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.
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Admissions are open for the 2027–2028 admission cycle. The last date for submission of applications is December 1, 2026.
Application Eligibility Criteria
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 the University and regulatory body requirements.
Included with the application, candidates will be required to submit an NOC from their employer/department chair/head. The NOC should confirm information of the said application and approval of protected time to complete the degree in a timely manner.
Candidates who are taking long leave to undertake the PhD must provide supporting letters from their home institutions when accepting the programme.
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
|
Nursing 1
| MSN / MScN / MPhil-Nursing degree
|
Population and Public Health
| MS / MPhil / Equivalent in Health Sciences or Public Health degree
|
Nursing 2: Intra-Disciplinary Admissions
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 may apply for admission.
**Examples of relevant disciplines
Public Health; Epidemiology; Biostatistics; Health Professions Education, Education; Health Policy and Management; Healthcare Administration/Hospital Management; Information Technology; Sociology; Psychology; Bioethics; Early Childhood Development; Business Administration with Healthcare/ Leadership emphasis
For further information you can reach us using contact details provided in Admission Information document.
