PhD in Molecular Life Sciences

PhDDoctoralHealth Sciences

About This Programme

A research doctorate, with competitive merit-based funding, in molecular life sciences (60/72 credits), with tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.

Course Highlights

  • Research spans protein biochemistry, cell signaling and cancer biology, biotechnology, virology and endocrinology
  • Includes clinical microbiology, drug development and delivery, and computational systems biology
  • 60 credits entering with a master's or 72 for direct entry from a bachelor's, built around an original dissertation
  • Competitive merit-based PhD scholarships: a full or partial tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend for admitted researchers

What You'll Study

Research doctorate: coursework + comprehensive exam + dissertation; competitive merit-based funding (a full or partial tuition waiver, plus a monthly stipend)

Coursework

  • Required coursework and PhD seminar
  • Comprehensive / qualifying examination

Research Areas

  • Protein Biochemistry
  • Cell Signaling and Cancer Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Virology
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Drug Development and Delivery
  • Computational Systems Biology

Dissertation

  • Doctoral Dissertation

Entry Requirements

Academic: A relevant master's degree with a CGPA of at least 3.25/4.00 (or direct entry from a bachelor's with at least 3.50 and a GRE quantitative score >=150). Applicants submit two reference letters, a statement of purpose, a research statement and a CV, and complete an interview.
English: TOEFL iBT 91 or IELTS Academic 6.5.

PhD scholarships are competitive and merit-based: awards may carry a full or partial tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, whose amount Khalifa University does not publish, with an Abu Dhabi pension for UAE nationals. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee an award.

Careers

Graduates move into academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, molecular diagnostics, and life-sciences research institutes.

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

UAE CAA (Ministry of Education)

Programme Details

Award

PhD in Molecular Life Sciences

Start Date

August 2026 (Fall)

Typical Offer

Master's CGPA >=3.25/4.0 (or direct-entry bachelor's >=3.5 + GRE quant >=150) + TOEFL 91 / IELTS 6.5

Duration

4 years

Qualification

Doctorate

Subject Area

Health Sciences

Campus

Abu Dhabi

Course Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Study Pattern

Full time

Delivery Format

In person

Tuition Fee

AED 95,000/yr

Apply online via ku.ac.ae with transcripts, references and a statement of purpose. Scholarships are assessed automatically at admission. Master's awards may cover tuition in full or in part and carry no stipend; PhD awards are competitive and merit-based, and may carry a full or partial tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend whose amount Khalifa University does not publish.

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