Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
PhD Physics (Foreign Nationals)
PhD Physics (Foreign Nationals)
The LUMS PhD Physics programme, offered by the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on probing fundamental physical aspects of the universe and the underlying mathematics, as well as imparting a keen appreciation of applications. The programme helps prepare students to think scientifically and conduct high-quality research independently.
The Department of Physics at SBASSE has an outstanding teaching and research environment. The programme also focuses on novel applications in diverse areas, including Nanoscience, Optics, Nanophotonics, Quantum Dynamics, Spin and Photon Physics, Fundamental Theory, Photonics, Organic Semiconductor Optoelectronics, Cosmology and Magnetic Materials.
An important characteristic of the Department is that it encourages students to get involved in research questions and exploratory experiments outside the formal classroom or laboratory coursework. Regular seminars and colloquia are led by the faculty, students and distinguished speakers from outside LUMS, providing students the opportunity to remain abreast of the cutting edge and high impact research.
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, Peer-reviewed Publications and Thesis Defence.
Admission Criteria for Foreign Nationals
Fall Admission 2025
The Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) PhD application for foreign nationals caters to applicants who currently reside outside Pakistan and have a foreign nationality.
All other applicants (i.e., those who have dual nationality, are Pakistani nationals, or are overseas Pakistanis) are required to apply through the regular admission application.
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the Ph.D. programme.
Admission is purely merit-based and rests on the following criteria:
- Academic Record;
- Research Background;
- Letters of Recommendation;
- Online Application Submission;
- Online Submission of Supporting Documents;
- Application Review; and
- Online Test and Interview Performance (if shortlisted).
To be considered for admission evaluation, ensure all steps are completed on or before the stipulated deadline.
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
Academic Background
A minimum of 18 years of education is required for applying to the PhD Programme in Physics. (In Pakistan, this would mean an MS or MPhil degree but we understand nomenclature may vary for our international applicants.)
Applicants applying for the PhD Programme in Physics must have at least eighteen years of education in any one of the following areas:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Other allied engineering disciplines
The incoming departments at SBASSE may decide a minimum academic performance criteria over and above the criteria set by the Higher Education Commission.
Note:
Applicants completing their last degree by April 30, 2025, are eligible to apply to the PhD programme if they meet the minimum admission requirements at the time of submission of application.
Applicants’ degrees may be checked for recognition by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.
Research Background
All applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to shortlist students for the interview. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievement, research reports, letters of recommendation, attended workshops, extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories in order to substantiate their applications.
Online Test and Interview Performance
Only shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview and for the admission test. Shortlisted applicants must appear for the online test and interview. There will be no exemptions.
Foreign applicants to the PhD Programme in Physics are required to appear in an online test for general aptitude and subject evaluation.
The interview will also ask for a brief research presentation. Applicants, if they wish, may like to report GRE (general or subject specific) or TOEFL/IELTS scores if they have taken these exams. However, it is not a requirement for application.
Submission
The admission application will be considered for evaluation after the successful completion of the following Three (3) steps by the applicants on or before the stipulated deadlines:
- Online Admission Application submission;
- Online submission of scanned copies of required supporting documents;
- Online submission of the Letter of recommendation by the referees.
Note:
- Applicants must complete and submit their online Admission application on or before March 11, 2025 (11:59 pm - PKT).
- Applicants are required to submit the scanned copies of all supporting documents online, on or before March 12, 2025.
- Referees must submit completely filled Letters of Recommendation by the given deadline.
Completion of all steps is mandatory. Applications and documents after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
Application Review
All applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to shortlist students for the interview. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievement, research reports, letters of recommendation, attended workshops, extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories in order to substantiate their applications. Applicants must mention all their academic and test attempts & must not hide any information. Application will be evaluated on the basis of information provided at the time of application submission.
Fee Structure for FY 2021-22
|
New Student Year 1 |
||||
|
Particulars |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
Summer Semester |
Total |
|
6 Credit Hours |
6 Credit Hours |
3 Credit Hours |
15 Credit Hours |
|
|
|
PKR |
PKR |
PKR |
PKR |
|
Tuition Fee |
176,280 |
176,280 | 88,140 | 440,700 |
|
Admission Fee |
87,210 |
- | - | 87,210 |
|
Semester Registration |
27,020 |
27,020 | - | 54,040 |
|
General Security |
38,000 |
- | - | 38,000 |
|
Sub-total - Other Fee |
152,230 |
27,020 | - | 179,250 |
|
Per Semester Fee |
328,510 |
203,300 | 88,140 | 619,950 |
Note:
Per Credit Hour Tuition Fee - Graduate is PKR 29,380 (2021-22)
Hostel Fee
|
Particulars |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
Summer Semester |
|
|
PKR | PKR | PKR |
|
Hostel Fee (double occupancy) |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
|
Hostel Fee (triple occupancy) |
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
Important Points
- The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 Years PhD Physics 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.
- As per Income Tax Ordinance 2001, advance tax (under section 236 I) is required to be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee paid by a person not appearing on the active taxpayers list if Student Payable exceeds Rs. 200,000/- per annum excluding the amount refundable. Tax deduction certificates will be available on student Zambeel account
- 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. 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.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Activation of Online Application | November 15, 2024 |
| Deadline to submit Online Application | March 11, 2025, 11:59 PM (PKT) |
| Deadline to submit Online Supporting Documents | March 12, 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.
Who is eligible to apply?
The SBASSE PhD application for foreign nationals caters to applicants with a foreign nationality and who currently reside outside Pakistan.
All others applicants (i.e. those who have dual nationality, are Pakistani nationals, or are overseas Pakistanis) are required to apply through the regular admission application.
Who is a foreign applicant?
A foreign national is a person who is not of Pakistani origin and does not possess a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC.
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 online by the submission deadline. A copy of your degree can be submitted later.
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.
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.
Is there 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 receives, it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?
The 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 foreign students?
LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for foreign students.
What are the visa requirements for LUMS as a Foreign National?
Please visit the link for more details https://sbasse.lums.edu.pk/international-students
Whom should I contact in case of assistance required in visa process?
In case of any assistance, you may contact ayesha.ikram@lums.edu.pk
When am I required to apply for visa?
Once admission has been offered, applicants are required to apply for visa as soon as possible in order to avoid any unexpected delays.
Am I required to provide HEC equivalence at the time of application submission?
Foreign applicants are required to submit the equivalence once admitted to the programme
Am I required to take any test?
Applicants, if they wish, may report GRE (general or subject specific) or TOEFL/IELTS scores if they have taken these exams. However, it is not a requirement for the application.
How much will the PhD programme cost me?
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 and a monthly stipend to all PhD students. All LUMS students are entitled to avail health coverage.
Am I allowed to work during my studies at LUMS?
PhD is a full-time programme. However, 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.
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 offer a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend to all PhD students. All LUMS students are entitled to avail health coverage.
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.