About ​Us​

The mission of the Aga Khan University (AKU) is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond through world-class teaching, research and health-care delivery. The University educates students about local and global leadership, generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, and raises standards and aspirations in the countries in which it works. We empower women and the disadvantaged, build support for pluralism, and collaborate with local partners and world-renowned organizations to achieve shared goals. 

Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, AKU is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. Starting in 2000, the University expa​​nded​ to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. ​

AKU began life as a health-sciences university. We are among the largest private health-care providers in Pakistan and East Africa. Our hospitals were the first in those regions accredited by the U.S.-based Joint Commission International, and our research and our graduates have influenced health policy and practice nationally and internationally. 

More recently, we have initiated programmes in teacher education, the study of Muslim civilisations, journalism, early childhood development and public policy. In September 2023, we have launched a Faculty of Arts and Sciences the programmes of which aim to educate future leaders in a wide range of fields, and we will establish additional graduate professional schools. ​

Our goal, in the words of our founder and Chancellor, His Highness t​he Aga Khan, is to be “on the frontiers of scientific and humanistic knowledge, radiating intelligence and confidence, research and graduates, into flourishing economies and progressive legal and political systems.”​

Learn more about the University and its work to empower the people of th​e developing world and the University's Strategic Plan for the next five years.