Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
PhD Biology
Understand life through 21st century experimental and computational approaches.
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.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Click here for more information.
Note: The below criteria applies to the Fall 2020 admission cycle. Details for the following academic year will be made available in the Fall. Please check this page for updates.
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 the Admission Tests;
- Research Statement & Completed and submitted application form and supporting documents by the stipulated deadline;
- Interview Performance
NOTE:
This is the minimum criteria that applicants need to fulfil in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfilment of this criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS.
1. Academic Background
Academic Requirements for Fall 2020 Admissions
A minimum of 18 years of education is required for applying to the PhD Biology programme.
Applicants are expected to have obtained their Master's degree (MS or MPhil) from national or foreign institutions that are accredited or recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan. Applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions that are not listed with the HEC, Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC.
As 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 obtaining 2 years BSc degree and 2 years MSc degree must have secured at least 60% marks in both degrees. 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 June 30, 2020 are also eligible to apply for the PhD programme if they meet all minimum admission requirements at the time of submission of application.
- Please note applicants need to provide the final official transcript by June 30, 2020 or they will not be considered for admission in the programme.
1.1 Minimum Eligibility Criteria for LUMS Graduate Continuing Students
MS – PhD Programme
- LUMS MS students graduating in 2020 or those who have graduated within the last 2 years from SBASSE with a minimum CGPA of ≥ 3.0 are eligible to apply for the PhD programme. LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) and SBASSE Subject Tests are waived for LUMS students who plan to continue their studies within the same Department. The application deadline for this category of students is April 15, 2020. Please note that the exemption from the LGAT and LUMS Subject test will only be granted if the CGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.
- LUMS MS students graduating in 2020 or have graduated within the last 2 years from SBASSE with a minimum CGPA of ≥ 3.0 applying across departments will be required to take the SBASSE Subject Test or GRE Subject Test (if available) in the subject they want to pursue their PhD in. LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is waived off for this category of students but they must register for LUMS SBASSE Subject Test if they have not taken GRE Subject Test. The deadline to register for the LUMS SBASSE Subject Test and submit the complete application online is April 15, 2020. Please note that the exemption from the LUMS Graduate Admission Test LGAT will only be granted if the CGPA ≥ 3.0 requirement is met at the time of application submission.
NOTE:
- LUMS SBASSE MS students with a CGPA of < 3.0 (at the time of application submission deadline) are not eligible to apply for the PhD programme.
- As per HEC requirements, PhD students, once admitted, may be required to take the GRE Subject Test or NTS GAT Subject Test (if GRE Subject Test not available) if they have not done so already.
- Please note that shortlisted SBASSE MS students (with an incomplete degree at the time of application submission) will be required to complete their MS degree requirements with a CGPA 3.0 or above. In case this CGPA requirement is not met by June 30, 2020, the student will not be considered for PhD admission.
2. Test Requirements
Admission Test Requirement or Fall 2020 Admissions
A. Local Applicants
Applicants to the PhD Biology programme are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 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 15, 2018) and obtained an aggregate score of 300 in the quantitative and verbal sections may choose not to take the LGAT.
- Applicants who have taken the GRE Subject Test in Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (through the Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA) during the last two (2) years (i.e. after April 15, 2018) and obtained a score at the 60th percentile or above may choose not to take the SBASSE Subject Test in Biology.
B. International Applicants
Applicants residing outside Pakistan are required to take following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2020 admission:
- GRE - General Test; and
- GRE - Subject Test in Biology or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
For GRE registration, please visit www.ets.org.
GRE scores must be reported to LUMS officially from the testing agency. The college code for reporting GRE (General) and GRE Subject Test scores to LUMS is 0679.
NOTE:
- LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is comprised of Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections.
- The LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) and the SBASSE Subject Test in Biology for Fall 2020 will be announced later.
- LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test Scores will be valid only for One (1) academic year.
- The LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test scores will be used for application evaluation, hence will not be disclosed to applicants.
Subject Test Guidelines:
Please visit the following link; Subject Test Guidelines
3. Submission
Research Statement and Supporting Documents Requirement for Fall 2020 Admissions
Research Statement
The Research Statement is a summary of your research accomplishments, current work, and future direction and potential of your work. Research statement is mandatory for all PhD applicants.
Supporting Documents
Applicants must complete and submit their online application form on or before April 15, 2020; 5:00 pm (PKT). In addition, all applicants are required to submit all supporting documents to the LUMS Admissions Office on or before April 16, 2020.
Waiving Recommendation Letters.
The applicants need to provide the names and contact details of referees and LUMS Admissions Office will contact them while processing admission applications.
Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration Fee (If Applicable)
- The application processing fee of PKR 1,200 (SBASSE MS/PhD programmes).
- LGAT and LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of PKR 1,000 (SBASSE MS/PhD programmes).
- The application processing fee of USD 81 for International applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD programmes).
- The application processing and LGAT and LUMS SBASSE Subject Test Registration Fee of USD 89 for international applicants (SBASSE MS/PhD programmes).
Payment Procedure
After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. For further details regarding fee payment options click here
Proof of Payment
A stamped copy of the payment voucher or a confirmation email of an online banking transaction constitutes proof of payment. Applicants are required to send a copy of payment proof along with all other required supporting documents as ONE package on or before the stipulated deadline.
Applicants must print and paste the ‘Mailing label’ on the envelope before sending it to the LUMS Office of Admissions. Applications or documents received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
3.1 Information for Document Submission
We are here to help and guide you through the admissions process during this time. You can continue to monitor this page for admissions related updates. Our campus is also providing general updates and resources as needed.
Our Campus is Closed, but We're Still Here to Help
Due to the country’s stay at home directive, LUMS campus is closed and no longer offering in-person visits. However, we're still working and available to answer your admission related questions! Feel free to email us at admissions@lums.edu.pk or contact us through Live web chat (Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PKT).
Unfortunately, a few of our processes are unable to be done remotely. These are detailed below.
Submitting Your Supporting Documents
All available documents can be submitted online through the LUMS Online Admission system. In case, few documents are not available/missing then applicants can seek help/extension by writing to the Admissions Office at admissions@lums.edu.pk.
Acknowledgement for Documents Receiving
We may not be able to accept postal mail or courier packages at this moment. If you had documents sent through such means recently, you will receive a system generated acknowledgement email of your submitted documents within two weeks’ time. If need be, Admissions staff will also contact you for the completion of supporting documents.
Recommendation Letter Waiver
If referees can send recommendation letters by email, they can email them directly to admissions@lums.edu.pk. If this cannot be done, please provide only names and contact details of referees and we will approach them directly, if the need arises.
Please feel free to contact admissions@lums.edu.pk if further information is needed.
Wishing you health and safety!
4. Interview Performance
Interview session will comprise of your research presentation followed by a Q&A session.
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
Fee Structure for FY 2020-21
|
Particulars |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
|
|
PKR |
PKR |
|
Admission Fee (One Time Charge) |
81,500 |
- |
|
Tuition Fee |
175,800 |
175,800 |
|
Semester Registration Fee |
26,900 |
26,900 |
|
General Security (Refundable - One Time Charge) |
34,400 |
- |
|
Total Fee |
318,600 |
202,700 |
Hostel Fee
|
Particulars |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
|
|
PKR |
PKR |
|
Hostel Fee (double occupancy) |
45,000 |
45,000 |
|
Hostel Fee (triple occupancy) |
30,000 |
30,000 |
Important Points
- The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 Years PhD Biology programme.
- The PhD programmes at LUMS offer a full tuition fee waiver (except general security) to all students on merit for four (4) years.
- Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
- 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 (if Student Payable exceeds PKR 200,000 per annum excluding the amount refundable).
- Advance tax paid on fee is adjustable at the time of filing of Income tax return. LUMS will issue Advance Tax Certificate in this regard at year-end.
- University fees are usually announced once each year, for the following academic year. However, tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
|
Activity |
Date |
|
Online Application Deadline |
15 Apr 2020 05:00 pm PKT |
|
Deadline to submit supporting documents |
16 April 2020 |
|
Online Application Deadline - LUMS MS Continuing Students |
15 April 2020 5:00 pm PKT |
|
Deadline to submit supporting documents - LUMS MS Continuing Students |
16 April 2020 |
|
Admission decisions |
01 July 2020 to 31 July 2020 |
Note: The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please keep informed of any changes by visiting this site periodically, as well as the LUMS online application site.
Is it possible to apply after the deadline?
Applications submitted after the deadlines are not accepted.
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 helpdeskao@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 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.
What are the admission requirements for PhD programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
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.
Do you require any test for admission to the PhD programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
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.
How can I submit the application processing and test fee (if applicable)?
After the successful submission of the online application form you will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. Please print the fee voucher for making payments at Allied Bank Branches throughout Pakistan. The voucher can be paid:
a. Online, immediately by clicking here or
b. In cash by presenting the payment voucher along with the requisite amount at any Allied Bank branch throughout Pakistan
How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?
International students can get equivalence through the following process: http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/Equivalence%20Degree%20Issuance.
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.
Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?
LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for international students.
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 helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk.
What are the visa requirements for LUMS as an international applicant?
Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/visa-and-travel#int-accbtn-1a.
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.
Click here for more information.
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