Nishtar Medical University (NMU) in Multan is a public sector medical university. It started as Nishtar Medical College in 1951 and was upgraded to university status in 2017. It is one of the main medical education and healthcare centres for South Punjab.
The university is recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). Clinical training takes place mainly at the large attached Nishtar Hospital.
Brief History and Status
The idea for a medical college in Multan was raised in 1945. After independence, the need for more doctors grew. On 31 December 1950 the then Governor of Punjab, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, announced the establishment of the college and hospital. It was named in his honour. Teaching began in 1951 and the hospital started functioning in 1953 with 80 beds. Today the hospital has grown into a major tertiary care facility with over 1,700 beds.
In 2017 the Punjab Assembly passed the Nishtar Medical University Act, upgrading the college to a full university. It awards its own degrees and runs undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programmes.
Recognition
- Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan
- Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP)
- Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
Graduates can sit for national and many international licensing examinations subject to the rules of the relevant authorities.
Main Constituent Units
- Nishtar Medical College (MBBS)
- Nishtar Institute of Dentistry (BDS)
- College of Nursing
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- Pharmacy College
- Nishtar Hospital (primary teaching hospital)
These units work together to provide classroom teaching and extensive clinical exposure.
Programs Available
Core Medical and Dental Degrees
- MBBS – 5 years
- BDS – 4 years
Nursing
- BS Nursing (Generic)
- Post RN BSN
- MS Nursing
Allied Health and Other Undergraduate
Four-year BS programmes commonly include Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, Anaesthesia Technology, Renal Dialysis Technology, Optometry & Orthoptics, Dental Technology, Orthotics & Prosthetics, and related technology streams. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) are also offered.
Postgraduate
A range of clinical diplomas, FCPS, MD, MS, MPhil and other specialised training programmes. The number of approved postgraduate seats and specialties has expanded in recent years after PMDC inspections.
Exact seat numbers and programme availability change each session. Always check the latest notices on the university site.
Admissions – How It Works
MBBS and BDS
These are handled through the centralised public-sector process in Punjab. Candidates must:
- Have FSc Pre-Medical (or equivalent) with the required minimum marks
- Qualify the MDCAT
- Apply through the designated portal (usually managed via UHS for public medical and dental colleges in Punjab)
Merit is calculated according to the official formula that combines MDCAT, intermediate and matric results. Punjab domicile is normally required for open-merit seats.
Other undergraduate programmes (Allied Health, Nursing, DPT, Pharm-D)
Applications are invited directly by NMU or the relevant constituent college. Eligibility is generally FSc Pre-Medical with at least 60% marks and Punjab domicile for open merit. Notices appear on the university website with deadlines, application forms and processing fees.
Postgraduate programmes
Separate advertisements are issued for diplomas, MS Nursing and other specialised courses. These usually involve an application form, bank draft for fees, and an entry test or interview.
Current admission notices and forms are posted on the official admissions section of the website.
Fees
As a public university, tuition fees are substantially lower than those of private medical colleges. Exact amounts are set by government notifications and can differ by programme and year. Additional charges may include registration, examination, library, sports and hostel fees.
Students should obtain the latest fee structure from the official university sources or the relevant admission advertisement rather than relying on secondary figures.
Facilities and Clinical Training
The campus is situated on Nishtar Road, Gillani Colony, Multan. It includes academic blocks, laboratories, hostels for male and female students, a library and sports facilities.
The major strength is the attached Nishtar Hospital, which handles a very high patient volume from South Punjab and neighbouring areas. This gives students extensive hands-on clinical experience across many specialties. Additional facilities such as the burn unit further support specialised training.
Scholarships and Support
Students may apply for:
- Merit scholarships
- Need-based schemes (including HEC and Punjab government programmes such as PEEF)
- Stipends available in certain nursing programmes
Availability and criteria are announced with admission notices or through student affairs.
Contact and Useful Links
- Official website: nmu.edu.pk
- Admissions and notices: check the Admission section on the same site
- Address: Nishtar Medical University, Nishtar Road, Gillani Colony, Multan
- Phone: +92-61-9200231-35
Always verify the latest information directly from the university, as schedules, seat numbers and fees can change.
Common Questions
Yes. It is recognised by HEC and PMDC and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Highly competitive. Success depends on strong MDCAT and intermediate scores within the centralised merit system.
Yes, separate hostels for male and female students are available on campus. Charges apply.
The official website nmu.edu.pk and its admissions notices are the primary sources.
Summary
Nishtar Medical University Multan is a long-established public medical university that combines solid academic teaching with high-volume clinical training at its large teaching hospital. It offers MBBS, BDS, nursing, multiple allied health degrees and a growing set of postgraduate programmes.
Fees remain relatively affordable because it is a public institution. Admissions for MBBS and BDS follow the centralised MDCAT route, while other programmes are managed directly by the university.
For accurate and up-to-date details on programmes, seats, fees and application deadlines, refer only to the official website nmu.edu.pk. Preparing well for the required entry tests and meeting the published eligibility criteria remain the most important steps for applicants.
