Complete List of PNC Approved Nursing Schools, Colleges, and Universities in Pakistan – 2024 Edition

Pakistan boasts a thriving nursing education landscape, with over 560 nursing colleges and schools scattered across the country. These institutions play a vital role in nurturing future generations of nurses, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to deliver high-quality healthcare to patients. Notably, Punjab leads the way with 197 colleges, followed by Sindh with 167, making them the two leading provinces in terms of nursing education. The distribution of colleges across other provinces is as follows:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): 125 colleges
• Balochistan: 36 colleges
• Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK): 9 colleges
• Federal: 23 colleges
• Gilgit Baltistan: 03 colleges

Of the 539 institutions, 189 are government-run, providing accessible and affordable nursing education to students. These colleges not only offer lower tuition fees and some of them, also offer stipend pay. The remaining 371 colleges are private institutions, offering a diverse range of programs and facilities. While they may have higher fees, they often cater to specific student needs and specialize in various nursing disciplines.

Surge in Nursing Colleges and Universities Post-1990 in Pakistan

At the time of independence, Pakistan had only three nursing colleges, In the 1990s, there were only about 80 nursing institutions nationwide. However, by 2016, this number had risen to approximately 239, and in recent years, it has surged to over 560. This exponential growth is not just a reflection of the increasing demand for nursing professionals. The landscape of nursing education in Pakistan has undergone a significant transformation, particularly following the shift from diploma-based nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
For more on the history of nursing in Pakistan and its evolution since independence, visit our detailed article.

MSN, BSN, Post-RN and Fast Track BSN Nursing Schools & Colleges in Pakistan

Related: Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Pakistan

Complete List of Nursing Schools and colleges in Pakistan 

Nursing Colleges in Punjab

As the leading province in nursing education, Punjab boasts a network of 174 nursing colleges catering to various needs and aspirations. From established institutions like Fatima Jinnah Medical University and Lahore General Hospital College of Nursing to specialized colleges like the Punjab Institute of Cardiology and King Edward Medical College, Punjab offers a comprehensive range of programs, including BSN, MSN, and Post-RN specialties. Government-run colleges like Services Institute of Medical Sciences provide affordable options, while private institutions like The University of Lahore and Fatima Memorial System offer modern facilities and specialized programs.

Nursing Colleges in Sindh

Following closely behind Punjab, Sindh boasts 167 nursing colleges, making it a major hub for nursing education in Pakistan. Renowned institutions like Dow University of Health Sciences and Jinnah Sindh Medical College offer prestigious BSN and MSN programs, while colleges like Sindh Institute of Nursing and Midwifery and Liaquat National Hospital College of Nursing provide specialized training. Karachi, the bustling metropolis of Sindh, houses a large concentration of colleges, offering diverse options for aspiring nurses.

Nursing Colleges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

KP offers 125 nursing colleges, providing accessible and quality education throughout the province. Prominent institutions like Khyber Medical College and Hayatabad Medical Complex College of Nursing cater to the needs of students in Peshawar, while colleges like Lady Reading Hospital College of Nursing and Bacha Khan Medical College serve other regions. KP provides a balanced mix of government and private colleges, ensuring affordable and specialized options for aspiring nurses.

Nursing Colleges in Balochistan

Balochistan, despite having a smaller network of 36 nursing colleges, offers a dedicated and growing environment for nursing education. Established institutions like Bolan Medical College and Fatima Jinnah Medical College provide foundational BSN programs, while colleges like Balochistan Institute of Technology and Government College of Nursing offer specialized training. With an increasing focus on healthcare development, Balochistan is witnessing the expansion of its nursing education landscape, offering promising opportunities for future generations.

Nursing Colleges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)

AJK, with 9 nursing colleges, provides valuable educational opportunities for aspiring nurses in the region. Colleges like Muzaffarabad Medical College and Poonch Medical College offer BSN programs, while institutions like Abbas Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences cater to specialized training needs. AJK, despite its smaller network, remains committed to providing quality nursing education and contributing to the healthcare workforce.

Nursing Colleges in Federal:

The Federal Territory, encompassing Islamabad, boasts 23 nursing colleges catering to a diverse student population. Renowned institutions like Foundation University School of Science & Technology and Shifa College of Medicine offer prestigious BSN and MSN programs, while colleges like Islamabad Medical & Dental College and Federal Government College of Nursing provide accessible and affordable options. The Federal Territory serves as a melting pot of nursing education, offering a vibrant and diverse learning environment.