Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
The MBA programme at the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB) at LUMS is as unique as it is transformative. It is focused on creating business leaders with the power to effect positive societal change. It is premised on tackling the complexities of a rapidly evolving world where global shifts, technological change, business model innovations, and novel managerial expertise require the application of extreme business intelligence and the capacity to act quickly. The LUMS MBA empowers men and women to question, re-think and mobilise organisational impact, enterprise performance, and business growth at national, regional, and global levels. Our MBA graduates are recruited by leading organisations in Pakistan and internationally, while many opt to kick-start entrepreneurial ventures of their own.
Our MBA core courses are designed with input from CEOs and senior industry experts to ensure that our graduates demonstrate high knowledge in core business areas, including finance, marketing, and strategy. Through a unique blend of classroom instruction, targeted practice, and constructive feedback, students acquire essential soft skills honing in on high-level communication, public speaking, and the ability to navigate across different organisational cultures.
The programme deploys participant-centred learning inclusive of simulations, role-plays, case studies, and industry visits. MBA students also tackle hundreds of business cases to develop their capacity to make decisions and act across a broad range of situations. Additionally, the MBA provides practical experience based on real-world dilemmas, supported by professional mentorship through the three Experiential Learning components of the programme.
Research and teaching at LUMS truly offers its community ‘Learning Without Borders’ by breaking academic, geographic and socio-economic barriers to make education accessible to all. The University continues to be an intellectual hub, rich with varying perspectives and transformative ideas. With an environment brimming with inclusion, unity, and boundless knowledge, learning continues within and beyond campus walls to develop innovators, leaders and change-makers who can contribute to the community and build strong borderless networks.
MBA 2025 Class Profile | |
Male | 60% |
Female | 40% |
Average Age | 25 years |
Average Experience | 2.5 Years |
MBA 2025 Academic Background | |
Academic Background | % |
Economics | 10 |
Business Management | 26 |
Marketing | 7 |
Engineering | 21 |
Accounting and Finance | 14 |
Computer Sciences | 7 |
International Relations | 1 |
Arts | 1 |
Sciences | 12 |
Law | 1 |
The MBA at the Suleman Dawood School of Business is a two-year programme built on the case method of teaching and a focus on tackling real-world business challenges. A collection of core and elective courses, combined with Experiential Learning through active industry engagement from day one, sets this programme apart as a model for advancement, growth, and success. The Experiential Learning process is grounded in the practical application of reflective thinking to analyse and make impactful decisions. During the MBA, students work on over 800 cases in which they become active learners and decision-makers, developing critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills. They analyse and apply theoretical frameworks to debate and develop arguments and make powerful cases to energise businesses, teams, and entrepreneurial ventures.
LUMS has pioneered the use of the case method in Pakistan. Students work on cases based on actual managerial challenges drawn from real-world examples. They take on the role of decision makers and provide solutions to real life business issues in a classroom setting
SIM develops a strong base for students to help them succeed in the rigorous two-year MBA programme that follows. It builds knowledge and understanding of fundamentals through communication, business, finance, and computer application modules.
The MBA programme at LUMS is completely case based with an Experiential Learning component through active industry engagement. The EL component includes:
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to be considered for admission to the MBA Programme.
Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:
To be considered for admission evaluation, ensure all steps are completed on or before the stipulated deadline.
Note: These are the minimum requirements that applicants need to fulfil in order to be eligible to apply. Fulfillment of these criteria does not guarantee admission to LUMS. Admission decisions made by the University are final.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
* Candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree of less than four years’ duration will be required to produce an equivalence certificate issued by the HEC, Pakistan.
Note:
Applicants completing their last degree or attempting final-year exams by May 30, 2025, are also eligible to apply for Fall 2025 admission.
Applicants are required to take One (1) of the following tests to be considered for Fall 2025 admissions:
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT scores are valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GMAT taken before April 27, 2020, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2025 admission. For further details, visit www.mba.com
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE (General) scores are valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GRE (General) taken before April 27, 2020, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2025 admission. For further details, visit www.ets.org
NTS GAT (General)
NTS GAT (General) scores are valid for Two (2) years. Scores of NTS (General) taken before April 27, 2023, will not be considered valid for Fall 2025 admission. Moreover, a cumulative score of 50 in GAT (General) is the minimum requirement for admission. For further information, visit www.nts.org.pk
LGAT (LUMS Graduate Admission Test)
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) will be conducted only once for Fall 2025 admission at the designated cities of Pakistan. LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) includes Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections. The LGAT Scores will be valid only for Fall 2025 admission. The LGAT scores will be used for application evaluation and will not be disclosed to applicants.
Note:
If the applicant has taken more than one test or attempt, the best score of a single test or attempt will be considered for application evaluation.
The LUMS code to receive official GRE (General)/GMAT scores from Pearson and ETS is 0679.
The admission application will be considered for evaluation after the successful completion of the following Five (5) STEPS by the applicants on or before the stipulated deadlines:
Online submission of scanned copies of required supporting documents;
Submission of an appropriate Application Processing Fee;
Online Submission of Financial Aid Application (if applicable) by the due date; and
Online submission of the Letters of Recommendation by the Referees.
Note:
Applicants must complete and submit their Online Admission application on or before April 15, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT).
Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of all supporting documents online on or before April 16, 2025.
After the successful submission of the Online application, applicants must make the Processing Fee payment by the deadline.
Only applicants who have indicated their intention to apply for LUMS Financial Aid (through the Online Admission Application Form), submitted their admission application, and paid the required application processing fee by the deadline will be granted access to the Financial Aid application. Once these requirements are met, the Financial Aid application tab will be visible on the online admission portal starting February 07, 2025. Applicants must submit their complete Financial Aid application, along with all necessary supporting documents, by May 16, 2025.
Referees must submit completely filled Letters of Recommendation by the given deadline.
Completion of all steps is mandatory. Applications, documents, or fees received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.
Applicants are encouraged to provide complete and correct information regarding their academic achievements, research reports, attended workshops, and extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories to substantiate their applications.
Applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee. Shortlisting for interviews will be done based on the applicant's academic achievement, quality of work experience, and admission test scores. Only short-listed candidates will be called for the interviews.
Application evaluation considers the quality and duration of the Full-time work experience. Candidates are encouraged to have 1 to 2 years of work experience before applying to the LUMS MBA Programme. Preference is given to applicants with prior work experience. However, this is not a mandatory admission requirement.
The Letters of Recommendation should indicate the applicant’s Academic Performance, Commitment to excellence, and their strong aptitude for business education. The recommendations can be made by professionals as well as academic referees.
The modes of payment are as follows:
1. Voucher can be paid through cash, Pay Order and Bank Drafts made in favour of "Lahore University of Management Sciences" at any branch within Pakistan of following banks:
2. For online Credit/Debit card payment, please click here.
3. Vouchers can also be paid through ATM machines and internet banking portals of the following banks:
Note:
Advance Tax:
Through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 by Finance Act 2013, advance tax (under section 236 I) shall be collected @ 5% on the entire amount of fee except refundable portion.
Bank Helpline Numbers
Allied Bank Limited
1. UAN: 111-225-225, Branch contact No: 042-35748308
2. Regional Office: 042-35747603
Meezan Bank Limited
1. Region Office: 92-42-35786207
2. Head Office: 92-21-36406139
Bank Al-Habib Limited
1. Karachi: 92-21-32277231-239, Lahore: 0333-1218430
2. DHA Ph. 5 Branch: 042-37189231 042-37189234
Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Total |
---|---|---|---|
PKR | PKR | PKR | |
Admission Fee | 160,930 | - | 160,930 |
Tuition Fee | 792,360 | 792,360 | 1,584,720 |
Semester Registration Fee | 46,680 | 46,680 | 93,360 |
SOP | 37,250 | - | 37,250 |
Reading Material | 36,490 | 36,490 | 72,980 |
General Security | 57,580 | - | 57,580 |
Total | 1,131,290 | 875,530 | 2,006,820 |
Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
---|---|---|---|
PKR | PKR | PKR | |
Hostel Fee Double Occupancy | 84,830 | 84,830 | 34,930 |
Hostel Fee Triple Occupancy (Bigger room) | 61,760 | 61,760 | 25,430 |
To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.
Activity | Date |
---|---|
Online Application Deadline | April 15, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT) |
Deadline to upload supporting documents (Online) and pay the application fee | April 16, 2025 |
Deadline to submit Financial Aid Application and documents (if applicable) | May 16, 2025 |
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General) | April 27, 2025 |
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) | April 27, 2025 (Tentative) |
Admission Decisions | July 31, 2025 |
Orientation Week | August 19-22, 2025 |
Commencement of Classes | August 23, 2025 |
Note:
There is no CGPA requirement; minimum 16 years of education is compulsory for applying to the MBA programme.
Yes. We do not exclude candidates who already have an MBA or any other graduate degree.
Yes, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or NTS GAT (General) or LGAT score is required for admission to the MBA Programme.
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is offered year round as a computer adaptive test. If you have recently taken the test, you may submit your application with an unofficial score report however, you will need to submit an official GMAT score report to our office as soon as received. There is no minimum required score. A high score does not guarantee anyone's acceptance, nor does a low score preclude it as no minimum score is required. For further details, please log in to www.mba.com.
GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid. However, the NTS GAT (General) is valid for two years.
Details regarding the registration are available on www.mba.com.
Details regarding the registration are available on nts.org.pk.
Details regarding registration are given on www.ets.org.
Our GMAT/GRE reporting code from ETS is 0679.
There is no preference in taking GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General).
We will consider the best scores of a single attempt.
Test Registration Cards and instructions will be visible to the applicant's online application account under "Application Status" tab with an email that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be visible to the applicant's online account one week before the test date.
If an applicant is unable to view his/her Test Registration Card despite completing all the requirements then he/she can write to us at admissions@lums.edu.pk.
In truly exceptional circumstances the Admissions Committee may grant a deferral. All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case to case basis.
An applicant can defer his/her admission for 1 year.
Applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee. Interview shortlisting will be done based on the applicant's academic achievement, quality of work experience, and admission test scores. Only short-listed candidates will be called for the interviews..
No, there is no age restriction for admission to the MBA programme.
Given the structure of the curriculum, we only offer fall admission.
Applicants who applied last year can reapply the following year for admission. In addition, they must submit an online application form, official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an updated work experience letter. All materials including the application fee are due by the application deadline.
It is highly recommended that applicants fill out the application form carefully. Changes cannot be made after the submission of online application. In extreme circumstances an applicant can send the updated information to admissions@lums.edu.pk with the specific header ‘Change in Application Form’.
Over the years LUMS graduates have established themselves as highly marketable individuals with a diverse set of relevant skills. Our MBA graduates are adequately skilled for both the professional environment as well as undertaking entrepreneurial ventures. Our students are recruited by some of the leading organizations of Pakistan. They are offered excellent positions and normally at prominent salaries. Our Career Development Office provides substantial assistance to students in seeking placements for internships as well as regular jobs. The Office helps them in resume writing as well as job search skills development and also arranges interviews for them. Career fairs, company presentations and on-campus interviews are some of the efforts in this regard.
Minimum two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
We recommend that at least one should be from a supervisor in your professional career. The other letter can be from a faculty member who can evaluate you academically. Referees must not be friends, relatives, or acquaintances; letters from these sources won't be accepted and may result in losing points. Your referees will receive an email within 24 hours once you submit your application. Please inform your referees to check your spam/junk folder if they have not received the email.
Transfer of credits from another programme to the LUMS MBA programme is not allowed. All admitted students regardless of having an advanced degree will begin the programme as a first year student.
We consider many factors in the admissions selection process therefore, it is impossible to predict one's chance of admission without reviewing a complete application. You can review a class profile on our website if you like to benchmark your statistics against current LUMS MBA students.
We welcome applications from people with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. We will be looking for you to demonstrate your potential as a leader and consider your professional experience and past performance while assessing your application.
Yes, you can apply. Preference is given to people who have some work experience. Candidates having an exceptional academic track record complemented by a very high test score with the experience of a few months are also considered for admission.
We do not have an absolute requirement for years of work experience although at least two years is preferred. However, applicants with less experience who demonstrate exceptional maturity and outstanding leadership through their personal experiences will also be considered.
No, you can submit only one application in an academic year for the MBA programme.
We only accept applications submitted electronically. This allows us to process your application more quickly. It also allows you to keep informed of the status of your application throughout the process by checking it online.
Admission decision will be communicated through courier service; however, you can also check your application status through your online account under "Admission Status" tab. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding the application status by telephone or e-mail.
The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive; it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Applicants completing their last degree by May 30, 2025 are eligible for applying in Fall 2025 Admissions.
A foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS as an International applicant. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani will not be considered as an International applicant.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan is an independent, autonomous, and constitutionally established institution of primary funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting the higher education efforts in Pakistan. HEC is responsible for formulating higher education policy and quality assurance to meet the international standards as well as providing accrediting academic degrees, development of new institutions, and uplifting of existing institutions in Pakistan.
International students can get equivalence through the following process: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/Pages/default.aspx
LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for international students.
LUMS is committed to making high-quality education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. Our Financial Aid Programme offers a wide range of support options, designed to facilitate students who demonstrate both high academic achievement and financial need.
Financial Aid awards are assessed each year, considering academic performance, demonstrated financial need, available resources, and university policies. While LUMS endeavours to provide substantial financial assistance within its available resources, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources to complement the aid provided by the university.
LUMS strives to enable students to pursue their educational and professional goals without financial barriers, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and academically vibrant community.
The following financial support options are available for SDSB Graduate Programme students:
LUMS Financial Aid Programme not only supports students with financial challenges but also attracts top-ranked students, ensuring that the university upholds its commitment to academic excellence by providing opportunities for the brightest minds.
LUMS aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education, nurturing an inclusive and academically vibrant community where academically distinguished students can realize their full potential and achieve their professional aspirations. At the Graduate level, Financial Aid is provided in the form of an Interest-Free Loan.
To be considered for LUMS Financial Aid, applicants must submit their financial aid application along with all required supporting documents by the application submission deadlines. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be eligible for financial aid assessment for the 2025-26 academic year.
This support can cover part or all of a student’s Tuition and Semester Registration fees and is assessed annually, considering academic performance, financial need, available resources, and prevailing university policies to ensure ongoing assistance that aligns with each student’s circumstances.
Repayment begins six months after graduation, with a flexible repayment period of 3 to 5 years, allowing students to transition smoothly into their careers. While LUMS is committed to offering substantial financial assistance, students are encouraged to explore additional external funding sources to supplement the aid provided by the University.
At LUMS, academic excellence is highly valued, and the university is committed to supporting students who demonstrate outstanding performance in their studies. The Merit Scholarship at LUMS is designed to reward students who have demonstrated high academic achievement by providing them with financial support.
There is no separate application process for this scholarship. Applicants with high academic credentials are considered for scholarships.
For the 1st year, the merit scholarship is awarded on the basis of one of the following criteria:
The Merit scholarship covers partial tuition fees for One (1) year only and is awarded to the top-ranked students from the returning batches based on their academic performance.
LUMS is committed to making education accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds. The Women’s Scholarship supports this mission by offering a pathway for high-achieving women to pursue advanced degree programs, helping to bridge gender gaps in business education and leadership. Beyond financial assistance, recipients join a network of mentors and peers, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and a shared vision for future leaders.
The aim of the Women's Scholarship is to foster, celebrate and advance women’s leadership in business. By tapping highly talented young women, we hope to contribute towards building the future of not only their families but also their communities. This scholarship will support female candidates to pursue higher education on merit and will increase the number of women joining the Graduate Programmes of the Business School. 50% tuition fee waiver will be awarded to women admitted on high merit under the SDSB Women's Scholarship initiative.
This Scholarship will groom female managers and leaders of business; dramatically changing the managerial landscape of Pakistan. As these women assume leadership roles in organisations across the country, there will be a change in the culture of these organisations.
The University has tried its level best to raise funds to ensure that no deserving candidate is turned away from the Programme due to insufficient funds. Since its inception, external donors have played an immense role in achieving this milestone.
There are a number of named scholarships available for graduate students. LUMS supporters include individuals and organisations from all over the world. These scholarships can potentially help students cover the costs of education and related expenses (i.e. books, accommodation and living). The eligibility depends upon a number of factors, all of which are specified by the donor who offers the scholarships.
LUMS has entered into an agreement with MCB Bank Limited through which MCB Bank provides commercial loans to Executive MPhil students.
The commercial loan facility is pivotal for students who are currently financially unable to afford the cost of tuition and living facilities. This is one of the first ventures of its kind in Pakistan and demonstrates LUMS' commitment towards providing equal educational opportunities to its students.
All loans are subject to the Bank’s internal approvals and MCB Bank reserves the right to approve/disapprove a loan based on its internal assessment. In case a loan is not approved, students will be required to provide the total fees and expenses of the education themselves.
Click here for the MCB Loan Term Sheet
Minimum 21 years and maximum 45 years at the time of loan approval.
Subject to regulatory and internal Bank requirements:
Installment repayments will commence six months after the completion of study period (up to 30 months).
Total tenor of repayment of the loan (post education period) to not exceed 7 years, including the grace period.
No pre-payment charges apply on partial or full prepayments.
LUMS consistently strives to make its educational programmes accessible to talented students regardless of their ability to pay. We are proud to be the only institute in Pakistan offering the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) through which students can benefit from our highly experiential MBA programme.
Under this scholarship scheme, the University in collaboration with ADB-JSP provides ADB’s developing members in Asia and the Pacific to pursue postgraduate studies in management at the Suleman Dawood School of Business.
To apply for the ADB scholarship, applicants are required to provide their consent once they are shortlisted for admissions.
Please visit the link shown here for detailed information.
For detailed information on scholarship disbursement, click here.
To be eligible for the ADB-JSP scholarship, all applicants must also meet the LUMS MBA admission requirements. For details regarding LUMS MBA Programme, please explore more. In order to know MBA application deadlines, please visit our Academic Calendar.
In case of any query, please write to LUMS Office of Financial aid at helpdeskofa@lums.edu.pk
Voucher can be paid through cash, Pay Order and Bank Drafts made in favour of "Lahore University of Management Sciences" at any branch within Pakistan of following banks.