• Programme Information
• Admissions Information
• PhD Fee Structure
• Application Package
• Instructions for Completing the Application
• Research Interest Guidance
• Information Request Form
• Contact Information

PhD Programme

Instructions for Completing the Application

Note: You can also download a printable copy of these Instructions in PDF. The document contains a convenient "Application Checklist" and is 118KB in size. You will require Adobe Reader to view and print the PDF document.

Application Form

• Please write your name on each page in the blanks provided and staple together all the pages before submission.

• Please complete the form in CAPITAL LETTERS using blue or black ink.

• The form should be completed in full and continuation sheets should be used if necessary.

• You must attach TWO recent colored photographs of yourself.

Degrees & Transcripts

Please provide photocopies of the following certificates, degrees and transcripts or mark sheets:

• Secondary School Certificate/O' Levels or equivalent diploma

• Higher Secondary Certificate/A' Levels or equivalent diploma

• Bachelor's Degree

• Master's Degree

• Any Other

You may include photocopies of any relevant awards or diplomas to support your academic and extracurricular achievements.

Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a Personal Statement of 250 - 500 words in which they should discuss their reasons for applying to the AKU-IED's PhD Programme in Education.

Research Interest

Applicants must submit a Research Interest Statement (500 - 700 words) that clearly outlines their intended area of research.

Letters of Reference

All applicants must submit THREE confidential letters of reference from individuals who are well acquainted with your academic work and professional experience. Preferably, one reference should be from an academic person familiar with your academic work and the second one from someone familiar with your professional work.

English Language Test

Candidates shortlisted after the AKU-IED English Language Proficiency Test will also be required to appear for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in their locality. If applicants have already taken the IELTS or the Test of English as a Foreign English (TOEFL), they can also send in their scores to support their application. However, TOEFL will not be considered replacement for the AKU-IED English Language Proficiency Test or IELTS. All candidates will need to appear for the AKU-IED English Language Test and only shortlisted candidates will be expected to appear for the IELTS test once they are notified.

Application Processing Fee

For Residents in Pakistan

A non-refundable application fee of Pak Rs 700/- payable in cash or bank draft in favour of "Aga Khan University" to a bank in Karachi.

For Overseas Applicants

A non-refundable fee of US$30 or its equivalent in Pakistani rupees, payable in cash or a bank draft in favour of "Aga Khan University" to a bank in Karachi.

Submitting the Application

The application form with the required documents / materials should be sent in one envelope to:

Academic Administration
Aga Khan University
Institute for Educational Development
1-5 Block 7 F. B. Area
Karimabad PO Box 13688
Karachi 75950
Pakistan