LUMS National Outreach Program (NOP)

Apply in your 1st year of studies - this gives the best NOP outcome. If you miss 1st year, apply in December of your 2nd year. The portal opens annually from December to February.

At least one is required. LCAT is cheaper and Pakistan-focused. SAT is more expensive but valid for international universities too. If budget allows, appearing in both provides maximum flexibility.

Extremely important - it carries the highest weightage in LUMS admissions. Cover your background, co-curricular activities, challenges, achievements, why you choose LUMS, and your future goals.

Shortlisted NOP candidates attend a summer coaching program at LUMS campus before formal admission. This program covers academic preparation across LUMS subjects, gives you a taste of the university's learning environment, and allows the faculty to evaluate your potential, motivation, and fit. It is not just a test - it is a residential experience during which your performance, attitude, and engagement are all assessed. Students who attend seriously and actively participate have a much higher chance of receiving the full scholarship. Think of it as a month-long extended interview.

LUMS has five schools: (1) SDSB (Suleman Dawood School of Business) - AACSB-accredited business school, strong for Management Sciences and Accounting/Finance (up to 9 ACCA exemptions); (2) SBASSE (School of Science & Engineering) - Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Physics; (3) MGSHSS (Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences) - Economics, Political Science, History, Psychology, Sociology; (4) SAHSOL (Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law) - LLB (law); (5) Education School - education sciences. First year at LUMS is exploratory - you are not locked into a major, which gives you time to confirm the right fit.