The PhD programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at Aga Khan University is central to its mission of producing research-based knowledge that is relevant to the developing world and which will have impact. With this aim in view, a graduate programme in Health Sciences was implemented at AKU in October 1999.
The PhD in Health Sciences programme is accredited by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan. This is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programme with four specialities / streams.
Admissions have closed for 2026-2027 admission cycle. The last date for submission of applications was March 19, 2026 for Nursing stream and February 10, 2026 for other streams.
Eligibility Criteria
Following is the eligibility criteria applicable for 2026-2027 admission cycle.
Candidates must have 18 years of education including a MS/MPhil or equivalent degree in relevant field based on a minimum of 30 credits after 16-years of education.
A minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the Semester System) or First Division – 60% (in the Annual System) in MS / MPhil / FCPS / FRCP / equivalent degree is required.
The University may request for additional documents to better understand and evaluate applicant’s eligibility as per University and regulatory body requirements.
Discipline
| Minimum Eligibility Requirement
|
Biological Sciences
| MS / MPhil / Equivalent degree in Biology / Botany / Zoology / Genetics / Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Plant Science / Biotechnology or related discipline
|
Clinical Sciences
| MBBS with FCPS / MS / MPhil / Equivalent degree
|
Population and Public Health
| MS / MPhil / Equivalent in Health Sciences or Public Health degree
|
Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Stream
Route 1: Direct Route (Applications closed on February 10, 2026)
Candidates must have 18 years of education including a MS/MPhil in Nursing degree based on a minimum of 30 credits after 16-years of education.
A minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the Semester System) or First Division – 60% (in the Annual System) in MS / MPhil / FCPS / FRCP / equivalent degree is required.
Route 2: Intra-disciplinary Route (Applications currently open)
Applicants holding a Baccalaureate in Nursing (BScN/ Post RN) and a Master’s degree from an HEC recognized institution in a discipline (other than Nursing) but relevant** to nursing education, research, advanced practice, leadership, or health systems will be eligible to apply for admission to the PhD in Nursing programme.
A minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the Semester System) or First Division – 60% (in the Annual System) in MS / MPhil / equivalent degree is required.
Please refer to this Booklet for information on Nursing Stream. For further information you can reach us using contact details provided below.
