Gomal University offers a structured 3-year Ph.D. in Microbiology, administered through the Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences under its Biological Sciences programs. Admission requires a qualified M.Phil./M.Sc. (Hons) or equivalent in Microbiology or related disciplines, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00 (or first division) and a passing score of 70% in GAT‑Subject or the GU entry test.

However, in 2020, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) halted enrollment in the university’s Ph.D. programmers—including Microbiology—citing deficiencies in faculty expertise, research facilities, and course quality. These programmers were suspended until significant structural reforms were implemented.

Assuming reinstatement, the Ph.D. path would combine advanced coursework and seminars with independent thesis research under faculty supervision, focusing on specializations such as molecular microbiology, industrial or environmental microbiology, immunopathogenesis, or food microbiology. Research is supported by facilities within the Institute of Microbiology and collaboration with KP livestock and dairy departments and field resources at the university’s farms and wildlife facilities.

Graduates, after their thesis defense, are prepared for careers in academic research, diagnostics, biotechnology industries, public health agencies, and potentially international or governmental roles. The university’s commitment to meeting HEC quality benchmarks aims to strengthen research capacity and doctoral training in the coming years.