Admission is based on individual merit and leadership potential, with no discrimination for gender, religion or ethnicity. Candidates are assessed on several criteria including scholastic achievements, extracurricular achievements, participation in social work and productive use of time. Students may apply from anywhere in the world and there are no quotas, reserved seats or admissions against donations.

Experience over the years has shown that competition for admission is intense. Students are advised to apply to other institutions as well as AKU, since the outcome of the selection process is difficult to anticipate at any stage.