Aga Khan University PhD in Health Sciences Applications Open in Pakistan: Last Date 1 December 2026

Aga Khan University opened applications for its PhD in Health Sciences on 12 October 2026. The last date is 1 December 2026. The application fee is Rs 9,000, the entry test is on Saturday 30 January 2027, and classes start in January 2028. You apply online at aku.edu/apply-online.

The programme is for people who already hold an MS or MPhil. AKU asks for 18 years of education, a CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 (or a first division with 60 per cent), and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer. We read AKU's PhD page, key dates page and graduate admission details on 14 October 2026.

Applications opened on 12 October and close on 1 December 2026

AKU's key dates page shows the PhD in Health Sciences window as 12 October to 1 December 2026, for the 2027 to 2028 cycle. The entry test is on 30 January 2027. Interviews are expected between April and August 2027, and classes begin in January 2028.

The window is about seven weeks. AKU does not list a late round for this degree, so treat 1 December as final. The application fee is Rs 9,000 for applicants from Pakistan and US$ 165 for applicants from non-residential countries. AKU's fee note says the fee is not refundable.

You need an MS or MPhil with a CGPA of 3.0

AKU asks for 18 years of education, including an MS, MPhil or equivalent of at least 30 credits taken after 16 years of education. The minimum is a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a semester system, or a first division with 60 per cent in an annual system.

The degree has four streams. Each has its own entry rule, shown in the table below. Doctors in the clinical stream need an MBBS with an FCPS, MS, MPhil or similar degree. If you plan to use an overseas or dual degree, check that it is recognised first. Our guide on dual, double and joint degrees explains the HEC NOC rule. A medical qualification should also be on the PMDC recognised postgraduate list.

There is also an intra-disciplinary route in nursing. A candidate with a BScN or Post-RN degree and a master's degree from an HEC recognised institution in a field relevant to nursing may apply. AKU lists public health, epidemiology, health policy, bioethics and education as examples.

An employer NOC and protected time are part of the file

Your application must include an NOC from your employer, department chair or head. AKU says it must confirm the details of your application and approve protected time so you can finish the degree on schedule. A candidate taking long leave must show supporting letters from the home institution.

This catches working doctors and lecturers late, because an NOC can take weeks. Ask for it now. The PhD is accredited by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which matters if you want the degree to count for promotion. Documents that need attestation should go through the genuine HEC portal, so read how to tell the real HEC attestation site from a fake one.

AKU also publishes project lists for the biological sciences and the population and public health streams. Look at them before you apply, because your research interest should match a supervisor's project. The page says lists for clinical sciences and nursing were not yet posted when we looked.

The steps below follow AKU’s online process. AKU asks you to apply online and not to send hard copies at first.

1. Ask your employer for the NOC that approves protected time.
2. Create an account at aku.edu/apply-online and choose the PhD in Health Sciences.
3. Pick your stream and read the project list for it.
4. Upload your degrees, transcripts and reference letters, and pay Rs 9,000.
5. Submit before 1 December 2026 and prepare for the 30 January 2027 test.

Other AKU graduate programmes have different dates

The PhD is not the only graduate degree with open dates. AKU lists MPhil and PhD in Education, which close on 5 January 2027, and a group of master's degrees that open on 13 December 2026 and test on 3 July 2027.

If you want funding rather than a self-paid seat, the HEC also runs research and placement schemes. Two examples are the HEC IPFP placement for fresh PhDs and the IRSIP research visit abroad. AKU's fee sheet for the PhD mentions merit-based tuition waivers, but we could not read the amounts clearly, so ask the registrar.

Common questions about the AKU PhD in Health Sciences

What is the last date to apply for the AKU PhD in Health Sciences?

The last date is 1 December 2026. Applications opened on 12 October 2026 for the 2027 to 2028 cycle.

How much is the application fee?

The fee is Rs 9,000 for applicants from Pakistan. It is US$ 165 for applicants from AKU's non-residential countries.

When is the AKU admission test?

The test is on Saturday 30 January 2027. Interviews are expected from April to August 2027.

Do I need an MS or MPhil to apply?

Yes. AKU asks for 18 years of education, including an MS, MPhil or equivalent, with a CGPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 or a first division.

Do I need an employer NOC?

Yes. AKU asks for an NOC from your employer or department head that approves protected time to complete the degree.

How we verified this

What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.

Last checked 14 October 2026. Dates, fee, eligibility and streams come from AKU's PhD in Health Sciences admissions page and its key admission dates page at aku.edu. We have not applied or sat the test. Dates for interviews are marked expected by AKU and may change. Check the page again before the closing date.