Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
BSc (Honours) Political Science
BSc (Honours) Political Science
Overview
The Political Science major at LUMS introduces students to various aspects of the discipline including theoretical debates, methodological innovations and empirical developments with a focus on area studies. The discipline of Political Science is traditionally divided into four major sub-fields: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations (IR) and Political Sociology. The LUMS BSc (Honours) Political Science degree, situated within the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) offers a wide range of courses covering all the sub-fields of the discipline. Furthermore, the structure of the program creates an opportunity for the students to engage with other domains of Humanities and Social Sciences so that they can meaningfully benefit from a broad-based, interdisciplinary liberal arts education at LUMS. Students are thus provided a platform to engage in inter-disciplinary learning by taking courses in Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History and Economics along with the core Political Science requirements.
Starting with introduction to Political Science, Comparative Politics, IR and Political Theory, the program incrementally builds on these foundational courses. The more advanced courses thus situate students within the contemporary debates across the sub-fields. Important themes within Comparative politics such as democratization, nationalism, civil-military relations, civil society, social movements, and governance are covered across several courses offered by the Political Science faculty. The Political Science program also offers a set of courses that explore politics within individual countries such as Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, China and the US. Within the domain of IR, the program attempts to expose students to on-going debates covering theoretical dimensions of international politics, security studies, international conflict and conflict management, diplomacy and regional security. Another innovation within the Political Science major are a set of courses within the domain of diplomacy and foreign policy offered by the practitioners. The practitioners thus bring in a unique perspective through their reflections on conduct of foreign policy beyond theoretical debates. The Political Science major also focuses on providing methodological training to our students by offering courses on qualitative and quantitative research methods. This training is a prerequisite for undertaking Senior Projects.
The Political Science graduates thus leave LUMS with an exposure to various sub-fields of the discipline, a foray into both the theories and methods of the subject and an ability to situate empirical observations within broader theoretical literature. Most of the courses are reading-intensive with a view to train students to critically evaluate the academic literature. Our students have gone on to successful careers in governments, international organizations, academia and civil society. Some of our students have successfully completed graduate studies in various educational institutions of higher learning across the globe. We in the Political Science major aspire to train our students to comprehend and evaluate the political developments shaping our lives through an academic, critical and fair lens.
Structure
Core Curriculum
MGSHSS has a Core Curriculum for its undergraduate studies. The interdisciplinary nature of the Core Curriculum aims to ensure that students graduating from this School with a Bachelor’s degree possess a broad foundation of knowledge and a diverse set of transferable skills. This enables them to emerge as reflective, empathetic, and historically informed individuals, with an understanding of both global and local current issues. The School has created six thematic clusters from which students will be required to take at least one course, each over the duration of the degree. These are:
|
Year 1 |
Arts and Humanities Social and Behavioural Sciences STEM |
|
Year 2 |
Contemporary Debates |
|
Year 3 & 4 |
Great Authors Academic Writing |
The Core Curriculum will be completed over the course of the Bachelor’s degree.
Students are also required to complete 52 credits (13 courses) as part of the programme through a combination of core and elective courses.
Programme Structure
|
Graduation Requirement |
130 Credit Hours |
|
|
University Core |
8 Credit Hours (3 Courses) |
|
|
University Distribution |
Total |
21-28 Credit Hours (7 Courses) |
|
Major Requirement |
Major Cores Major Electives Total |
12 Credit Hours (3 Courses) 40 Credit Hours (10 Courses) 52 Credit Hours (13 Courses) |
|
Free Electives |
Courses can be taken from any area to complete 130 Credit Hours. |
|
Core Courses
3 Core Courses – 12 credits:
- POL 100 Introduction to Political Science
- POL 203 Introduction to Western Political Philosophy
- POL 221 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Elective Courses
10 Elective Courses – 40 credits:
In addition to the compulsory courses, students of this programme are required to complete 10 elective courses in any of the following sub-fields of the discipline. Out of these, no more than one should be at the 100 level and at least three should be at the 300 and 400 levels.
- Political Theory
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- Political Sociology and Political Anthropology
- Political Economy and Public Policy
Admission Criteria
Fall Admission 2025
Local and International Applicants
LUMS is dedicated to enrolling highly accomplished students who possess the potential to make valuable contributions to the learning environment at LUMS and effect positive change in their communities.
Each successful applicant is made an offer for entry into a particular school at LUMS. Applicants for each School are selected on the basis of the programme requirements of that particular school. Applicants should carefully choose the school(s) they apply to, and consider their interests, motivations, academic strengths, and future career paths.
Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria outlined here for the Undergraduate Programme will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Academic Background;
Performance in the Admission Test(s);
Online Application Submission;
Online Submission of Supporting Documents and Fee Payment;
Application Review; and
Interview (if called)
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.
Academic Background
The University is keen to attract students who are not only academically competent but also have the potential to contribute to the learning environment of LUMS. Following are the minimum academic requirements for applicants applying to the Undergraduate Programme:
Applicants with Complete Higher-Secondary Degree
Applicants who have successfully completed their Higher Secondary degree, i.e. FA/ICS/ICOM/FSc/A Level/High School Diploma or International Baccalaureate (IB), are eligible to apply for admission if they fulfil one of the following academic qualifications:
- Successful completion of Matric with 70% marks or above and FA with 65% marks or above/FSc/ ICS/ICOM with 70% marks or above;
- O Level results (in at least 1 8 subjects) with an average grade of at least ‘B’ in all subjects attempted and A Level (in at least three full-credit A Level subjects) with an 2 average of 2 Bs & 1 C grade across best three subjects. The three best subjects cannot include any Advanced Subsidiary subjects, the A Level General Paper, or an A-Level grade less than an E;
- American High School Diploma (HSD) with 70% or above/Grade Point Average of B or above;
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) 3 with at least 28 out of 45 points;
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
- Combination of the above;
- Any other equivalent qualification (minimum acceptable scores will be determined by the Admissions Committee).
If shortlisted for admission, applicants will be given a conditional offer. To join LUMS in Fall 2025, applicants must subsequently meet all the stipulated conditions specified by the Admissions Committee by August 2025.
Note:
Candidates who have registered or taken the exam of a minimum of three full-credit A Level subjects and do not meet the minimum grades requirement (specified above) must improve their grades in order to be eligible for admission. A level exams are held in November and June. To be eligible for admission in 2025, applicants must improve their A-level grades in the November 2024 exams. These applicants will have to go through the entire admission selection process, and their application for Fall 2025 will be re-ranked and reassessed to make the final admission decision.
Candidates who have registered or taken the exam of a minimum of three full-credit A level subjects and do not meet the minimum grades requirement (specified above) and are planning to improve their grades by taking the June 2025 exams are not eligible for the Fall 2025 session.
Candidates who have already completed their Higher secondary degree (FA/FSc/ICS/I.COM/High School Diploma/IB, etc.) and do not meet the minimum marks/grades requirement must improve their marks or grades by November 2024 in order to be eligible for the Fall 2025 session. These applicants will have to go through the entire admission selection process, and their application for Fall 2025 will be re-ranked and reassessed to make the final admission decision.
In addition to meeting LUMS' specified conditions, applicants are required to fulfil the academic credential verification requirements of IBCC, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, or any other relevant authority, including Accreditation Councils.
Applicants admitted to LUMS and later require attestation of their undergraduate degree by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, must adhere to the conditions specified by the HEC for the attestation process. Detailed information on these requirements can be found on the HEC website.
1Minimum subject requirement for O Level may vary regionally and can be checked here.
2Best three (3) A level full-credit subjects will be considered for evaluation.
3Applicants should have science subjects in IB to apply to Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS. Applicants will be required to submit the IBCC equivalence certificate in science subjects for SBASSE. For Chemical and Electrical Engineering, the IBCC equivalence certificate should be equivalent to Pre-Engineering Stream.
Applicants with an Incomplete Higher-Secondary Degree
Applicants who have not registered or taken the final exams of their FA/ICS/ICOM/FSc/A Level (in at least three full-credit A Level subjects) High School Diploma or International Baccalaureate (IB) before the submission of their applications for Fall 2025 and are expecting their final results by August 2025 are eligible to apply for admission if they fulfil one of the following academic qualifications:
- Successful completion of Matric with at least 70% marks or above and FA (Part-1) with 65% marks or above/FSc (Part-1)/ICS (Part-1)/ICOM (Part-1) with 70% marks or above;
- O Level results (in at least 1 8 subjects) with an average grade of at least ‘B’ in all subjects attempted;
- American High School Diploma (HSD) (first year) with 70% or above/Grade Point Average of B or above;
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) (first year) 2 with at least 28 out of 45 points;
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (first year) results
- Combination of the above;
- Any other equivalent qualification (The Admissions Committee will determine minimum acceptable scores)
If shortlisted for admission, applicants will be given a conditional offer and required to complete their degree before the commencement of Fall 2025 classes.
Note: In addition to meeting LUMS' specified conditions, applicants are required to fulfil the academic credential verification requirements of IBCC, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, or any other relevant authority, including Accreditation Councils.Applicants admitted to LUMS and later require attestation of their undergraduate degree by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, must adhere to the conditions specified by the HEC for the attestation process. Detailed information on these requirements can be found on the HEC website.
1Minimum subject requirement for O Level may vary regionally and can be checked by visiting the following link: http://www.ibcc.edu.pk/equivalence.php
2Applicants should have science subjects in IB to apply to Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS. Applicants will be required to submit the IBCC equivalence certificate in science subjects for SBASSE. For Chemical and Electrical Engineering, the IBCC equivalence certificate should be equivalent to Pre-Engineering Stream.
Major Preference
Students may apply for admission to any two schools through a single application. Applicants are required to mention their major preference(s) for BS Programmes at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) and department and major BA/BSc (Honours) Programmes at the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) and the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB) through the LUMS Online Admission Application form.
Students are admitted to a specific school based on merit and availability of seats. At the time of admission, the students are not assigned a major, except those admitted to the BA-LL.B Programme in the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL). For the BA/BSc (Honours) Programmes at the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS), students are admitted into one of the two distinct admission streams (HSS, ECON) according to the preferences chosen by the applicants in the online application.
Allocation of a preferred major cannot be guaranteed at the time of admission. Allocation of a major will be done according to the School’s policy and mainly determined by the student’s preference(s), their academic performance at LUMS and, in the case of MGSHSS, the availability of seats in the major.
Students may request a change in their Programme/School at the end of their first year at LUMS, subject to academic performance and availability of space. However, the concerned department will consider such requests on a case-to-case basis.
Test Requirements
Applicants applying to the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) are required to take One (1) of the following tests in order to be considered for Fall 2025 Admissions:
- SAT; OR
- ACT; OR
- LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT)
- The deadline to take the SAT for the Fall 2025 admissions is March 08, 2025. Applicants can register for the SAT through www.collegeboard.org
- The deadline to take the ACT for the Fall 2025 admissions is April 05, 2025. Applicants can register for the ACT through https://www.act.org
- LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT) will be conducted ONLY ONCE for Fall 2025 admissions at the designated cities of Pakistan. The date of the LCAT administration will be communicated later.
LCAT Guidelines
Please click here to view the LCAT Guidelines.
Important Note
- LUMS will only accept scores of the Admission Test(s) mentioned above for the Fall 2025 applications.
- SAT/ACT taken after the stipulated deadlines will not be considered for the Fall 2025 admissions.
- SAT taken before March 2023 will not be considered for Fall 2025 admissions.
- ACT taken before February 2023 will not be considered for Fall 2025 admissions.
- While registering for the SAT / ACT / LCAT, use your name as it appears on your LUMS Online application and other academic credentials. Using a different name may prevent your scores from matching the rest of your application in our database.
- Official SAT scores of all applicants must be submitted by the testing agency, i.e., ETS, directly to the LUMS Admissions Office. Applicants must request ETS to send a direct report to LUMS. The college code for reporting SAT scores to LUMS is 0513.
- Official ACT scores must be submitted directly to the LUMS Admissions Office by the testing agency, i.e., American College Testing Service (ACT), USA. The college code for reporting ACT scores to LUMS is 7896.
- Applicants are required to report test scores of all attempts through an online application and must submit a copy of the score report(s) to the University. Scores and attempts not reported through the LUMS Online application will not be considered valid for evaluation.
- The best score of a single attempt (SAT and/or ACT) will be considered for application evaluation.
- Applicants are required to submit score(s) of the SAT and/or ACT to the LUMS Admissions Office soon after the announcement of the result. A copy of a “Student Report” should also be uploaded online.
- LCAT Scores will be valid only for One (1) academic year.
- LCAT scores will be used for application evaluation and, hence, will not be disclosed to applicants.
- Applicants taking the LUMS Admission Test(s), and those who have also taken (or are planning to take) the SAT and/or ACT tests are encouraged to submit a copy of their standardized test score report(s) as part of their admission application. A copy of the scores should be uploaded online along with all other supporting documents OR reported directly from the Testing Agency.
Submission
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 Admission Application submission;
- 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 Teacher's Evaluations by the Referees.
Application Processing and Test Registration Fee
- The application processing fee is PKR 10,330.
- The application processing fee is USD 170 for International applicants.
- LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT) Registration Fee is PKR 5,650 (if applicable).
Note:
- Applicants must complete and submit their Online Admission application on or before February 04, 2025, 5:00 PM (PKT).
- Applicants are required to submit Online scanned copies of all supporting documents on or before February 06, 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 March 06, 2025.
Referees must submit completely filled Teachers Evaluation(s)/Letter(s) 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.
Application Review
Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the relevant Committee to finalise the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievements and extracurricular activities and must tell LUMS about their success stories to substantiate their applications.
Interview Performance
Only shortlisted candidates are called for an interview.
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:
- Allied Bank Limited
- Meezan Bank Limited (Customer Code: LUMS)
- Bank Al-Habib Limited
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:
- Allied Bank Limited
- Askari Bank Limited
- Bank Alfalah Limited
- Bank Al-Habib Limited
- Faysal Bank Limited
- Meezan Bank Limited
- Standard Chartered (Only for Online Payments)
Note:
- For making payments through internet banking portals/ATM, students need to have bank account in the respective bank.
- Fee payment through "Pay Orders" is accepted at banks up to two working days prior to the payment deadline. Fee may be paid through Cash Receipts, Online Services and Credit/Debit Cards till payment deadline.
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
Fee Structure for Freshman - FY 2024-25
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 16 | 16 | 32 |
| PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Admission Fee | 151,700 | - | 151,700 |
| Tuition Fee | 593,120 | 593,120 | 1,186,240 |
| Semester Registration Fee | 48,210 | 48,210 | 96,420 |
| General Security | 57,580 | - | 57,580 |
| Total | 850,610 | 641,330 | 1,491,940 |
Hostel Fee
| 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 |
Important Points
- The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 year BSc (Honours) Political Science programme.
- The per credit hour rate for FY 2024–25 is PKR 37,070/-
- Fees are payable by semester according to the schedule given in the Annual Fee bill.
- University fees are usually announced once each year. However, the University reserves the right to change its policies and fee structure at any time.
Refund Policy
To learn more about the University's Refund Policy, please click here.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to submit Online Application | February 04, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT) |
| Deadline to upload supporting documents (Online) and pay the application fee | February 06, 2025 |
| Deadline to submit Financial Aid Application and documents (if applicable) | March 06, 2025 |
| Deadline to take ACT | April 05, 2025 |
| Deadline to take SAT | March 08, 2025 |
| LUMS Admission Test (LCAT) | February 23, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Admission Decisions | April 2025 - July 2025 |
| Commencement of Classes | September 2025 |
Note:
- The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please stay connected to this webpage and the Online Admissions Portal to remain informed of any updates or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements of applying to LUMS Undergraduate programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
How competitive is admission to LUMS Undergraduate Programme?
Admission to the LUMS Undergraduate Programme is highly competitive and the University is able to offer admission to only a small fraction of applicants.
How do we apply to the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB)/Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS)/Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE)/Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL)?
For the programmes offered by SDSB/MGSHSS/SBASSE/SAHSOL, submit an online admission application through the following link: https://admissions.lums.edu.pk
What are the minimum requirements for diploma holders (DAE)?
Applicants with diploma may apply if they have secured minimum 70% marks or above, however, they are required to submit equivalence certificate issued by the IBCC, Pakistan.
What are the main subjects in A Levels in order to get admission in LUMS?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab for details.
Does it affect a student's chance to get into LUMS if he/she has appeared privately over a regular student?
No, applicants are evaluated on their academic grades regardless of the fact whether someone has taken the final exam through a school/college or privately.
Is it possible to transfer credits from another university to LUMS?
Yes, LUMS accepts transfer students from accredited institutions at the undergraduate level. Applicants interested in transfer to the LUMS Undergraduate Programmes should be enrolled in an undergraduate programme in an HEC recognised institution and should have completed one year or expected to complete one year before joining as a full time student. Transfer is offered twice a year before the Fall and Spring semesters respectively.
Please visit the mentioned link https://admission.lums.edu.pk/programmes/transfer for detailed information.
May students who are admitted defer enrolment to another year?
No, attending the first semester at LUMS is compulsory and deferment is not an option for undergraduates.
When do application decisions become available?
All admission decisions taken by the University are final. During admission evaluation process, some applicants are admitted, some are placed on a waiting list and the remaining applicants are denied admission. Acceptances are offered between April to July. For this reason, your admission decision may arrive at a different time from a friend or classmate.
Is there a separate application form for Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB)/Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS)/Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE)/Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL)?
No, by default the LUMS online application system allows you to simultaneously apply for maximum two schools from all four schools i.e. Suleman Dawood School of Business/Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences/Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering/Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law.
Can I apply to more than one school i.e. SDSB/MGSHSS/SBASSE/SAHSOL?
Yes, by default the LUMS online application system allows you to simultaneously apply to Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB)/Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS)/Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE)/Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL). Applicants may choose to apply for admission into any TWO schools (SDSB/MGSHSS/SBASSE/SAHSOL) at LUMS.
How can I give my preferences for SDSB/MGSHSS/SBASSE/SAHSOL through a common application form?
Applicants can mention their major preference(s) for BS programmes at the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), BA/BSc (Honours) programmes at the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS) and BA-LL.B programme at the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) through the online admission application form.
Applications are evaluated according to the preferences mentioned by applicants in this section. Based on the evaluation of each school, applicants are offered the highest preference they qualify for. This means that if an applicant qualifies for more than one school, one is sent an offer from the school of his highest qualified preference. Therefore, it is highly suggested to select school preferences very carefully.
Can I still apply for admission if I have taken A Level retakes?
Yes, an applicant can apply for admission if he/she has appeared in retakes of November 2024, for the application of the year 2025.
Can I submit the retakes results after the submission of the application?
Applicants appearing for the November 2024 retakes must check the result awaiting option in the online application. Applicants must inform Admissions Office about the estimated time period in which the result of any retake exam will be announced.
I have not yet received confirmation email of my online application submission. What should I do?
You should recheck the completion and proper submission of your application form.
Do I need to get an equivalence certificate from IBCC?
Candidates who have either completed or are in the last year of completion of their education which does not lead to Matric/FA/ICS/ICOM/FSc. will be required to get an equivalence certificate from the IBCC, Islamabad, Pakistan. For further information please contact:
The Chairman
IBCC
FBISE Building, H-8/4
Islamabad.
https://ibcc.edu.pk/rules-for-equivalence/
Can Admissions Office return my application documents to me?
Documents sent to the Admissions Office cannot be returned as they are for administrative purposes. Please make sure to keep a copy for your own use before sending the documents to our office.
Do I have to send my transcript translated if it is not in English?
Yes, academic records from international universities if not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation along with other supporting documents
How many ‘Teacher Evaluations’ may I submit?
Minimum two Teacher Evaluations are required.
Who should my recommendations be from?
The recommendation form(s) should be from teacher(s) of your current or last institute. Recommendations from school/college counsellor(s) are not acceptable.
Can Freshmen students begin studies at LUMS during the spring semester?
No, admissions to LUMS takes place once a year and freshmen are admitted to the Fall semester only.
May I request for the application fee refund?
No, after the application submission, the application fee becomes non-refundable.
Is there a waitlist?
Since the number of students who accept our first round of admission offers vary each year, a small number of applicants stay on our waitlist and in case space becomes available after the first round, students on the waitlist are offered a place in the second round.
How many applicants are placed on the waitlist?
The number of candidates placed on the waitlist fluctuates from year to year, depending on the size and quality of the applicant pool.
Are there any specific quotas in admission?
There are no quotas.
Do I need to take an entrance test for admission to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences programme?
Please refer to the following link for details: https://admission.lums.edu.pk/testing-admissions
How can I send the SAT/ACT score if the official report is not available by the documents submission deadline?
If you have not received the SAT/ACT score report by the application submission deadline then upload the Online score report in the test scores section.
Is it compulsory to submit a copy of all SAT/ACT score reports?
Applicants are required to report test scores of all attempts to the University by submitting a copy of the score report(s) and through the online application. The best score of a single attempt reported through the online application will be considered for application evaluation.
I am planning to take SAT in March 2025, when should I apply?
The application submission deadline for all UG applicants for the admission of Fall 2025 is February 04, 2025; 5:00 pm (Pakistan Standard time).
Is there a minimum SAT/ACT score requirement for the applicants?
No, there is no minimum score required for SAT/ACT.
What is the last date to take SAT/ACT for admission for the session commencing August 2025?
Kindly visit the mentioned link for dates and deadlines https://admission.lums.edu.pk/critical-dates-all-programmes
I have taken the old version of the SAT I. Will you accept old SAT I?
No, the old version of SAT I is not acceptable.
I have taken SAT/ACT more than once, what score will be considered for the evaluation?
Best score of a single attempt reported through the online application will be considered for application evaluation.
What is the LUMS Application Processing and Test Registration fee?
- The LUMS application processing fee is PKR 10,330.
- The LUMS application processing fee is USD 170 for International applicants
- LUMS Common Admission Test Registration Fee is PKR 5,650 (if applicable)
How can I submit the application processing and LUMS Test fee (if applicable)?
After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. The mode of payment is given on the fee voucher.
By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration cards to be delivered?
Test Registration Cards will not be mailed. Test cards will be available within the application in printable form Two (2) weeks before the scheduled date of the test.
I have submitted my online application & all the required documents on time, what if I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?
Test cards will be available within the application in printable form TWO weeks before test. If any 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
Does LUMS accept ACT scores?
Yes, LUMS accepts results of the ACT.
Can I change my Test Centre?
Test Centre can only be changed in special circumstances (provided with a reason) and the applicant must inform the Admission Office latest by February 08, 2025. No request later than the specified date will be entertained.
Is it possible to apply after the deadline? What is the late application policy?
Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. There is no late application policy.
How do I inform about a change in the online application?
It is highly recommended to fill out the application form carefully. Changes cannot be made after the submission of online application. In sheer need an applicant can send the updated information to admissions@lums.edu.pk with the specific header "Change in Application Form".
May I appeal my admission decision or ask to have the decision explained?
The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, not all of them 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.
I was unable to take the test on the scheduled date due to personal reasons, who do I need to inform?
If you were unable to take the test, please send an email at admissions@lums.edu.pk stating the details.
Financial Support at LUMS
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 Undergraduate Students:
- 100 Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
LUMS recognizes and rewards academic excellence through the Undergraduate Merit Scholarships. Discover more about Merit Scholarships here. - LUMS Financial Aid
LUMS Financial Assistance combines loan and waiver, covering Tuition and Semester Registration fees, as well as Lab Charges (where applicable). This support ensures that top-ranked students receive the assistance they need to continue their journey at LUMS. Explore LUMS Financial Aid here. - National Outreach Programme Scholarship
The National Outreach Programme (NOP) is a flagship initiative aimed at providing equal educational opportunities to talented yet financially disadvantaged students from across Pakistan. NOP scholars receive full financial support, covering Admission, Tuition, Semester Registration Fees, Lab Charges, Accommodation, Meals, and Stipends, allowing them to pursue a high-quality education at LUMS. Learn more about NOP Scholarship. - External Scholarships
LUMS collaborates with various donors to facilitate our students by offering a range of available external scholarships to support students striving for academic excellence. To be considered, students must meet both the eligibility criteria set by the Donor organization and LUMS. The details of a few external scholarships are given below, for your convenience.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships
LUMS not only recognises students' good academic performance but also distinguishes high achievers by providing them generous Merit Scholarships. If you are a high achiever, LUMS wants you to accomplish everything you possibly can. Exemplary students are selected to receive LUMS Merit Scholarships based on their outstanding academic performance.
First Year
100 Scholarships are available to support the academic aspirations of prospective top ranked undergraduate students based on the LUMS admission evaluation criteria.
For the first year, merit scholarship award covers partial to full tuition fee for One (1) year and is awarded to the top applicants shortlisted for admission in each school. Applicants with high academic credentials are considered for scholarship.
Subsequent Years
The Merit Scholarship covers partial to full tuition fee for One (1) year only and is awarded to the returning batches based on their CGPA ranking and placement on the Dean's Honour List. The number of scholarships in each Programme and class may vary according to the approved policy of that particular academic year.
Note: In case a student qualifies for Financial Aid Award and Merit Scholarship, their scholarship will be adjusted accordingly. These awards are for One (1) year only and cannot be carried forward to subsequent years.
LUMS Financial Aid
Financing a student's education is a commitment involving the student, their family and our institution. We at LUMS gear all our efforts towards assisting top talent within our limited resources. Financial assistance is offered to academically distinguished students with demonstrated need. These awards at the Undergraduate level are available in the form of Waivers and LUMS Interest-Free Loans.
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. Financial Aid fee waiver is not required to be repaid, whilst LUMS Interest-Free Loan will have to be paid back after six (6) months of graduation within a maximum period of five (5) years.
Remember a loan is an obligation and is required to be paid back in instalments after graduation. Repayment of loan not only contributes towards the recirculation of Financial Aid to deserving students but also inculcates social responsibility and ethical values within the students.
National Outreach Programme
At LUMS, we are dedicated to shaping Pakistan’s future by nurturing tomorrow’s leaders. The National Outreach Program (NOP) is at the heart of this mission, striving to eliminate educational inequality by providing access to high-quality education for talented students, regardless of their financial background.
Since its inception, NOP has inducted over 1,561 scholars from across Pakistan, representing diverse ethnicities, beliefs, and backgrounds. More than 1,171 graduates have emerged from this prestigious program, with 60 having received international scholarships to study at world-renowned universities. The program isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a rigorous fellowship that prepares students to excel both academically and as leaders. NOP scholars benefit from specialized resources, engage in skill-building activities, and are encouraged to contribute to their communities during their time at LUMS.
Today, NOP alumni are leaders across the globe, contributing to various fields in highly competitive job markets and entrepreneurial initiatives. Their success reflects the transformative impact of this unparalleled program.
We remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s brightest minds, shaping them into the pillars of the country’s future. To explore how NOP continues to make a difference, click here.
External Scholarships
LUMS collaborates with various donors to facilitate our students by offering a range of available external scholarships to support students striving for academic excellence. To be considered, students must meet both the eligibility criteria set by the Donor organization and LUMS. The details of a few external scholarships are given below, for your convenience.
Maintaining Eligibility
- Financial Aid Award is valid for one (1) year only. Continuation of aid in the subsequent year(s) is subject to the submission of financial aid application, supporting documents and reassessment of financial need.
- Students receiving Financial Aid should maintain a full-time status in a regular semester. Failure to do so will lead to the cancellation of the Financial Aid Award.
- Each year reassessment is carried out and upon re-evaluation of updated facts financial aid is allocated for the subsequent year. In case a student qualifies for financial assistance for his/her entire degree programme, it will cover 140 credit hours for BA/BSc/BS, 145 credit hours for BSc (Electrical and Chemical Engineering), and 175 credit hours for B.A-LLB in order to meet the minimum graduation requirement.
- Financial Aid Award can be increased, reduced or kept the same at any stage of review during your stay at LUMS.
- LUMS reserves the right to physically verify the beneficiary's home/business premises.
- LUMS reserves the right to amend, cancel, or terminate the awarded Financial Aid in case of any misrepresentation or incorrect information provided by the student. Such misrepresentation or concealment of facts may lead to the termination of your admission from the Programme. University also reserves the right to recover the awarded amount during the preceding year(s) from the recipient on an immediate basis.
Mode of Payment
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.