Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) is one of Pakistan’s best-known private universities. It is a not-for-profit institution chartered in 1985 and is famous for its business school, its science and engineering school and its generous need-based financial aid. Many intermediate students assume LUMS is out of reach because of cost, but a large number of students study there with financial support. This guide explains the Fall 2027 undergraduate admission process, the test options and how financial aid works. You can also read our LUMS university profile for an overview.
Schools and Undergraduate Programmes
LUMS has four schools offering undergraduate degrees:
- Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB): Accounting and Finance, Management Science.
- Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS): English, History, Comparative Literature, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, and Politics and Economics.
- Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE): Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
- Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law: five-year BA-LLB.
LUMS follows a liberal-arts style system in which students take courses outside their major in the first year, which helps those who are still deciding what to study.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
LUMS publishes minimum eligibility criteria, but meeting them does not guarantee admission because selection is competitive. The examples below apply to most undergraduate programmes:
- Matric and FSc route: at least 75% in Matric and 75% in FSc (or 70% in FA for relevant programmes).
- A-Levels: at least three B grades.
- International Baccalaureate: at least 29 out of 45 points.
Some schools, especially SBASSE, may require specific subjects such as Mathematics or Physics. Students waiting for their final result can apply with predicted or Part-I results, but the final offer depends on the actual result meeting the requirement. Check the programme pages on the official admission site for exact conditions.
Key Deadlines for Fall 2027
LUMS runs one undergraduate admission cycle each year, and the deadlines come much earlier than most public universities. Mark these dates:
| Step | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Online application submission | 20 January 2027 |
| Documents upload and processing fee | 21 January 2027 |
| Financial aid application | 22 February 2027 |
| Last accepted SAT test date | 6 March 2027 |
| Last accepted ACT test date | 10 April 2027 |
The non-refundable processing fee is PKR 12,500 for Pakistani applicants and USD 220 for international applicants. Note that SAT scores from tests taken before March 2025 are not accepted for this cycle. Follow our admissions updates page so you do not miss any date.
SAT, ACT or LCAT: Which Test Should You Take?
Every applicant must submit a standardised test score. LUMS accepts three options, and you only need one of them.
SAT
The SAT is an international test with reading, writing and maths sections. It is held several times a year at centres in Pakistan. It is a good choice if you plan to apply abroad as well, since the same score can be used for many universities. Register early because seats at test centres fill quickly.
ACT
The ACT is another international test covering English, maths, reading and science reasoning. Fewer Pakistani students take it, but LUMS accepts it on equal terms with the SAT.
LUMS LCAT
The LUMS Common Admission Test (LCAT) is the university’s own paper-based multiple-choice test. It has two verbal sections and two mathematics sections, each lasting 40 minutes. The fee is PKR 7,500 and it can be taken only once per admission cycle. LCAT is cheaper and more convenient for students who do not want to register for international tests, but because you get only one attempt, prepare seriously. Our entry tests section has general preparation tips for aptitude-style exams.
How LUMS Makes Admission Decisions
Unlike many Pakistani universities, LUMS does not publish a numeric merit formula or weightage. Decisions are based on a holistic review that considers your academic record, your test score, your personal statement and other information in the application. This means there is no official “closing merit” to compare against, and a merit calculator cannot predict a LUMS result. Focus instead on strong grades, a solid test score and an honest, well-written application.
Fees and Financial Aid
LUMS communicates the exact tuition and other charges to admitted students in their offer package rather than publishing one fixed figure for everyone, so check the official website for the current fee information. The important point for intermediate students is that LUMS has a well-established need-based financial aid system. Aid is awarded on the basis of family financial need, and it can cover a significant part of the cost for deserving students.
- Apply for aid through financial-aid.lums.edu.pk by 22 February 2027.
- Prepare documents such as parents’ income proof, utility bills and property details, as the form asks for detailed household information.
- Applying for aid does not reduce your chance of admission.
- Look for additional national and private scholarships in our scholarships section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the LCAT more than once?
No. The LCAT can be taken only once in an admission cycle. If you want a second chance at a test score, you would need to take the SAT or ACT instead.
Is there a published merit or cut-off for LUMS?
LUMS does not publish numeric merit weightage or cut-offs. Admission is based on an overall review of your application, so there is no fixed percentage that guarantees entry.
Can a student from a middle-income family afford LUMS?
Many do, thanks to need-based financial aid. Submit the financial aid application with complete documents before the deadline, and the university will assess how much support you qualify for.
Compare LUMS with other universities in Pakistan and read more of our student guides before making your final choice.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Deadlines, fees and test policies are set by LUMS and may change. Always confirm on the official LUMS admission website. Last updated: October 2026.