Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
PhD Biology
PhD Biology
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
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:
This is the minimum criteria that applicants need to fulfill in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfillment of this criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS.
* We are aware that the current COVID-19 crisis poses difficulties for applicants to submit test scores. Under the circumstances, you can apply to LUMS Graduate Programmes without test scores being submitted (if you haven’t taken the test yet). Applications can be submitted without the GRE scores provided all other application components are complete upon submission.
If no Admission Test is scheduled due to the Test Center closure by April 15, 2021, LUMS will process applications using the available information. If shortlisted, applicants may then be asked to appear for an interview followed by a conditional acceptance if you are successful. Once, test centres are functional, they will need to sit for the test and attain the minimum test score required by the University.
Academic Record
A minimum of 18 years of education leading to a degree Programme 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 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 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 July 30, 2021 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 July 30, 2021 or they will not be considered for admission in the Programme.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria for LUMS Graduate Continuing Students
MS - PhD Programme
Application Categories:
- MS students graduating in 2021 or have graduated within the last 2 years from SBASSE with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. LGAT and SBASSE Subject Tests are waived for LUMS students who plan to continue their studies within the same Department. Application deadline for this category of students is March 30, 2021.
- MS students graduating in 2021 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. 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 complete application online is March 30, 2021.
NOTE:
- LUMS SBASSE MS students with a CGPA of < 3.0 (at the time of application submission deadline) are not eligible to apply for 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.
Test Requirement
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 2021 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 11, 2019) 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 11, 2019) 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 the following two (2) admissions tests in order to be considered for Fall 2021 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
- 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
- We are aware that the current COVID-19 crisis poses difficulties for applicants to submit test scores. Under the circumstances, you can apply to LUMS Graduate Programmes without test scores being submitted (if you haven’t taken the test yet). Applications can be submitted without the GRE scores provided all other application components are complete upon submission
- If no Admission Test is scheduled due to the Test Center closure by April 15, 2021, LUMS will process applications using the available information. If shortlisted, applicants may then be asked to appear for an interview followed by a conditional acceptance if you are successful. Once, test centres are functional, they will need to sit for the test and attain the minimum test score required by the University
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 of Rs. 2,500
- LGAT and SBASSE Subject Test fee of Rs. 1,500
- The application processing fee of USD 100 for International applicants
Note:
- Applicants must complete and submit their Online Admission application on or before March 30, 2021; 5:00 pm (PKT).
- Applicants are required to Online submit the scanned copies of all supporting documents on or before April 02, 2021.
- 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 fee received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
Application Review/Interview Performance
Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to finalise the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievement, research reports, attended workshops, extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories in order to substantiate their applications.
Performance in Interview
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their Academic record, Admission Test Scores, and Interview. The interview session will comprise your research presentation followed by a Q & A session.
Research Statement
The Research Statement is a summary of your research accomplishments, current work, and 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
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 |
30 March 2021 05:00 pm PKT |
|
Deadline to submit Online supporting documents |
02 April 2021 |
|
Online Application Deadline - LUMS MS Continuing Students |
30 March 2021 05:00 pm PKT |
|
Deadline to submit Online supporting documents - LUMS MS Continuing Students |
02 April 2021 |
|
LGAT & SBASSE Subject Test |
11 April 2021 |
|
Admission decisions |
15 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 |
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.
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 helpdeskao@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?
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 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.
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 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.
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 as an international applicant?
Please visit the link for visa requirements: https://international.lums.edu.pk/.
LUMS Financial Aid
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 offer a full tuition fee waiver to all students on merit for four(4) years. Other types of financial assistance will include a monthly assistance package so that the students devote themselves to fulltime studies without fiscal restraints.
Teaching assistantships and stipends to support faculty in research projects are some of the other opportunities 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.
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.