UHS opens PhD, MPhil admissions to allied health graduates under revised rules

LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore has announced admissions to its Fall 2026 postgraduate programmes, including 12 PhD disciplines, 16 MPhil disciplines and three Master's programmes, alongside a revision of its admission regulations that broadens access to advanced studies for graduates from allied health sciences, pharmacy and other relevant academic backgrounds.

The policy change, approved by the university's Syndicate, moves beyond the previous limitation of postgraduate admission opportunities to candidates holding MBBS and BDS degrees. Under the revised regulations, graduates with relevant qualifications in Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy and other disciplines will also be able to apply for specified MPhil and PhD programmes, provided they meet the prescribed academic and programme-specific eligibility requirements.

The development creates additional opportunities for graduates across the health sciences to pursue postgraduate qualifications and research, while encouraging academic work that draws on expertise from different disciplines. It also broadens the pool of potential researchers and postgraduate scholars beyond the traditional medical and dental pathways.

Importantly, the revised policy does not mean that every graduate is eligible for every programme. Admission will remain subject to the relevant qualification requirements and criteria prescribed for individual disciplines.

12 PhD disciplines open for admission

UHS is offering doctoral admissions in 12 disciplines for Fall 2026. These include:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Forensic Medicine
• Forensic Sciences
• Haematology
• Histopathology
• Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Medical Education
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

The range covers foundational biomedical sciences, laboratory-based disciplines, medical education and specialist areas of health research. The inclusion of these fields provides prospective doctoral candidates with opportunities to pursue advanced academic work across several branches of medical and health sciences.

16 MPhil programmes available

The university has also announced admissions to 16 MPhil disciplines:

• Anatomy
• Behavioural Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Pathology
• Forensic Medicine
• Forensic Sciences
• Haematology
• Histopathology
• Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Microbiology
• Oral Biology
• Oral Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

The MPhil list includes both laboratory and clinical science-related disciplines, as well as Oral Biology and Oral Pathology. The expanded eligibility framework is particularly relevant to candidates from allied health and pharmacy backgrounds seeking postgraduate academic and research opportunities in disciplines for which their qualifications meet the university's requirements.

Three Master's programmes also offered

In addition to its PhD and MPhil admissions, UHS is offering three Master's programmes:

• Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE)
• Master of Sciences in Nursing (MSN)
• Master in Public Health (MPH)

Together, these programmes cover health professions education, nursing and public health, providing postgraduate pathways in areas that support healthcare education, professional practice and population health.

The university's announcement lists these Master's programmes as part of the Fall 2026 admission cycle. The specific eligibility provisions for the revised MPhil and PhD admission regulations should not be assumed to apply identically to these Master's programmes; candidates should consult the relevant programme requirements before applying.

UHS Fall 2026 admission schedule

The online application process will begin on November 9, 2026, and candidates will have until November 23 to submit their applications.

The university has announced the following schedule for the admission process:

All postgraduate admission tests will be held on Sunday, November 29. Candidates will be able to download their roll number slips from the university's website beginning November 25.

Interviews will take place according to a schedule to be announced by the university. The first programme-wise merit lists are scheduled for December 21, while second merit lists, if required, will be published on December 28.

Classes across the postgraduate programmes are expected to commence on January 4, 2027.

What prospective applicants should consider

For graduates interested in postgraduate study, the revised regulations make the 2026 admission cycle particularly relevant. Candidates from allied health sciences, pharmacy and other related disciplines who may previously have considered themselves outside the conventional MBBS and BDS admission pathways should review the revised eligibility provisions and identify the programmes for which their academic qualifications are recognised.

Applicants should check the specific entry requirements for their intended discipline, including the accepted prior qualification and any additional academic conditions. Meeting the broader eligibility provisions does not, by itself, guarantee admission; candidates must still complete the prescribed admission process and satisfy the relevant merit and selection requirements.

With applications opening on November 9 and the deadline falling on November 23, prospective students have a limited period to review programme requirements and complete their submissions.

The Syndicate-approved change marks an expansion in the academic pathways available through UHS postgraduate education. By extending eligibility for specified MPhil and PhD programmes to relevant graduates beyond medicine and dentistry, the university is opening further opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and research across Pakistan's health sciences sector.

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