Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
PhD Biology
PhD Biology
Overview
The LUMS PhD Biology programme, offered by the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), is designed to prepare students to think scientifically and produce independent researchers who can take up the challenges of 21st century Biology.
With cutting edge research in state-of-the-art research labs, the department boasts a modern curriculum with a strong focus on research in areas like Cancer Therapeutics, Systems Biology, Structural Biology related to Viruses, Bacterial Pathogenesis and Diabetes, Epigenetics, Genome Evolution, Bioinformatics, and Virology.
Research is an essential component of the programme, with projects addressing fundamental questions in Biology like how complex organisms develop from a single cell and how cell fates are determined, how gene expression is regulated in extremophiles, how cell cycle is controlled in stem cells and how organisms evolve over thousands of years.
To graduate, students must earn a total of 42 credit hours from which 18 must be from coursework and 24 from research work/thesis. Major milestones that must be achieved for the successful completion of the PhD degree include the Comprehensive (Qualifying) Examination, Thesis Proposal Defence and PhD Thesis Defence.
Admission Criteria
Fall Admission 2025
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the programme.
The PhD Biology degree at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) is a four-year programme.
Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:
Academic Record;
Performance in Admission Tests;
Application Review;
Research Statement;
Submission of Complete Online Application, Application Processing Fee and Supporting Documents by the stipulated deadline;
Letters of Recommendation; and
Interview Performance (If shortlisted)
NOTE:
These are the minimum requirements that applicants need to fulfil in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfilment of these criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS. Admission decisions made by the University are final.
Academic Record
A minimum of 18 years of education leading to a degree programme is required for applying to the PhD Biology Programme.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree of less than four years duration or have earned their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree from foreign institutions must provide an equivalence certificate verifying 16 years of education, issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Similarly, applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions not listed with the HEC, Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, please visit: www.hec.gov.pk.
As a minimum academic performance, all applicants must have obtained a CGPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or First Division (in the annual system) in their Master's degree and at least a CGPA of 2.4 (on a scale of 4) or 60% marks in their Bachelor’s degree. Applicants with professional degrees (including, MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D) must have Second Division or above in their professional degrees and must also meet the above-mentioned requirement for their Master's degree in order to be considered eligible.
Applicants who have their Master’s degree with a CGPA computed over any scale other than 4.0 will be required to submit a letter/revised transcript from their respective university or submit a letter from HEC affirming that the applicant meets the CGPA requirement for PhD admission. For further information, please visit: www.hec.gov.pk.
Applicants applying for the PhD Biology programme must have a Master's degree in any one of the following areas:
Biology
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Genetics
Other closely related disciplines
NOTE:
- Applicants completing their last degree by July 31, 2025, are also eligible to apply for the PhD programme if they meet all minimum admission requirements at the time of submission of application.
- Applicants must mention all their academic, test attempts and must not hide any information. The application will be evaluated on the basis of information provided at the time of application submission.
- LUMS graduating class of 2025 are eligible to apply on the basis of their 7th semester's result.
Test Requirement
A. Local Applicants
Applicants to the PhD Biology programme are required to take the following two (2) admission tests in order to be considered for Fall 2025 admission:
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT); and
LUMS SBASSE Subject Test in Biology
Exemption for applicants who have taken Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests
Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examination GRE (General) (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e., after April 26, 2023) and obtained an aggregate score of 300 in the quantitative and verbal sections may choose not to take the LGAT. In addition to this, local applicants are required to take the LUMS SBASSE Subject Test in Biology.
B. International Applicants
Applicants residing outside Pakistan are required to take the GRE General Test through the Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA. For further information, please visit www.ets.org.
Due to the unavailability of the GRE Subject Test in Biology, such applicants will be assessed based on their GRE General Test score only.
GRE scores must be reported to LUMS officially from the testing agency. The college code for reporting GRE (General) to LUMS is 0679.
NOTE:
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is comprised of Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections.
The LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test Scores will be valid only for the admission of Fall 2025.
The LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test scores will be used for application evaluation and, hence will not be disclosed to applicants.
Subject Test Guidelines:
Please visit the following link; Subject Test Guidelines
Submission
The admission application will be considered for evaluation after the successful completion of the following four (4) STEPS by the applicants on or before the stipulated deadlines:
- Online Admission Application submission;
- Online submission of scanned copies of required supporting documents;
- Submission of an appropriate Application Processing Fee; and
- Online Submission of the Letter of Recommendation by the Referees.
Application Processing Fee
- The application processing fee is PKR 4,000
- LGAT fee is PKR 2,480
- SBASSE Subject Test fee is PKR 3,000
- The application processing fee is USD 170 for International applicants
Note:
- Applicants must complete and submit their online Admission application on or before April 15, 2025; 5:00 pm (PKT).
- Applicants are required to online submit the scanned copies of all supporting documents on or before April 16, 2025.
- After the successful submission of the online application, applicants must make the Processing Fee payment by the deadline.
- Referees must submit completely filled Letters of Recommendation by the given deadline.
Completion of all steps is mandatory. Application, documents, or fees received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
Application Review/Interview Performance
Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to finalize the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievements, research reports, attended workshops, and extracurricular activities in order to substantiate their applications. Applicants must provide complete and correct information regarding their academics, work experience and test attempts. The application will be evaluated on the basis of information provided at the time of application submission.
Performance in Interview
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their Academic record, Admission Test Scores, and Interviews. The interview session will include your research presentation followed by a Q & A session.
Research Statement
The Research Statement is a summary of your research accomplishments, current work, future direction and potential of your work. A research statement is mandatory for all PhD applicants.
The modes of payment are as follows:
1. Voucher can be paid through cash, Pay Order and Bank Drafts made in favour of "Lahore University of Management Sciences" at any branch within Pakistan of following banks:
- Allied Bank Limited
- Meezan Bank Limited (Customer Code: LUMS)
- Bank Al-Habib Limited
2. For online Credit/Debit card payment, please click here.
3. Vouchers can also be paid through ATM machines and internet banking portals of the following banks:
- Allied Bank Limited
- Askari Bank Limited
- Bank Alfalah Limited
- Bank Al-Habib Limited
- Faysal Bank Limited
- Meezan Bank Limited
- Standard Chartered (Only for Online Payments)
Note:
- For making payments through internet banking portals/ATM, students need to have bank account in the respective bank.
- Fee payment through "Pay Orders" is accepted at banks up to two working days prior to the payment deadline. Fee may be paid through Cash Receipts, Online Services and Credit/Debit Cards till payment deadline.
Advance Tax:
Through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 by Finance Act 2013, advance tax (under section 236 I) shall be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee except refundable portion.
Bank Helpline Numbers
Allied Bank Limited
1. UAN: 111-225-225, Branch contact No: 042-35748308
2. Regional Office: 042-35747603
Meezan Bank Limited
1. Regional Office: 92-42-35786207
2. Head Office: 92-21-36406139
Bank Al-Habib Limited
1. Karachi: 92-21-32277231-239, Lahore: 0333-1218430
2. DHA Ph. 5 Branch: 042-37189231 042-37189234
The PhD programmes at LUMS are fully funded for 4 years of education. Additionally, PhD candidates are given a monthly stipend as per University policy.
Students are required to pay general security (refundable) at the time of admission.
Fee Structure for FY 2024-25
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 6 | 6 | 3 | 15 |
| PKR | PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Admission Fee | 138,130 | - | - | 138,130 |
| Tuition Fee | 274,980 | 274,980 | 137,490 | 687,450 |
| Semester Registration Fee | 44,020 | 44,020 | - | 88,040 |
| General Security | 57,580 | - | - | 57,580 |
| Total | 514,710 | 319,000 | 137,490 | 971,200 |
Hostel Fee
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Hostel Fee Double Occupancy | 84,830 | 84,830 | 34,930 |
| Hostel Fee Triple Occupancy (Bigger room) | 61,760 | 61,760 | 25,430 |
Important Points
- The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 year PhD programme.
- The per credit hour rate for FY 2024–25 is PKR 45,830/-
- Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
- University fees are usually announced once each year. However, the University reserves the right to change its policies and fee structure at any time.
Refund Policy
To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to submit Online Application | April 15, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT) |
| Deadline to submit Online Supporting Documents and Processing Fee | April 16, 2025 |
| Deadline to submit Financial Aid Application (if applicable) | May 16, 2025 |
| LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) and LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Administration | April 27, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Deadline to take GRE | April 27, 2025 |
| Completion of Admission Process | July 31, 2025 |
| Commencement of Classes | September 2025 |
Note:
- The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please stay connected to this webpage and the Online Admissions Portal to remain informed of any updates or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for PhD programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
Do you require any test for admission to the PhD programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards to be delivered?
Test Registration Cards and instructions will be posted to the applicants' secure online application account and an email message will alert applicants that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be posted on applicants' online account one week before the test date.
I have submitted my online application and all required documents on time but I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?
If an applicant is unable to view his/her Test Registration Card despite completing all the requirements then he/she can write to us at admissions@lums.edu.pk.
I have not yet received any confirmation email after the submission of my online application. What should I do?
You should recheck the completion and proper submission of your online application.
Is it possible to apply after the deadline?
The application cannot be submitted after the deadline.
How do I inform about a change in my online application?
It is highly recommended to fill out the application form carefully. No changes can be made after the submission of online application. In sheer need an applicant can send the updated information to admissions@lums.edu.pk with the specific header "Change in Application Form".
I have received my transcripts for Master's/MS/MPhil but I do not have the degree. What should I do?
You should submit all your transcripts latest by the Online document submission deadline. Copy of your degree can be submitted later.
I have completed my 7th semester with a CGPA of less than 3. Am I eligible to apply for PhD programme?
Applicants to the PhD programme must have a CGPA of 3.0 or above (on a scale of 4) at the time of application submission.
Are there any specific quotas in admission?
Admission to the LUMS PhD programme is purely merit based and there are no quotas.
Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
The recommendation letters can be from a faculty member who has had a reasonable opportunity to evaluate you academically.
Can my admission be deferred?
In truly exceptional circumstances the Graduate Programme Committee may grant a deferral. All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case to case basis.
How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?
The final admission decision will be communicated through an official letter; however, you can check your application status through your online account. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding your application status by telephone or e-mail.
Do you have any age limit for the admission to the PhD programme?
No, there are no age restrictions.
May I appeal my admission decision or ask to have the decision explained?
The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.
If your application is unsuccessful you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive, it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Who is an international applicant?
A foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS under its International Student Programme. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani are not eligible to apply through LUMS International Student Programme.
How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?
Applicants can get equivalence through the following process: http://hec.gov.pk if required.
What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is an independent, autonomous, and constitutionally established institution of primary funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting the higher education efforts in Pakistan.
HEC is responsible for formulating higher education policy and quality assurance to meet the international standards as well as providing accrediting academic degrees, development of new institutions, and uplift of existing institutions in Pakistan.
Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?
LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for international students.
What are the visa requirements for LUMS for International applicant?
Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/.
LUMS Funding
LUMS provides funding to PhD students in terms of Scholarship and Research Assistantship. The University’s policy is to admit students purely on merit, regardless of their financial status or background. The PhD Programmes at LUMS offers a fully-funded scholarship which covers the following:
- Admission Fee
- Tuition fees
- Semester Registration fee
- Monthly Stipend subject to the approval of the Supervisor
- The scholarship is for four (4) years, to meet the minimum graduation requirement of the Programme.
- The payment of allowances admissible under the Scholarship shall be made subject to complete adherence to all rules and regulations governing the scholarship and satisfactory performance within the allocated degree Programme.
Teaching assistantships is another opportunity that may be available to doctoral students for additional financial assistance, subject to faculty approval. If a student receives funding from another source, the said amount of fee waiver and/ or scholarship allowance given by LUMS would be adjusted accordingly. Please note that the fee waiver and/ or scholarship funding is approved initially for one year and is renewable based on academic performance.
The Lahore University of Management Sciences, (LUMS), Pakistan and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue research towards a PhD in Natural Sciences and Engineering. For further information, please visit the link https://sbasse.lums.edu.pk/twas-lums-phd-fellowships.
Mode of Payment
Voucher can be paid through cash, Pay Order and Bank Drafts made in favour of "Lahore University of Management Sciences" at any branch within Pakistan of following banks.