied Health Sciences and Vision Sciences programs are managed by KEMU itself. Applications usually open in October or November. Eligibility requires FSc Pre-Medical (minimum 60–65%), relevant MDCAT or entry test score, and Punjab domicile for most seats. Merit is calculated on Matric, FSc and test results. Forms and seat details appear on the KEMU website.
Postgraduate Admissions
Entry requires an MBBS degree, completed house job, valid PMDC registration and the relevant entry test (JCAT or university test).
Required documents in all cases include academic certificates, domicile, CNIC, photographs, character certificate and medical fitness report.
Scholarships
Several need-based and merit options are available:
- HEC Need-Based Scholarship – covers tuition plus a monthly stipend for financially constrained students
- KEMU’s own need-based and employee-related scholarships
- Benazir Undergraduate Scholarship (formerly Ehsaas)
- Chief Minister Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship
- KEMCAANA and THANKS scholarships supported by alumni
- External grants from trusts such as Allah Walay and Burki Institute
Application forms and notices appear on the university website and through the student affairs office after admission. Support levels vary each year according to available funds, but many students receive full or partial fee relief.
Campus Life & Culture
The campus is located in a busy central Lahore area near Anarkali. Public transport, rickshaws and markets are easily available.
Separate boys and girls hostels exist. Rooms are basic and mostly shared, especially in the first years. Furniture is limited. Mess food is average; many students order from outside. Security is present and the hostels are close to both the campus and Mayo Hospital.
Clinical labs and hospital facilities give excellent practical training because of the attached tertiary hospitals. Lecture halls and basic science labs are functional. Class schedules follow the standard medical pattern of lectures, wards and practicals.
The atmosphere is competitive. Studies take most of the time, though student societies and some extracurricular activities exist. Alumni connections remain strong.
Pros: High clinical exposure, very low fees, strong reputation and good postgraduate training pipeline.
Cons: Extremely high entry merit, basic hostel conditions and a crowded city-centre location.
Nearby public alternatives include Allama Iqbal Medical College and Fatima Jinnah Medical University. Private medical colleges charge several times more but may offer newer buildings.
FAQs
Is King Edward Medical University HEC recognised?
Yes. It is fully recognised by HEC and PMDC.
When do admissions open and close?
After MDCAT results, usually in the autumn period. Exact dates appear on the UHS and KEMU websites.
Is MDCAT compulsory?
Yes for MBBS and most undergraduate programs.
What is the approximate MBBS fee?
Around Rs 15,000–18,000 per year for local open-merit seats (excluding hostel and mess).
Are scholarships available?
Yes. HEC Need-Based, KEMU scholarships, Honhaar and alumni funds are the main ones.
Is hostel available?
Yes. Separate hostels for boys and girls exist, though facilities are basic and seats are limited.
Is the university co-educational?
Yes.
How can I contact the university?
King Edward Medical University, Neelagumbad, Anarkali, Lahore.
Phone: +92 (42) 99211145-54
Email: info@kemu.edu.pk
Website: kemu.edu.pk
