Aga Khan University is a unique hybrid: an institution of academic excellence that is also an agent for social development. A leading source of me​dical, nursing and teacher education, research and public service in the developing world, the University prepares men and women to lead change in their societies and to thrive in the global economy. AKU’s faculty, students and graduates go where the need is greatest, working in informal urban settlements, remote villages and regions where conflict or neglect has decimated basic services. Indeed, in many cases, such communities are their homes.​

Based on the principles of impact, quality, relevance and access, the University has campuses and programmes in Afghanistan, East Africa, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Its facilities include teaching hospitals, Nursing Schools, Medical Colleges, Institutes for Educational Development, an Examination Board, and an Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations​.

At AKU, students flourish in a welcoming, supportive environment that embraces pluralism, demands excellence and encourages leadership, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, debate and direct engagement with real-world problems. Admission to the University is based on merit, without regard to financial need.​

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Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations

Based in London, Aga Khan University's Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations aims to strengthen research and teaching about the heritage of Muslim societies, with specific attention to the challenges these societies face in contemporary settings.

ISMC's mandate is to illuminate the historical and contemporary aspects of Muslim societies and to create a platform for fresh thinking about their futures through research, publications, public events and an interdisciplinary master's degree that attracts students from around the world to its London campus.

The Institute seeks to provide a multifaceted approach to the study of Muslim peoples through a framework of world cultures, the humanities and social sciences. This approach is reflected in the Master’s programme as well as a range of short courses and through research and publications.​