Medical students across Pakistan are facing a growing financial challenge: private medical and dental colleges are charging fees well above the limits set by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). Despite clear regulations intended to keep education affordable, many institutions continue to demand inflated fees, creating stress for families and, in some cases, blocking talented students from pursuing their medical careers.
This guide explains why this is happening, what PMDC rules say, how colleges bypass them, and what students and parents can do to protect themselves.
PMDC Fee Limit: What You Should Know
The PMDC regulates medical education and sets maximum tuition fees for private colleges to ensure fairness and affordability. For 2025:
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Maximum tuition fee: PKR 1.8 million per year for MBBS and BDS programs.
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Annual increment: Colleges may increase fees by up to 5% for operational costs, bringing the cap to approximately PKR 1.89 million.
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Inclusive of all charges: The cap covers tuition, registration, development, lab, library, and hostel fees. Colleges must publish a clear fee breakdown.
The PMDC fee cap is designed to prevent profiteering and make medical education accessible to more students.
Reality: Colleges Charging Beyond the Limit
Despite the rules, some colleges charge as much as PKR 2.5–2.7 million annually, with additional hidden charges such as:
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Development and infrastructure fees
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Laboratory and library fees
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Hostel and boarding fees
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Security deposits and administrative charges
Often, these fees are demanded upfront, leaving families with little financial flexibility. Many students comply out of fear of losing their seats, even though such practices violate PMDC rules.
Why Colleges Overcharge
Several factors contribute to excessive fee charges:
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Weak enforcement: Many institutions continue overcharging, assuming students will comply.
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Financial pressure: Colleges argue that the PMDC cap doesn’t cover salaries, equipment, and maintenance.
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Hidden charges: Fees are sometimes separated from tuition, increasing total costs beyond the cap.
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Lack of awareness: Many students and parents are unaware of PMDC rules or complaint processes.
Official Actions Against Non-Compliant Colleges
PMDC has taken steps to protect students, including:
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Issuing warning notices to colleges charging above the cap
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Enforcing transparency requirements with detailed fee breakdowns
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Imposing penalties such as suspension of accreditation or restrictions on admissions
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Mandating refunds for any excess fees collected
Impact on Students and Families
Excessive fees affect students and families in multiple ways:
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Financial burden: Families may need loans or sacrifice other priorities.
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Reduced access: Talented students from lower-income backgrounds may miss out.
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Stress and anxiety: Unpredictable and opaque fees affect mental health and academic performance.
Practical Steps for Students and Parents
To protect themselves, students and parents should:
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Verify the PMDC fee cap for the current academic year.
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Request a written fee breakdown from the college before paying.
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Report violations to the official PMDC complaint system.
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Seek legal advice if overcharging is significant.
By staying informed and proactive, students can navigate this challenging landscape and avoid being exploited by private institutions.
