Pakistan Government Announces Tuition Fee Cap for Private Medical Colleges

The government of Pakistan has set a cap on the tuition fees for private medical and dental colleges, aiming to make medical education more affordable for students. The annual tuition fee for these institutions has been fixed at Rs1.8 million, with provisions for annual adjustments based on inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The decision was made by the Committee for Medical Education Reforms, which was formed under the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM-FM) Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, convened for its 5th meeting on Thursday to finalise the fee structure.

Following extensive consultations, the committee reached a consensus on the Rs1.8 million cap, which is intended to ensure a balanced approach to fee regulation. For private medical colleges that currently charge less than Rs1.8 million, the fees will be maintained at their existing levels, with an annual increase linked to the CPI.

The committee also discussed the need for fee rationalisation in private medical institutions, focusing on ensuring fairness for students while maintaining the financial viability of institutions. The reforms aim to create a transparent and equitable system for medical education in Pakistan.

DPM Ishaq Dar emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening medical education through clear, fair policies that promote better training standards and provide equal opportunities for students and institutions. He also highlighted the crucial role that these reforms would play in improving Pakistan’s healthcare sector.