DOW University of Health Sciences | Fee Structure | Admission

General Information

Overview

Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) is one of Pakistan’s most prominent public-sector health and medical institutions, known for its extensive academic offerings, advanced clinical training, and strong focus on research and community health development. Established originally as Dow Medical College in 1945 and upgraded to university status in 2003, DUHS has grown into a large multi-campus system that serves thousands of students across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, rehabilitation, public health, and biomedical sciences.

The university plays a vital role in producing skilled healthcare professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and public health agencies across Pakistan and abroad. Its curriculum emphasizes evidence-based learning, hands-on clinical experience, and an interdisciplinary approach. Additionally, DUHS operates teaching hospitals, diagnostic centers, research institutes, and professional development units, enabling students to gain the type of practical exposure required for modern healthcare environments. With its broad range of academic programs, strong faculty base, and focus on innovation, DUHS continues to uphold its longstanding reputation as a center of excellence in medical and health sciences education.

Contact Informations

Dow University of Health Sciences’ primary administrative address is located at Baba-e-Urdu Road, Karachi, Pakistan, where the Dow Medical College campus hosts several major academic and administrative offices. The admissions department for undergraduate programs is housed in the Administration Block, typically accessible through the main university contacts.

For inquiries, DUHS may be reached through its official telephone exchanges, including commonly used contact numbers associated with general information desks, admissions offices, and program-specific departments. Email communication is also available through official university addresses, generally managed by administrative officers for admissions, postgraduate studies, human resources, or student support. The Ojha Campus, located along University Road near SUPARCO Chowk, serves as another major center for academic and hospital facilities, including postgraduate programs and advanced clinical training units. Together, these campuses form the operational core of DUHS, offering multiple points of contact for prospective students, parents, and academic or administrative inquiries.

School Facts

AttributeDetail
Founding Year (as medical college)1945
University Status2003
TypePublic medical university
Motto“Prevention Is Better than Cure.”
AccreditationNational higher education and medical councils
Approx. Total EmployeesNearly 3,000
Faculty MembersAbout 850
Constituent InstitutesOver 20 colleges and institutes

Dow University of Health Sciences Rankings

Ranking CategoryPosition
Global (By Discipline – Medicine)551–600 range
National Standing (Pakistan)Among top medical universities

Dow University of Health Sciences Academics

Faculties / Departments

  • Dow Medical College
  • Dow Dental College
  • Dow International Medical College
  • Dow International Dental College
  • OJHA Institute of Chest Diseases
  • Institute of Nursing
  • Dow College of Pharmacy
  • Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences
  • Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Institute of Medical Technology
  • Institute of Business & Health Management
  • School of Public Health
  • Dow Institute of Radiology
  • Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences
  • Institute of Bio-Medical Sciences
  • Dow School of Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Dow College of Biotechnology
  • Dow Institute of Health Professional Education

DOW University of Health Sciences Courses and Programs / Majors

  • MBBS
  • BDS
  • Pharm-D
  • BS Nursing (Generic and Post-RN)
  • Doctor of Physiotherapy
  • BS Prosthetics & Orthotics
  • BS Medical Technology (various specializations)
  • BS Public Health
  • BS Biomedical Sciences
  • BS Biotechnology
  • MPhil and PhD programs across biomedical and health sciences
  • Postgraduate medical specializations
  • Professional diplomas and certifications in clinical and allied health fields

Online Learning

DUHS places primary emphasis on in-person, skills-based, and clinically integrated education due to the nature of health sciences training. Therefore, most programs require significant physical attendance in teaching hospitals, laboratories, diagnostic centers, and skill development facilities. While certain courses, seminars, or supplementary modules may utilize digital platforms for instructional support, DUHS does not promote fully online degree programs. Academic structures prioritize hands-on learning, supervised clinical practice, laboratory competencies, and direct patient interaction, all of which are essential elements of professional development within medical and allied health disciplines. As a result, the university maintains a predominantly campus-based education system designed to meet rigorous medical and scientific training standards.

Average Test Scores

Test TypeRequirement
Local Undergraduate (Medical/Health Sciences)Minimum 60% in Pre-Medical (or equivalent)
National Medical Entry TestMDCAT (mandatory for MBBS/BDS)
SAT II (Foreign/Overseas Applicants)Minimum 550 per relevant subject
Foreign Medical Entrance TestsMCAT/UCAT acceptable for certain categories

Retention and Graduation Rates

Retention and graduation figures for DUHS vary across programs and cohorts, and specific annual percentages are not publicly documented. However, the university is known to graduate several thousand students across its various colleges over multi-year periods, reflecting overall stability in academic progression. Programs such as MBBS, BDS, and Pharm-D follow structured academic pathways that typically produce steady graduation outputs. Students enrolled in medical and allied health programs are required to complete rigorous clinical rotations, examinations, practical assessments, and research components, which contribute to consistent retention among committed students. While precise numerical data is unavailable from public sources, the long-standing reputation and demand for DUHS programs suggests strong completion rates across major academic disciplines.

Dow University of Health Sciences Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

Admissions rely primarily on academic marks rather than GPA, with a requirement of at least 60% in HSSC Pre-Medical or an international equivalent. For overseas applicants, SAT II subject scores or international medical entrance tests may be required for program-specific eligibility. DUHS does not use ACT scores for local admissions, and SAT usage applies only to specific international categories. Domestic applicants primarily compete through their academic performance and national medical entry examinations rather than typical GPA-based metrics used in Western institutions.

DOW University of Health Sciences Acceptance Rate

ProgramSeats / Admission Indicator
MBBS (Dow Medical College)350 seats per year (various quotas included)
Other Undergraduate ProgramsVaries; exact acceptance rate not formally published

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit completed application forms along with certified academic records from recognized examination boards, proof of identity, photographs, and domicile certificates where required. Medical applicants must present MDCAT results, while foreign and overseas students may submit SAT II or other approved international test scores. Additional documents such as equivalence certificates for A-Level or foreign qualifications, medical fitness certificates, and fee deposit receipts may also be required. Some programs may request specific prerequisites or departmental evaluations, but generally, DUHS admissions are merit-based and follow national regulatory guidelines for medical and health sciences education.

Application Process

  • Obtain and complete the official application form for the chosen program
  • Submit required academic and personal documents
  • Provide MDCAT, SAT II, or approved entrance exam results (where applicable)
  • Await merit list or selection outcome based on program-specific criteria
  • Submit fee payments to confirm provisional admission
  • Complete medical or verification procedures if required

Application Deadlines / Important Dates

Program TypeDeadline Notes
Undergraduate ProgramsAnnounced annually based on academic cycle
MBBS (Foreign/Overseas Categories)Separate annual schedule
Allied Health ProgramsFollow specific departmental admission announcements

Essay Prompt

DUHS does not require a personal essay or written statement for most undergraduate medical or health sciences programs. Admissions rely primarily on academic criteria and entrance examination results.

DOW University of Health Sciences Scholarships

DUHS does not publicly offer a universal scholarship program, but certain categories such as reserved seats, fee structures for overseas applicants, or internal financial assistance may apply. Support may also be available through government or external funding bodies, although details vary by program and year. Students typically confirm financial assistance availability through official administrative offices.

DOW University of Health Sciences Fee Structure (Costs)

Program / CategoryCost Structure
MBBS (Local Merit)International studetns: 18,000 for Professional year (MBBS- Admission in DIMC only); 10,0000 -12,0000 for overseas-sponsored students. (USD)
MBBS (Self-Finance / Overseas / Foreign)Local studetns: Varies for each degree awarding program (approx. 80,000 PKR to 150, 000 PKR) per semester. (PKR)
Allied Health / BS ProgramsIncludes admission fee, annual tuition, exam and facility fees

Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics

DUHS attracts students from across the Sindh province, other regions of Pakistan, and various international backgrounds. While detailed demographic data regarding gender ratios, age distributions, or ethnic composition is not publicly provided, the student body is widely recognized as diverse due to DUHS’s large enrollment and multiple academic disciplines. Programs such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, rehabilitation sciences, and public health bring together students with different academic interests and socioeconomic backgrounds, contributing to a varied campus environment.

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The university includes certain reserved seats for students with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to accessible education. Eligibility for low-income students may be supported indirectly through national scholarships, government aid, or program-based concessions. While detailed numerical data is unavailable, the presence of special quotas and regulated fee structures highlights the institution’s efforts toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in health sciences education.

Student Body

CategoryNumber / Proportion
Total StudentsAround 7,000+
UndergraduateApproximately 90%
PostgraduateApproximately 10%
International Students300+

University Diversity

Diversity at DUHS is reflected in the range of disciplines offered, the broad geographic representation of students, and the cultural variety inherent within Pakistan’s population. Students from urban and rural regions come together across multiple campuses, enabling interaction among learners with differing educational backgrounds, languages, and perspectives. International and overseas Pakistani students contribute to this environment further, especially in programs that accept foreign applicants. Diversity extends academically as well, with students pursuing fields such as medicine, surgery, dentistry, biotechnology, pharmacy, and rehabilitation sciences—programs that attract individuals with varied career goals and talents. While DUHS does not publish demographic statistics, its structure, breadth of academic programs, and large student population contribute to a robustly diverse learning community that supports interdisciplinary exposure and cultural inclusivity.

Average Earnings

DUHS graduates pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, biomedical research, public health, hospital management, and clinical technology. Earnings vary widely depending on specialization, credentials, postgraduate training, and the location of employment. Medical graduates who complete residency and specialization often see significantly higher earning potential compared to those working in general practice or entry-level clinical positions. Allied health graduates also experience variable earnings based on their discipline, workplace, and experience level. While exact salary data is not available, DUHS graduates commonly secure employment in reputable hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and health organizations both within Pakistan and internationally, reflecting the strong professional foundation provided by the university.

Dow University of Health Sciences Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

DUHS employs a large and diverse faculty composed of experienced clinicians, researchers, surgeons, dentists, pharmacists, public health experts, rehabilitation specialists, and biomedical scientists. With approximately 850 faculty members and nearly 3,000 total employees, the university maintains an extensive academic and administrative workforce to support its wide range of programs. Faculty are distributed across more than 20 constituent colleges and institutes, ensuring that each discipline is guided by experts with deep knowledge in their respective fields.

Faculty Profiles

Faculty members at DUHS are known for their academic credentials, clinical experience, and research contributions. Many teach in advanced laboratories, university hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutes specializing in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, radiology, pathology, and public health. Several faculty members hold advanced degrees, have published scientific research, and participate in national and international conferences. Their involvement in clinical services, postgraduate training, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary research enables DUHS to provide high-quality education aligned with global medical standards. The university’s emphasis on professional development, skill-based learning, and continuous quality improvement further enhances the capabilities and achievements of its faculty.

Dow University of Health Sciences Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

DUHS operates multiple campuses with academic buildings, clinical training centers, research facilities, and student residences. Housing options include several hostels for male and female students, collectively accommodating over a thousand residents. Dormitory life is structured to support academic commitment while fostering independence, community living, and peer-to-peer engagement. Hostel facilities typically include shared rooms, common areas, study spaces, dining arrangements, and security services, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students from outside Karachi. The campus atmosphere encourages participation in seminars, workshops, academic clubs, health camps, and various cocurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded student experience.

Transportation

Located within Karachi, DUHS campuses are accessible through public transportation, private vehicles, and university-arranged transport services offered on an optional basis for certain programs. Students commonly travel between teaching hospitals, classrooms, diagnostic centers, and research laboratories throughout their training, making mobility an integral aspect of daily academic life. Some campuses are situated along major city routes, ensuring ease of access for commuters. On-campus mobility is typically pedestrian-friendly, with shared walkways and internal routes connecting key facilities. While DUHS does not publish extensive details regarding its transportation network, its location within a major metropolitan area allows students multiple commuting options suited to their needs.