Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
MPhil Education Leadership and Management
MPhil Education Leadership and Management
Overview
If you are driven by a passion for learning, and are committed to making a strategic difference in the education sector at the national and international level, the LUMS MPhil Education Leadership and Management (ELM) is the right programme for you. This competitive two-year degree is suitable for candidates who display intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and have balanced academic excellence with co-curricular diversity.
Offered by the Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education (SOE) at LUMS, the programme combines rigorous academics with in-depth practical training enabling students to think critically and innovatively about the educational landscape in Pakistan. Some of the areas explored include education technology, curriculum/assessment, and the politics of education.
As the newest School at LUMS, SOE continues the University’s tradition of academic excellence and world-class facilities, drawing on the experiences and skills of a dynamic group of educators and learners from across Pakistan, and the world. Located at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, the School aims to provide strategic direction to the educational landscape in the country with a long-term vision to develop robust networks across the region.
The programme attracts extraordinary individuals from different backgrounds: classroom teachers, non-profit workers, social entrepreneurs, consultants, corporate employees and more. Despite diverse interests, they all share a common passion: to be a leader of education reform.
Our students hail from all over the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Zhob, Sheikhupura, Gilgit, Nagar, Khairpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Chitral, Kabirwala, Karak, Sukkur, Gujrat, Abbottabad, Alipur, Kot Adu, Arifwala, Mianwali, Mardan, Khushab, Pattoki, Chakwal and Ubauro.
The student body has a wide range of interests in the education sector, for instance curriculum development, education technology, teacher training, early childhood education, accessibility, educational psychology, skills development, special needs education, arts education, and education assessments, among several others.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Merit Scholarships: Merit Scholarships are a form of gift aid and do not need to be repaid. LUMS provides Merit Scholarship Awards to students who have demonstrated their ability to succeed academically. There is no separate application for the scholarship. Students are automatically considered for the award when they apply for admission to LUMS. Merit scholarship awards are awarded to the top students of the admitted batch in school, based on LUMS Admission evaluation ranking. The LUMS SOE financial aid policy states that merit scholarships, awarded at the time of admissions, shall remain in force for the entire two-year duration of the MPhil Education Leadership and Management (ELM) programme. The continuation of the scholarship is conditional on the academic performance of the students and shall only be subject to reassessment in case their academic standing drops below a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Click here for more information.
Structure
The MPhil programme requires the completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours, including 27 credit hours of both taught and field-based interdisciplinary coursework along with 9 credits hours of the Practicum. All students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the end of each semester and at the time of graduation.
Electives
- EDU 512 The Arts and Education (3 credits)
- EDU 522 Inclusive Education: Rethinking the Other (3 credits)
- EDU 523 Cognition and Computers (3 credits)
- EDU 552 Education for Sustainable Development (3 credits)
- EDU 563 Ethnography for Education Policy (3 credits)
- EDU 613 Education for Social Justice (3 credits)
- EDU 614 Reconceptualising Curriculum with the Arts (3 credits)
- EDU 622 Educators’ Seminar Series: Special Topics in Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
- EDU 623 Effective Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (3 credits)
- EDU 624 Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDU 662 Impact Evaluation Methods in Education (3 credits)
- CS 5613 Human Computer Interaction Design (3 credits)
- MBA 6060 Managing Workplace Diversity (1.5 credits)
- MBA 6324 Strategic Management of Non-profit Enterprises (1.5 credits)
Course Break-down
Course Type | Credits | Number of Courses |
| Core | 15 | 5 (3 credits each) |
| Elective | 9 | 3 (3 credits each) |
| Field/Lab/Workshop | 3 | 3 (1 credit each) |
| Practicum Proseminar | 3 | 1 |
| Practicum | 6 | 1 |
| Total | 36 | 13 |
Course Plan
First Semester, Fall | |
EDU 510 Interdisciplinary Theoretical Perspectives on Education | 3 credits |
EDU 540 Leadership: The Politics of Change | 3 credits |
EDU 560 Research Methods | 3 credits |
EDU 590 Observing Schools | 1 credit |
EDU 693 Academic Writing | 1 credit |
Second Semester, Spring | |
EDU 541 School Effectiveness and Development | 3 credits |
EDU 561 Applied Data Analysis | 3 credits |
EDU 562 Data Lab | 1 credit |
Elective 1 | 3 credits |
Third Semester, Fall | |
EDU 690 Practicum Proseminar | 3 credits |
Elective 2 | 3 credits |
Elective 3 | 3 credits |
Fourth Semester, Spring | |
EDU 691 Practicum | 6 credits |
Total | 36 credits |
Admission Criteria
Fall Admission 2025
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the MPhil Education and Leadership Programme.
Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:
Academic Record;
Performance in Admission Test;
Work Experience (if applicable);
Curriculum Vitae (CV);
Letters of Recommendation (2 letters required);
Interview Performance (if shortlisted); and
Submission of complete Online Application, Application Processing Fee, and supporting documents by 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 Record
A minimum of 16 years of education leading to a degree Programme is required for applying to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree of less than four years duration or have earned their Bachelor’s (or Master’s) degree from foreign institutions must provide an equivalence certificate verifying 16 years of education, issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Similarly, applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions not listed with the HEC, Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, please visit: www.hec.gov.pk.
There is no specific major requirement. The nature of the degree is such that it lies beyond specific disciplines; therefore, all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. The aim is to allow students of any other major to learn about the foundations, policies, and methods of the field of Education to be able to contribute to Pakistan's overall education discourse in different ways.
Applicants must provide complete and correct information regarding their academics and test attempts. The application will be evaluated on the basis of information provided at the time of application submission.
Decisions on admission are made after careful evaluation of all applications. Evaluation for interview calls is carried out based on a combination of factors such as academic track record, performance in GRE (General)/GMAT/NTS-GAT/ LGAT, and work experience (if applicable).
Note:
Applicants completing their last degree by June 30, 2025, are also eligible to apply.
LUMS graduating class of 2025 are eligible to apply on the basis of their 7th semester result.
Test Requirement
Applicants are required to take One (1) of the following tests in order to be considered for Fall 2025 admissions:
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT score is valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GMAT taken before April 27, 2020 will not be considered valid for the Fall 2025 admissions. For further details, please visit www.mba.com
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE (General) score is valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GRE (General) taken before April 27, 2020 will not be considered valid for the Fall 2025 admissions. For further details, please visit www.ets.org
NTS GAT (General)
NTS GAT (General) is valid for Two (2) years. Scores of NTS (General) taken before April 27, 2023, will not be considered valid for Fall 2025 admissions. Moreover, a cumulative score of 50 % in GAT (General) is the minimum requirement for admission. For further information www.nts.org.pk
LGAT (LUMS Graduate Admission Test)
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) will be conducted only once for Fall 2025 admissions at the designated cities of Pakistan. LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is comprised of Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections. The LGAT Scores will be valid only for Fall 2025 admissions. The LGAT scores will be used for application evaluation and will not be disclosed to the applicants.
Note:
There is no GRE/ GMAT cut-off score as applicants will be assessed based on their application as a whole.
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 for receiving GRE (General)/ GMAT scores from Pearson and ETS is 0679.
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 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.
Application Processing Fee
- The application processing fee is PKR 4,000.
- LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) registration fee is PKR 2,480.
- The application processing fee is USD 170 for International applicants
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.
Application Review/Interview Performance
Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the relevant committee to finalize the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to provide complete information regarding their academic achievement, research reports, attended workshops, and extracurricular activities, and must tell LUMS about their success stories in order to substantiate their applications.
Performance in Interview
A merit ranking of candidates shortlisted for interviews will be created based on academic performance, work experience (if any), and GRE (General)/GMAT/ NTS GAT (General)/LGAT scores of the applicants. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interviews. Evaluation for interview calls is carried out based on a combination of factors such as academic track record, performance in GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT/LGAT, and work experience.
Work Experience
We embrace a diverse pool of applicants, extending our invitation to individuals across a spectrum of experiences. This includes recent college graduates who may not have full-time work experience, as well as those who have graduated or been in the workforce for some time. Our primary focus is on assembling a cohort of individuals who share a strong passion for driving positive change in the field of education reform in Pakistan.
Evaluation is based on both the quantity and quality of work experience (if applicable). We recognize that experience can take various forms, and our aim is to identify candidates who not only bring a wealth of expertise but also exhibit a profound commitment to making a meaningful impact in the realm of education reform.
Recommendation Letters (2 letters required)
Recommendation letters are essential to the evaluation process, so choose your referees carefully. Select individuals who know you well in an academic or professional capacity and can speak in detail about your qualifications and experiences relevant to the MPhil ELM at SOE. Referees must not be friends, relatives, or acquaintances; letters from these sources won’t be accepted and may result in losing points. Reach out to your referees well in advance, sharing your goals and aspirations to ensure they have ample time and context to write a thoughtful letter. Providing relevant information about your achievements and motivations will also help them prepare a strong recommendation.
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 FY 2024-25
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Admission Fee | 138,130 | - | 138,130 |
| Tuition Fee | 378,100 | 378,100 | 756,200 |
| Semester Registration Fee | 44,020 | 44,020 | 88,040 |
| General Security | 57,580 | - | 57,580 |
| Total | 617,830 | 422,120 | 1,039,950 |
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 MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme.
- 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 | April 15, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT) |
| Deadline to submit Online Supporting Documents and Processing Fee | April 16, 2025 |
| Deadline to submit Financial Aid Application (if applicable) | May 16, 2025 |
| LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) Administration | April 27, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Deadline to take GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General) | April 27, 2025 |
| Completion of Admission Process | July 31, 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 is the admission criteria for the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria tab.
When should I apply, and when is the application deadline?
Please refer to the Important Dates tab.
What is the minimum CGPA requirement for applying in MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme?
There is no minimum CGPA requirement for applying in the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme.
I already have an MA Degree. Can I apply to LUMS?
Yes. We encourage candidates who already have a Masters degree or any other graduate degree to apply. These can be from a variety of disciplines, such as engineering, business or law.
What are my chances of getting a job after I have completed my MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme from LUMS?
LUMS School of Education (SOE) has a substantial partnerships network where students will be doing field placement and residency exercises. Our partners include government institutions, private, non-profit and donor organisations. LUMS SOE is explicitly looking to secure job placements for its graduates at competitive market salaries. We are confident that LUMS SOE MPhil graduates will be in high demand in the education reform, entrepreneurship, edtech, research and policy job circles.
Moreover, over the years LUMS graduates have established themselves as highly marketable individuals with a diverse set of relevant skills. Our SOE graduates will also be adequately skilled for both the professional environment as well as undertaking entrepreneurial ventures. 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 arranges interviews for them. Career fairs, company presentations, and on-campus interviews are some of the efforts in this regard.
My application status says complete, what does that mean?
We have received your application and it is in the process to be reviewed for admission.
I don't have a degree in education. Will this impact my chances for admission?
Prior direct experience in education is not essential, however an understanding of your interest in this programme should be clear. Education is a field with multi-disciplinary overlaps. We welcome applications from candidates with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. Candidates from any background with an interest in the field of education and potential to learn can apply.
May I request for the application fee refund?
No, application fee is non- refundable.
I have a change of address and/or email address and have already submitted my application?
It is very important that you keep our department aware of any address or email change. Please send an email at admissions@lums.edu.pk.
Do you have any age limit for admission to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme?
No, there is no age restriction for admission to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme.
Can I transfer credits from another graduate programme?
Transfer of credits from another programme to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme is not allowed. All admitted students regardless of having an advanced degree will begin the programme as a first year student.
Can I defer admission?
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.
For how long I can defer my admission?
An applicant can defer his/her admission for 2 years by informing LUMS admissions office before the deadline.
What should I write about in my personal statement?
Your Personal Statement should speak to your interest and commitment to the field of education. To help us understand, please discuss the following:
- Discuss specific academic experiences, such as coursework, research projects and/or educational initiatives, that have influenced your decision to pursue an MPhil in Education Leadership and Management. How have these experiences prepared you for this program? (300 words)
- Describe your voluntary/professional and personal experiences related to education. Highlight any significant contributions you have made to your organization or community and explain how these experiences have informed your interest in this program. (300 words)
- What are one or two critical issues in the Pakistani education sector that you feel strongly about? Discuss why are these issues are important to you and how you aim to address them through this program? (350 words)
- Diversity is a core value of our program. Describe how your background, experiences, and perspectives will contribute to the diversity of the MPhil cohort. (300 words)
Can I upload my documents before receiving my GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT result?
You can upload your GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT unofficial score report along with your supporting documents.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Two letters of recommendation are mandatory.
Whom should I ask to submit a recommendation on my behalf?
We recommend that at least one letter should be from a faculty member or an academic who has had reasonable opportunity to evaluate your academic aptitude. A second letter should be from a work or internship setting where your recommender can speak to your professionalism, work ethic and a project that you worked on with him or her. If you do not have any work or internship experience, but have volunteered in your community or at a school, you can ask for a letter from that organisation. We discourage letters from individuals who only know you in a personal capacity (such as friends, family members, etc.).
Do you require any entrance test for admission to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management programme?
The LUMS SOE requires a GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT/LGAT test score.
What is the last date to take GRE (General)/GMAT//NTS-GAT/LGAT (General) for admission for the session commencing September 2025?
The deadline to take the GRE (General)/GMAT/NTS-GAT (General) is April 27, 2025.
LGAT will be conducted on April 27, 2025
What is the minimum score required in GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT for admission?
There is no minimum required score for GRE/GMAT/LGAT. We plan to look at the entire application so that each candidate is evaluated holistically. A low GRE/GMAT score should not be a deterrent to applying.
However, for NTS-GAT, A cumulative score of 50 is a minimum requirement for applying.For how long are the GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT/LGAT scores valid?
GMAT/GRE taken more than five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.
NTS-GAT (General) taken more than two years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.
LGAT is valid for Fall 2025 session only.
How do I submit my NTS-GAT (General) Test Score?
Please upload the online score report in the document checklist section of online application.
How do I register for GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT/LGAT?
Details regarding registration for GRE (General), GMAT and NTS-GAT (General) are given on www.ets.org, www.mba.com and www.nts.org.pk
Applicants can register for LGAT in their online application in the test tab.
What is the application process?
1. Application for admission to the MPhil Education Leadership and Management Programme is an online process (there is no paper-based application to fill out or mail).
2. After creating an online account and accessing the online admission application, you may begin to complete your information in the application form on the website.
3. You can work on your application at any time and submit it when it is ready. Please note that we expect applicants to adhere to the deadlines stated on the LUMS website.
4. The earlier you submit your application the sooner you can upload your documents online. Please download the fee voucher of the application processing fee and pay within the stipulated deadline.
I would like to submit my GRE/GMAT score to LUMS when I take the test. What is the code?
Our GRE/GMAT reporting code from ETS and Pearson’s is 0679.
What if I don't have my GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT scores by the application submission deadline?
GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT score is compulsory for submission of online application. You must submit/mail the copy of unofficial GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT score report as soon as you take the test. However, the official GRE/GMAT/NTS-GAT scores can be submitted later.
Do you interview all applicants?
A merit ranking for interview short listing is established on academic performance, work experience (if any) and admission test scores of candidates. Those who qualify this comparative ranking are called for interview.
What kinds of questions are asked during the interview?
The interview is a key indicator of the potential of MPhil candidates to assume responsibility for advanced education decision-making, particularly in the Pakistani environment. During the interview the Admissions Committee tries to assess the applicant's leadership abilities, communication skills, aptitude for research thinking, and a level of awareness about Pakistani education. Final decision regarding admission is taken after the interview.
Is work experience compulsory?
No, work experience is not compulsory to apply and anyone with a clear understanding of their interest in education will be considered.
I do not have any work experience, can I still apply?
Yes, even if you do not have any work or internship experience you can apply.
I have work experience, can I still apply?
Yes, we value candidates with work experience. We welcome applications from candidates with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. We will be looking for you to demonstrate your potential as a leader and commitment to education while assessing your application.
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, 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 receives, it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?
Admission decisions will be communicated through an official letter; however, you can also check your application status through your online account. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding the application status by telephone or e-mail.
How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?
Applicants can get equivalence through the following process: http://hec.gov.pk
How do I inform about the change in my online application?
It is highly recommended to fill out the application form carefully. No changes can 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".
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 MPhil Programme students:
- LUMS Financial Aid
- Merit Scholarship
- MCB-Student Personal Loan
Merit Scholarship
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.
The Merit Scholarship is awarded to the top talent among admitted students, based on the University’s Merit evaluation. This scholarship covers 100% Tuition Fee. The awarded Merit Scholarship is for the entire Two (2) year duration.
The continuation of the scholarship is conditional on the academic performance of the students and shall only be subject to reassessment in case their academic standing drops below a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0.
MCB - Student Personal Loan
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
Age
Minimum 21 years and maximum 45 years at the time of loan approval.
General Criteria
- Pakistani nationals only.
- At least 50% marks (or equivalent) in the last public examination (i.e. other than admission tests, e.g. GMAT, SAT, LMAT, etc.).
Debt-Equity Ratio
- Maximum 80:20 of admissible educational program cost (such as Admission, Registration, Tuition, On-Campus Residence, and any other part / head / item of the fees that is payable in advance by the student to LUMS).
- Any amount that is refundable by LUMS to the student later on is not covered under the Student Loan program
Loan Amount
Subject to regulatory and internal Bank requirements:
- Maximum PKR one million.
- In accordance with the schedule of fee payment, the above amount shall be disbursed over a maximum of 4 tranches/modules
- The drawdowns for the loans will be based on 2 drawdowns/ academic year.
- Each tranche disbursement would be subject to Bank’s review as per its requirement.
- Disbursement shall be made directly to LUMS on account of the student.
Loan Tenor and grace period
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.
Mark-up Rate
- Markup rate of this facility is: Six-month KIBOR + 0%.
- This rate shall then undergo subsequent resetting on a six-monthly basis on the first working day of every January and July.
- Mark-up accrual shall begin from the day of first disbursement as per the above rates and shall continue on the outstanding principal till the entire repayment of the loan.
Partial / Full Early Payments
No pre-payment charges apply on partial or full prepayments.
Processing Fee
- One time non-refundable processing fee as set by the Bank only at the time of processing of the initial application.
- Any applicable taxes / levies shall be recoverable from the customer / student / borrower.
Minimum guarantees and securities/ collateral
- Personal Guarantee of Parents / Guardian and/or any third party for each loan. At least one Guarantor should be Parent and at least one guarantor should have source and means of income.
- For each loan, assignment of all future incomes of the student to the Bank to the extent of the former’s liability to the latter. In accordance with SBP regulations, loans shall be collateralized through any security /collateral as determined by the Bank for each loan and borrower.
Documentation
- Application Form (pertinent to the relevant tranche) duly signed by the student and parents / guardian and/or third party guarantor(s) (as the case may be) including signed-stamped by concerned LUMS officials.
- CNIC or SNIC Copies of the Student and parent(s) / guardian(s) and/or any third party guarantor(s) as the case may be.
- CF-1 Form / SBP Undertaking.
- One-time activity of opening non-checking collection / repayment account.
- Required legal documentation to be signed by the student & parent / guardian and/or any third party guarantor(s) as the case may be and with regards to various collaterals / securities.
- Any other document as per MCB’s requirement
Other Terms and Conditions
- Student is not allowed to apply for any sort of loan from any financial institution / bank, without seeking prior permission from MCB until the first installment of the MCB Student Loan has been paid.
- If a student gets overseas employment, then his entire remaining personal loan and associated amounts shall become payable immediately to MCB.
- Apart from the above, in cases where the student fails to complete the program due to any reason, or drops out due to unsatisfactory academic performance or otherwise, or commits an act of moral turpitude or crime, the entire loan and associated amounts will become repayable immediately.
- The entire loan and associated amounts will also become repayable immediately if, at any stage, any mis-representation or concealment of facts comes to the Bank’s knowledge.
- Bank reserves the right to demand immediate payment of all outstanding amounts associated with the student loan at any time it deems appropriate.
- In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Bank reserves the right to take all measures and explore all options (which may include but may not be limited to litigation) for collection / recovery of all outstanding amounts associated with the loan from the student / borrower / guarantor(s) and any available collaterals / securities in case of nonpayment / default and/or any non-fulfillment of contractual obligations by student / borrower / guarantor(s)
Maintaining Eligibility
- Financial Aid Award is valid for One(1) year only. Continuation of aid in the subsequent year is subject to reassessment.
- 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.
- Financial aid will not be provided for the Summer Semester.
- 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.
LUMS Financial Aid
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.
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.