Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
The Master of Science (MS) programmes offered by the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS are rigorous and designed to impart specialised professional and research-oriented training. Students have the options to choose from MS-by-Coursework or MS-by-Thesis.
The Department of Life Sciences at SBASSE offers a research intensive MS Biology programme designed to expose students to recent biological advancements over two streams of specialisation:
Molecular and Cell Biology
Bioinformatics
Research is an essential component of programme; students are exposed to advanced courses in a wide range of research areas. With cutting edge research conducted 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, contribute to the programme’s competitive edge.
A didactic as well as problem-based learning approach is adopted in the classroom to impart theoretical knowledge to students while experiments and project work in laboratories will help them explore the experimental aspects in labs. Students will also have the opportunity to pursue independent research that is supervised by top-notch faculty members that are engaged in basic, as well as translational research.
The programme curriculum offers a multidisciplinary learning environment. Students are given the opportunity to work with knowledge drawn from all six disciplines offered at SBASSE.
Programme structure details are as follows:
Core Courses:
Students opting for MS-with-Thesis must take 24 credit hours of core courses. The MS-by-Coursework option requires students to take 21 credit hours of core courses.
Elective Courses
Students opting for MS-by-Thesis must complete 6 credit hours for elective courses; while students opting for MS-by-Coursework must complete 9 credit hours.
Core Courses:
Students opting for MS-with-Thesis must take 24 credit hours of core courses. The MS-by-Coursework option requires students to take 21 credit hours of core courses.
Elective Courses:
Students opting for MS-by-Thesis must complete 6 credit hours for elective courses; while students opting for MS-by-Coursework must complete 9 credit hours.
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the MS Biology programme. The MS Biology Programme at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) is a two-year programme.
Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:
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.
A minimum of 16 years of education leading to a degree programme is required for applying to the MS Biology Programme.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree of less than four years 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 a CGPA of at least 2.4 (on a scale of 4) or at least 60% marks in all university-level degrees. Applicants with professional degrees (including, MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D) must have Second Division or above in order to be considered eligible for the MS programme.
Applicants applying to MS Biology must have their Bachelor’s (or Master's) degree in any one of the following areas:
Biology
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Genetics
Other closely related disciplines
Applicants may also have the following degrees:
MBBS
BDS
Pharm-D
NOTE:
Applicants completing their last degree by July 31, 2025, are eligible to apply for the MS programme if they meet the minimum admission requirements at the time of application submission.
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.
A. Local Applicants
Applicants applying to the MS Biology programme are required to take the following two (2) admission tests in order to be considered for Fall 2025 admissions:
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT); and
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.
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 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 SBASSE Subject Test in Biology.
Applicants residing outside Pakistan are required to take the GRE General Test (through the ETS, USA). For further information, please visit www.ets.org.
Due to the unavailability of the GRE Subject Test in Biology, all local applicants must take the LUMS SBASSE Subject Test in Biology.
Subject Test Guidelines:
Please visit the following link: Subject Test Guidelines
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:
Note:
Only applicants who have indicated their intention to apply for LUMS Financial Aid (through the Online Admission Application Form), submitted their admission application, and paid the required application processing fee by the deadline will be granted access to the Financial Aid application. Once these requirements are met, the Financial Aid application tab will be visible on the online admission portal starting February 07, 2025. Applicants must submit their complete Financial Aid application, along with all necessary supporting documents, by May 16, 2025.
Completion of all steps is mandatory. Applications, documents, or fees received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to finalise the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievements, research reports, attended workshops, and extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories 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
Shortlisted applicants may be requested to appear for an interview.
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:
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:
Note:
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. Region 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
Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Credit Hours | 6 | 6 | 12 |
PKR | PKR | PKR | |
Admission Fee | 138,130 | - | 138,130 |
Tuition Fee | 274,980 | 274,980 | 549,960 |
Semester Registration Fee | 44,020 | 44,020 | 88,040 |
General Security | 57,580 | - | 57,580 |
Total | 514,710 | 319,000 | 833,710 |
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 |
To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.
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 |
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:
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
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.
You should submit all your transcripts latest by the Online document submission deadline. Copy of your degree can be submitted later.
Yes, financial aid is available on need basis.
Applicants must give their consent at the time of submitting the application in biographical section of the online application.
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.
You should recheck the completion and proper submission of your online application.
The application cannot be submitted after the deadline.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for international students.
Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/.
Admission to LUMS MS programme is purely merit based and there are no quotas.
No, there are no age restrictions.
LUMS is committed to making high-quality education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. Our Financial Aid Programme offers a wide range of support options, designed to facilitate students who demonstrate both high academic achievement and financial need.
Financial Aid awards are assessed each year, considering academic performance, demonstrated financial need, available resources, and university policies. While LUMS endeavours to provide substantial financial assistance within its available resources, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources to complement the aid provided by the university.
LUMS strives to enable students to pursue their educational and professional goals without financial barriers, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and academically vibrant community.
The following financial support options are available for MS SBASSE students:
LUMS Financial Aid Programme not only supports students with financial challenges but also attracts top-ranked students, ensuring that the university upholds its commitment to academic excellence by providing opportunities for the brightest minds.
LUMS aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education, nurturing an inclusive and academically vibrant community where academically distinguished students can realize their full potential and achieve their professional aspirations. At the Graduate level, Financial Aid is provided in the form of an Interest-Free Loan.
To be considered for LUMS Financial Aid, applicants must submit their financial aid application along with all required supporting documents by the application submission deadlines. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be eligible for financial aid assessment for the 2025-26 academic year.
This support can cover part or all of a student’s Tuition and Semester Registration fees and is assessed annually, considering academic performance, financial need, available resources, and prevailing university policies to ensure ongoing assistance that aligns with each student’s circumstances.
Repayment begins six months after graduation, with a flexible repayment period of 3 to 5 years, allowing students to transition smoothly into their careers. While LUMS is committed to offering substantial financial assistance, students are encouraged to explore additional external funding sources to supplement the aid provided by the University.
At LUMS, academic excellence is highly valued, and the university is committed to supporting students who demonstrate outstanding performance in their studies. The Merit Scholarship at LUMS is designed to reward students who have demonstrated high academic achievement by providing them with financial support.
There is no separate application process for this scholarship. Applicants with high academic credentials are considered for scholarships.
Merit Scholarship covers partial to full tuition fees for One (1) year only and is awarded to the top-ranked applicants based on admission evaluation ranking.
Merit Scholarship covers partial to full Tuition Fees and is awarded to the top-ranked students from the returning batches based on their academic performance.
Note: In case a student qualifies for a Financial Aid award and Merit Scholarship, their scholarship will be adjusted accordingly. These awards are for One (1) year only and cannot be carried forward to subsequent years.
Financing a student's education is a commitment involving the student, his or her family and our institution. We at LUMS gear all efforts towards assisting as many students as possible within our limited resources. LUMS offer a partial flat subsidy to all MS students enrolled in Four Basic Sciences Programmes (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics). This award is given in the form of a waiver and does not need to be repaid.
There is no separate application for this waiver. Students are automatically considered for the award when they get admitted to the MS in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics Programme at LUMS.
Note: In case a student qualifies for the Four Basic Sciences Award and any other scholarship, he/she will receive the higher benefit.
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.