PMDC approved updated tuition fee August 2026

Quick Summary

Official Fee Revision: PMDC approved updated tuition fee caps for 16 confidential medical and dental colleges across Pakistan via Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100, dated August 4, 2026.
Fee Cap Range: Approved annual tuition fees range from PKR 1,800,000 (Al-Aleem Medical College, Lahore) to PKR 2,160,000 (NUST, Bahria, and Shalamar Medical College).
Legal Authorization: Decisions were made under Section 20(7) & (8) of the PM&DC Act 2022 following recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Committee on Medical Education.
Binding Compliance: Earlier conditions from Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/60 remain strictly applicable mutatis mutandis.
Overcharging Protection: Students facing fee demand over official caps can lodge complaints directly on the official PMDC portal.

The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) has capped annual tuition fees for personal medical and dental colleges between PKR 1,800,000 and PKR 2,160,000 under Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100 issued on August 4, 2026. Institutions must comply immediately, and aggrieved students can submit formal complaints on the official PMDC complaint portal.

What Is the Background Behind the 2026 PMDC Tuition Fee Notification?

A few weeks ago, my younger cousin sat across the kitchen table with a stack of medical college prospectuses, looking overwhelmed. She had cleared her MDCAT with solid marks, but her family was struggling to calculate the actual total cost of attending a exclusive medical college in Punjab. Every college site seemed to list varied figures, and rumors were circulating on social media that private institutes were planning a massive fee hike for the 2026–2027 academic session.

That evening, I decided to do what I consistently do when navigating Pakistan’s educational landscape: dive straight into official regulatory documentation. What I found was Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100, issued by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) from its Islamabad headquarters on August 4, 2026.

This document provides definitive clarity. Following high-degree meetings held on March 27, 2025, and December 18, 2025, by the Committee on Medical Education constituted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Council exercised its statutory powers under Section 20(7) and (8) of the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council Act, 2022. The Fee Justification Committee thoroughly audited the financial statements of private medical and dental colleges before approving enhanced, legally binding annual tuition fee caps.

Understanding these numbers is essential for parents, guardians, and prospective MBBS and BDS students. Personal medical education in Pakistan represents a substantial financial commitment, and knowing your legal rights prevents colleges from imposing unauthorized charges during the admission operation.

Which Private Medical and Dental Colleges Have Revised Fee Caps in 2026?

The PMDC notification explicitly lists 16 prominent confidential medical and dental institutions across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad Capital Territory. Each college has been assigned an audited tuition fee cap following a rigorous financial evaluation.

Below is the full, official college-wise breakdown of tuition fee caps as mandated by PMDC:

S. No.	Institution Name	Approved Fee Cap After Enhancement (PKR)	City / Region
1	Rahbar Medical & Dental College	2,107,421	Lahore
2	NUST School of Health Sciences	2,160,000	Islamabad
3	Abu Umara Medical & Dental College	2,026,341	Lahore
4	Muhammad Medical College	2,120,930	Mirpurkhas
5	Lahore Medical & Dental College	1,937,926	Lahore
6	Rashid Latif Medical and Dental College	2,121,765	Lahore
7	Faryal Dental College	2,085,790	Sheikhupura
8	Amna Inayat Medical College	2,085,790	Lahore
9	Al Aleem Medical College	1,800,000	Lahore
10	Peshawar Medical and Dental College	2,116,552	Peshawar
11	Aziz Fatima Medical College	1,945,341	Faisalabad
12	Bahria University College of Medicine	2,160,000	Islamabad
13	Pak International Medical College	1,928,812	Peshawar
14	RLKU Medical College	2,121,765	Lahore
15	Indus Medical College	2,023,390	Tando Muhammad Khan
16	Shalamar Medical & Dental College	2,160,000	Lahore

This table represents the absolute ceiling for annual tuition fees that these institutions can charge for the current session. Charging even a single rupee above these statutory figures without prior regulatory approval constitutes a violation of federal medical education regulations.

How Do Private Medical Fees Vary Across Major Cities in Pakistan?

When analyzing the 2026 fee notification, geographical distribution reveals noticeable trends in how tuition rates are set.

What Are the Tuition Fee Trends in Lahore?

Lahore remains the hub of exclusive medical education in Pakistan, hosting 9 out of the 16 institutes listed in this notification.

Lowest Fee Option: Al Aleem Medical College in Lahore holds the lowest tuition fee cap among all notified institutions at PKR 1,800,000.
Mid-Range Options: Lahore Medical & Dental College sits at PKR 1,937,926, while Abu Umara Medical & Dental College is capped at PKR 2,026,341.
Higher Tier Caps: Rahbar Medical & Dental College (PKR 2,107,421), Rashid Latif Medical and Dental College (PKR 2,121,765), and RLKU Medical College (PKR 2,121,765) fall into the upper bracket.
Maximum Cap: Shalamar Medical & Dental College shares the maximum approved cap of PKR 2,160,000.

What Are the Fees in Islamabad Capital Territory?

Both federal institutions listed in the notification—NUST School of Health Sciences and Bahria University College of Medicine—have been capped at the maximum ceiling of PKR 2,160,000 annually. Federal capital institutions generally carry higher operational costs due to administrative overheads and hospital affiliation standards.

How Much Do Medical Colleges Cost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

In KP, two major exclusive colleges received updated caps:

Peshawar Medical and Dental College: PKR 2,116,552
Pak International Medical College, Peshawar: PKR 1,928,812

Pak International Medical College offers a relatively accessible rate compared to national averages, saving parents over PKR 200,000 per twelve months in base tuition compared to top-cap institutions.

What Are the Rates in Sindh and Regional Punjab?

Faisalabad: Aziz Fatima Medical College stands at PKR 1,945,341, offering a competitive rate within central Punjab.
Sheikhupura: Faryal Dental College is capped at PKR 2,085,790 for its BDS/dental program.
Sindh Province: Muhammad Medical College in Mirpurkhas is capped at PKR 2,120,930, while Indus Medical College in Tando Muhammad Khan is set at PKR 2,023,390.

What Hidden Costs Should Parents Expect Beyond Annual Tuition Fees?

One major oversight parents make when calculating medical academy budgets is looking solely at the tuition fee figure. During my cousin’s application method, we calculated the base tuition and realized that total annual out-of-pocket expenses were significantly higher once institutional additions were factored in.

When budgeting for medical education in Pakistan, ensure you account for these additional, legally allowable fees:

Hostel and Accommodation Fees: If your learner attends a college outside their hometown (such as a student from Multan studying at Peshawar Medical College), hostel charges will attach anywhere from PKR 250,000 to PKR 500,000 annually, depending on room sharing and meal plans.
University Mess and Transport Charges: Daily commute via college transport or monthly mess bills generally total PKR 15,000 to PKR 30,000 per period of weeks.
PMDC and University Registration Fees: University enrollment charges, registration with the regulatory body, and annual examination fees assessed by affiliated health sciences universities (such as UHS Lahore or KMU Peshawar) are billed separately.
Security Deposits: One-moment refundable security deposits paid at admission duration typically range between PKR 50,000 and PKR 100,000.
Books, Equipment, and Dissection Kits: Medical textbooks, lab coats, dissection equipment, and clinical instruments cost approximately PKR 60,000 to PKR 100,000 in the primary twelve months alone.
Government Taxes: Applicable advance withholding tax under federal tax laws may be levied on non-filers at the time of fee payment.

Consistently request an itemized fee prospectus directly from the college’s finance office before submitting bank drafts.

What Legal Protections Do Students Have Under PMDC Regulations?

Paragraph 3 of the August 4 notification states that all terms and conditions set forth in the earlier Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/60 dated March 11, 2026, remain operational and binding mutatis mutandis.

This clause protects students and parents in several key ways:

Fixed Payment Schedules: Colleges cannot demand upfront multi-twelve months tuition payments. Tuition fees must be collected on a semester or annual basis.
No Unapproved Escalation: Institutions are strictly barred from increasing tuition fees mid-session beyond the approved regulatory adjustments.
Refund Policy Compliance: If a learner upgrades to another college on merit during central admissions, the original institution is legally required to refund tuition fees within the stipulated statutory window, subject to minor administrative deductions.

For broader educational updates, policy guidelines, and verified academic details across Pakistan’s institutions, staying updated through dedicated academic resources like Schools STI Pakistan helps parents and educators navigate policy changes confidently.

How Can You Submit a Complaint on the PMDC Portal If Overcharged?

Paragraph 4 of Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100 outlines explicit recourse for students or parents facing non-compliance, overcharging, or demand for unauthorized donations/capitation fees by any private college administration.

If a college refuses to abide by the approved fee cap, do not submit to illegal demands. Follow this step-by-step procedure to lodge a formal complaint with federal regulators:

Step 1: Gather Documented Evidence

Before opening the portal, gather all supporting material:

Copy of the college’s issued fee demand voucher or bank challan.
Paid bank receipts showing excess payment (if already paid under protest).
Written correspondence or emails from the college administration demanding extra charges.
Student’s CNIC/B-Form and MDCAT roll number.

Step 2: Access the PMDC Complaint Portal

Navigate directly to the official PMDC Complaint Portal on your web browser or mobile device.

Step 3: Fill In Personal and Academic Details

Enter the applicant’s full name, valid mobile number, email address, national identity number, and select the relevant institution from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Specify the Nature of Grievance

Select “Tuition Fee Overcharging / Non-Compliance with Fee Notification 2026/100” as the subject. In the description box, clearly quote Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100 and state the exact amount demanded versus the legally approved fee cap.

Step 5: Upload Files and Submit

Attach scanned PDF or obvious image files of your fee vouchers and click submit. Record the generated complaint tracking ticket number for follow-up.

How Can You Lodge a Complaint Online Right Now?

If you are experiencing fee distortion, unapproved demands, or registration delays from any personal medical institute in Pakistan, use the direct link below to access the regulatory portal immediately:

LODGE COMPLAINT ON PMDC OFFICIAL PORTAL

Alternatively, you can contact the official PMDC Secretariat in Islamabad via their dedicated helpline at (92 51) 9190000 or visit their main office located at G-10/4, Mauve Area, Islamabad.

How Should Medical Aspirants Financially Plan Their Admissions?

Attending a private medical college requires long-term financial foresight. Over five years of MBBS or four years of BDS, total tuition alone will range between PKR 9 million and PKR 11 million.

Here are practical, authentic-planet financial planning strategies I recommended to my own family:

1. Calculate the Complete 5-Year Financial Commitment

Multiply the approved annual fee cap by 5, and factor in a conservative 5% to 8% annual inflation cushion for hostel and peripheral expenses. Ensure your family’s income stream can sustain this throughout the entire duration without risking mid-degree financial hardship.

2. Explore Need-Based Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many highest exclusive colleges offer internal scholarships for high-achieving students who struggle financially. Furthermore, provincial bodies, philanthropists, and national education funds offer financial back. Official authority assistance programs and policy guidelines can be reviewed at the Government of Pakistan portal.

3. Keep Fee Payment Receipts Safe

Always build tuition payments via crossed bank cheques, online bank transfers, or official bank challans directly credited to the institution’s official account. Never pay cash to individuals or third-party agents claiming to guarantee admissions.

4. Monitor Centralized Merit Lists Closely

Admissions are regulated through provincial admissions authorities (such as UHS in Punjab or SZABMU in Islamabad). If your aggregate qualifies you for a college with a lower fee structure in later merit lists, migrate promptly to optimize costs.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Parents Make During Admissions?

Having assisted several families through the medical college admission process, I have seen recurring mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress and financial loss:

Believing Unofficial Fee Structure Sheets: Relying on social media posts or unauthorized admission blogs instead of cross-referencing official notifications on the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) official site.
Paying “Package Deals” to Educational Consultants: Paying unauthorized commission agents who promise “guaranteed seats” at private colleges in exchange for heavy cash deposits. Personal medical admissions operate strictly under published merit lists.
Ignoring the Final Date for Fee Submission: Missing the payment deadline specified on the merit list result in automatic forfeiture of the seat, which then passes to the next candidate on the waiting list.
Failing to Verify Hospital Bed Capacity: Choosing a low-fee college without evaluating its attached teaching hospital. Grade clinical exposure during 3rd, 4th, and final twelve months MBBS is far more valuable than saving a minor percentage on tuition fees.
Not Reading the Refund Policy: Failing to submit a written fee refund application within the designated timeframe when switching institutions during subsequent merit rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum annual tuition fee for private medical colleges in Pakistan for 2026?

According to PMDC Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100, the maximum approved tuition fee cap among the notified colleges is PKR 2,160,000 per twelve months (applicable to institutions like NUST, Bahria University, and Shalamar Medical College).

Which personal medical college has the lowest tuition fee in the 2026 PMDC notification?

Al Aleem Medical College in Lahore has the lowest approved annual tuition fee cap among the 16 notified institutions, set at PKR 1,800,000.

Can a private medical college grow tuition fees mid-session?

No. PMDC rules prohibit arbitrary mid-session fee hikes. Colleges are legally bound by the fee structure approved at the time of admission for that precise batch throughout their degree program, subject only to regulated policy updates.

What should I do if a medical college demands an advance payment for full 5 years?

Demanding full 5-year tuition upfront is illegal under PMDC regulations. Colleges can only charge fees on an annual or semester basis. You should immediately report such demands to the PMDC Complaint Portal.

Does this fee notification apply to foreign quota students?

No. The fee caps specified in Notification PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100 apply specifically to local open-merit and self-finance seats. Foreign and overseas seat fee structures are governed under separate PMDC regulatory guidelines billed in USD.

Are hostel and mess charges included in the approved tuition fee cap?

No. The figures listed in the notification reflect tuition fees only. Accommodation, food, transport, university enrollment, and examination fees are billed separately by institutions.

Final Thoughts on the 2026 PMDC Medical Fee Policy

The issuance of Notification No. PF.I-A(B&A)(Tuition Fee)-2026/100 by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council brings crucial transparency to Pakistan’s private medical education sector. By establishing clear, legally enforceable tuition fee caps based on independent financial audits, the regulatory body protects students from arbitrary fee inflation while allowing institutions to maintain quality educational standards.

As a learner or parent, staying informed is your finest defense against overcharging and administrative exploitation. Carefully review the fee cap assigned to your target college, budget for secondary expenses in advance, and report non-compliance directly to official regulatory channels.

Author Bio & Credentials

Majid Farooq

Education Content Writer, Web Developer & Academic Researcher

Majid Farooq is an experienced educational content creator, information writer, and open policy researcher who has been serving in the government education sector since August 2015. He specializes in analyzing Pakistani educational portal updates, MDCAT/UHS admission frameworks, regulatory notifications, and communal sector policy implementation. His practical guides help thousands of students and parents produce informed academic choices.

Last Updated: August 11, 2026

PMDC approved updated tuition fee August 2026