PhD Management

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PhD Management

Overview

The PhD Management at the Suleman Dawood School of Business is an interdisciplinary programme that provides exposure to global best practices and training in rigorous research methods, while focusing on social impact both in a specialised local context and in terms of the global economy. Our PhD graduates have the expertise to use theory and empirical research to solve complex challenges in public, private and non-profit sectors in Pakistan and abroad. Our graduates stand out as forward-thinking leaders in their domains in academia, international think tanks, and the development sector.

Programme features:

A world-class curriculum
Access to the latest research on real-world issues and solutions
Global linkages through international faculty and conferences
Rigorous research training

Specialisation in three broadly defined, exhaustive disciplines:

Organisational Behaviour and Strategy
Finance
Operations Management

Structure

PhD Management Programme Structure (Organisational Behaviour & Strategy)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Applications of Psychology in Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Strategic Management (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Qualitative Research Methods Course (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Organisational Behaviour (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Structural Equation Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Human Resource Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Organisation Theory (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam B

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

PhD Management Programme Structure (Operations Management)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Economic Theory (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Operations & Supply Chain Strategy (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Qualitative Research Methods Course (3 credit hrs) Decision Behaviour (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Structural Equation Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Technology and Innovation Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Production & Supply Chain Analysis (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

PhD Management Programme Structure (Finance)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Economic Theory (3 credit hrs) Mathematical Modelling (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Investment Theory and Financial Markets (3 credit hrs) Corporate Finance (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Time Series Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Financial Intermediation and Regulatory Framework (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Islamic and Corporate Finance (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars
Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

Admission Criteria

Fall Admission 2026

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to be considered for admission to the PhD Management Programme.

Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:

Academic Record;
Performance in the Admission Test;
Research Statement (Research Statement Template);
Two Letters of Recommendation;
Online Application Submission;
Online Submission of Supporting Documents and Fee Payment; 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 Record

A minimum of 18 years of education is required for applying to the PhD Management Programme.

Applicants are required to have obtained their Undergraduate and/or Graduate degrees related to Management, including but not limited to Economics, Accounting, Finance, and Operations. We welcome applications from other fields as well, especially from Social Sciences and Engineering, but such applicants may be required to complete some non-credit coursework.

Applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions that are not listed with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, visit: www.hec.gov.pk

As a minimum academic performance, all applicants must have obtained a CGPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or First Division (60% in the annual system) in their Master’s degree (MPhil/MS/Equivalent).

Note:

Applicants completing their last degree by May 30, 2026, are also eligible to apply for Fall 2026 admission.

Test Requirement

Applicants are required to take One (1) of the following tests to be considered for Fall 2026 admissions:

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
GMAT scores are valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GMAT taken before April 26, 2021, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2026 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 26, 2021, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2026 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 26, 2024, will not be considered valid for Fall 2026 admission. Moreover, a cumulative score of 60 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 2026 admissions at the designated cities of Pakistan. The LGAT Scores will be valid only for Fall 2026 admissions. The LGAT scores will be used for application evaluation and will not be disclosed to the applicants.
The LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is designed to assess applicants’ proficiency across three key areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Reasoning. While the exact number of questions may vary, the Verbal section typically includes around 30 multiple-choice questions, the Quantitative section consists of approximately 20 questions, and the Analytical Reasoning section contains about 15 questions. Each section is allocated approximately 40 minutes. All questions are presented in a multiple-choice format. Sample questions for the LGAT will be available on the website by mid-January 2026.

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 GMAT/GRE (General) is offered as a Computer adaptive test worldwide. The LUMS code to receive official 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 four (4) 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; and
Online submission of the letters of recommendation by the referees.

Application Processing Fee

The application processing fee is PKR 11,500.
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) registration fee is PKR 3,000.
The application processing fee is USD 200 for international applicants.

Note:

Applicants must complete and submit their Online Admission application on or before April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm (PKT).
Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of all supporting documents on or before April 15, 2026.
After the successful submission of the Online application, applicants must make the Processing Fee payment by the deadline.
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

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.

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of two (2) Letters of Recommendation are compulsory for applying to the PhD Management Programme.

Research Statement

To complete the application process for the PhD Programme, applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal. The PhD dissertation is a substantial undertaking involving empirical research, and its primary objective is to advance the existing body of knowledge within the academic management community on a specific subject of interest.

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

The PhD programmes at LUMS are fully funded for 4 years of education. Additionally, PhD candidates are given a monthly stipend as per University policy.

Students are required to pay general security (refundable) at the time of admission.

Fee Structure for FY 2025-26

Particulars	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Total
Credit Hours	9	9	18
	PKR	PKR	PKR
Admission Fee	149,460	-	149,460
Tuition Fee	464,040	464,040	928,080
Semester Registration Fee	47,630	47,630	95,260
General Security	62,300	-	62,300
Total	723,430	511,670	1,235,100

Hostel Fee

Particulars	Fall 2025	Spring 2026
	PKR	PKR
Hostel Fee Double Occupancy	91,790	91,790
Hostel Fee Triple Occupancy (Bigger room)	66,820	66,820

Important Points

The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 year PhD programme.
The per credit hour rate for FY 2025–26 is PKR 51,560/-
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
Online Application Deadline	April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm (PKT)
Deadline to upload supporting documents (Online) and pay the application fee	April 15, 2026
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General)	April 26, 2026
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT)	April 26, 2026 (Tentative)
Admission Decisions	July 31, 2026
Commencement of Classes	August 2026

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

Do I need to take any admission test?

Applicants are required to take either GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General) or LGAT

I would like to submit my GMAT/ GRE score to LUMS when I take the test. What is the LUMS code?

Our GMAT/GRE reporting code from ETS is 0679

For how long are the GMAT/GRE/NTS GAT/LGAT scores valid?

GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid. NTS GAT is valid for two years. LGAT is valid for one admission cycle.

Can I check the equivalency of scores from GRE (General) to GMAT?

Equivalency of scores can be checked by using this link https://www.ets.org/content/dam/ets-org/pdfs/gre/gre-bschool-comparison-tool.xlsx

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me and when will my referees receive the email?

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.

How many letters of recommendation should I submit?

Minimum two (2) letters of recommendation are required.

Do you have any age limit for admission to the PhD Management programme?

No, there are no age restrictions for admission to the PhD Management programme.

May I apply using the paper application and send paper materials?

No, our system for reviewing applications is completely online so we must receive your application electronically using our online application service.

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

What is the application process?

Application for admission to the PhD Management programme is an online process (there is no paper-based application to fill out or mail).

After creating an account and accessing the online admission application you may then begin to complete your application.

You can work on your application at any time and submit it when you are ready. Please note that we expect applicants to adhere to the deadlines stated on the LUMS website.

After submission, you may print a copy for your own use.

How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?

The final admission decision will be available on your online admission portal. Regretfully, we are unable to share any information regarding your application status via telephone or email.

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.

Who is considered an international applicant?

A foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS under its International Student Programme. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani are not eligible to apply through LUMS International Student Programme.

What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

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 uplift of existing institutions in Pakistan.

How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

International students can get equivalence through the following process: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/Pages/default.aspx

What is the total fee of PhD Management programme? Do you offer any stipend to the students?

PhD Management is a fully funded Programme for 4 years. All students are entitled to a monthly stipend.

Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?

LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for International students.

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".

How do I register for NTS GAT (General)?

Details regarding the registration are available on nts.org.pk

Is there any preference by LUMS in attempting GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General)?

There is no preference in taking GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General).

If I take GMAT/GRE/ NTS GAT (General) more than once, do you consider my highest score?

We will consider the best scores of a single attempt.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards of LGAT?

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.

I have submitted my online application & all required documents on time but I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?

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.

If I provide you with my GMAT/GRE/ NTS GAT (General) score or GPA etc., can you tell me my chance of admission?

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 PhD Management students.

Is attestation from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan mandatory?

Only applicants shortlisted for admission are required to submit HEC-attested Bachelor's transcript/degree and Master's transcript/degree (if applicable) to the Admissions Office. For details on the attestation process, please visit https://hec.gov.pk.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards to be delivered?

Test Registration Cards and instructions will be posted to the applicants' admission portal secure online application account and an email message will alert applicants that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be posted on applicants' online account one week before the test date.

LUMS Funding

LUMS provides funding to PhD students in terms of Scholarship and Research Assistantships. The University’s policy is to admit students purely on merit, regardless of their financial status or background.

The PhD Programmes at LUMS offers a fully-funded scholarship which covers the following:

Admission Fee
Tuition fees
Semester Registration fee
Monthly Stipend subject to the approval of the Supervisor (Max. 48 instalments)

The scholarship is for four (4) years to meet the minimum graduation requirement of the Programme, i.e. 60 CHs.
The payment of allowances admissible under the Scholarship shall be made subject to complete adherence to all rules and regulations governing the scholarship and satisfactory performance within the allocated degree Programme.

Teaching Assistantships are another opportunity that may be available to doctoral students for additional financial assistance, subject to faculty approval. If a student receives funding from another source, the said amount of fee waiver and/or scholarship allowance given by LUMS would be adjusted accordingly. Please note that the fee waiver and/or scholarship funding is approved initially for one year and is renewable based on academic performance.

Overview
Overview

The PhD Management at the Suleman Dawood School of Business is an interdisciplinary programme that provides exposure to global best practices and training in rigorous research methods, while focusing on social impact both in a specialised local context and in terms of the global economy. Our PhD graduates have the expertise to use theory and empirical research to solve complex challenges in public, private and non-profit sectors in Pakistan and abroad. Our graduates stand out as forward-thinking leaders in their domains in academia, international think tanks, and the development sector.

Programme features:

A world-class curriculum

Access to the latest research on real-world issues and solutions

Global linkages through international faculty and conferences

Rigorous research training

Specialisation in three broadly defined, exhaustive disciplines:

Organisational Behaviour and Strategy

Finance

Operations Management

Structure

PhD Management Programme Structure (Organisational Behaviour & Strategy)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Applications of Psychology in Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Strategic Management (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Qualitative Research Methods Course (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Organisational Behaviour (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Structural Equation Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Human Resource Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Organisation Theory (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam B

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

PhD Management Programme Structure (Operations Management)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Economic Theory (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Operations & Supply Chain Strategy (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Qualitative Research Methods Course (3 credit hrs) Decision Behaviour (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Structural Equation Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Technology and Innovation Management (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Production & Supply Chain Analysis (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

PhD Management Programme Structure (Finance)

YEAR 1

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Foundation of Management Research (3 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – I Regression Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – II Multilevel Models (1.5 credit hrs) Economic Theory (3 credit hrs) Mathematical Modelling (3 credit hrs)	Quantitative Research Methods – III Causal Models (1.5 credit hrs) Quantitative Research Methods – IV Machine Learning Models (1.5 credit hrs) Investment Theory and Financial Markets (3 credit hrs) Corporate Finance (3 credit hrs)

YEAR 2

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Quantitative Research Methods – V Time Series Models (1.5 credit hrs) Pedagogy (1.5 credit hrs) Seminar in Financial Intermediation and Regulatory Framework (3 credit hrs) Seminar in Islamic and Corporate Finance (3 credit hrs)	Comprehensive Exam

YEAR 3

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Proposal Defence	Work on Dissertation

YEAR 4

Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Work on Dissertation Final Review by PhD Programme Committee	Journal Publication Dissertation Reviewed by Two International Reviewers Public Defence of the Dissertation

Note:

In addition, the candidate must meet the following conditions to graduate:

One graduate elective (3 credit units - 2 MBA half-courses also allowed) may be taken during the second or third semesters of their programme, with the supervisor’s advice.
Journal publication, international conference presentation, and two seminars
Coursework: 30/33 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 3.0
Research work: 27/30 credit hours

Admission Criteria
- Admission Criteria
  Admission Criteria
  Fall Admission 2026
  Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to be considered for admission to the PhD Management Programme.
  Admission is purely merit-based and rests solely on the following criteria:
  Academic Record;
  Performance in the Admission Test;
  Research Statement (Research Statement Template);
  Two Letters of Recommendation;
  Online Application Submission;
  Online Submission of Supporting Documents and Fee Payment; 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
  
  Academic Record
  A minimum of 18 years of education is required for applying to the PhD Management Programme.
  Applicants are required to have obtained their Undergraduate and/or Graduate degrees related to Management, including but not limited to Economics, Accounting, Finance, and Operations. We welcome applications from other fields as well, especially from Social Sciences and Engineering, but such applicants may be required to complete some non-credit coursework.
  Applicants who have obtained their degrees from institutions that are not listed with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, will be required to obtain an Equivalence Certificate from the HEC. For further information, visit: www.hec.gov.pk
  As a minimum academic performance, all applicants must have obtained a CGPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or First Division (60% in the annual system) in their Master’s degree (MPhil/MS/Equivalent).
  Note:
  Applicants completing their last degree by May 30, 2026, are also eligible to apply for Fall 2026 admission.
- Test Requirements
  Test Requirement
  Applicants are required to take One (1) of the following tests to be considered for Fall 2026 admissions:
  Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  GMAT scores are valid for Five (5) years. Scores of GMAT taken before April 26, 2021, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2026 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 26, 2021, will not be considered valid for the Fall 2026 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 26, 2024, will not be considered valid for Fall 2026 admission. Moreover, a cumulative score of 60 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 2026 admissions at the designated cities of Pakistan. The LGAT Scores will be valid only for Fall 2026 admissions. The LGAT scores will be used for application evaluation and will not be disclosed to the applicants.
  The LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) is designed to assess applicants’ proficiency across three key areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Reasoning. While the exact number of questions may vary, the Verbal section typically includes around 30 multiple-choice questions, the Quantitative section consists of approximately 20 questions, and the Analytical Reasoning section contains about 15 questions. Each section is allocated approximately 40 minutes. All questions are presented in a multiple-choice format. Sample questions for the LGAT will be available on the website by mid-January 2026.
  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 GMAT/GRE (General) is offered as a Computer adaptive test worldwide. The LUMS code to receive official GRE (General)/GMAT scores from Pearson and ETS is 0679.
- Submission
  Submission
  The admission application will be considered for evaluation after the successful completion of the following four (4) 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; and
  Online submission of the letters of recommendation by the referees.
  Application Processing Fee
  The application processing fee is PKR 11,500.
  LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT) registration fee is PKR 3,000.
  The application processing fee is USD 200 for international applicants.
  Note:
  Applicants must complete and submit their Online Admission application on or before April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm (PKT).
  Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of all supporting documents on or before April 15, 2026.
  After the successful submission of the Online application, applicants must make the Processing Fee payment by the deadline.
  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
  
  Application Review/Interview Performance
  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.
  Letters of Recommendation
  A minimum of two (2) Letters of Recommendation are compulsory for applying to the PhD Management Programme.
  Research Statement
  To complete the application process for the PhD Programme, applicants must submit a comprehensive research proposal. The PhD dissertation is a substantial undertaking involving empirical research, and its primary objective is to advance the existing body of knowledge within the academic management community on a specific subject of interest.
- Admission Support

Fees

The PhD programmes at LUMS are fully funded for 4 years of education. Additionally, PhD candidates are given a monthly stipend as per University policy.

Students are required to pay general security (refundable) at the time of admission.

Fee Structure for FY 2025-26

Particulars	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Total
Credit Hours	9	9	18
	PKR	PKR	PKR
Admission Fee	149,460	-	149,460
Tuition Fee	464,040	464,040	928,080
Semester Registration Fee	47,630	47,630	95,260
General Security	62,300	-	62,300
Total	723,430	511,670	1,235,100

Hostel Fee

Particulars	Fall 2025	Spring 2026
	PKR	PKR
Hostel Fee Double Occupancy	91,790	91,790
Hostel Fee Triple Occupancy (Bigger room)	66,820	66,820

Important Points

The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 year PhD programme.
The per credit hour rate for FY 2025–26 is PKR 51,560/-
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.

Financial Aid
LUMS Funding
LUMS provides funding to PhD students in terms of Scholarship and Research Assistantships. The University’s policy is to admit students purely on merit, regardless of their financial status or background.
The PhD Programmes at LUMS offers a fully-funded scholarship which covers the following:
Admission Fee
Tuition fees
Semester Registration fee
Monthly Stipend subject to the approval of the Supervisor (Max. 48 instalments)
The scholarship is for four (4) years to meet the minimum graduation requirement of the Programme, i.e. 60 CHs.
The payment of allowances admissible under the Scholarship shall be made subject to complete adherence to all rules and regulations governing the scholarship and satisfactory performance within the allocated degree Programme.
Teaching Assistantships are another opportunity that may be available to doctoral students for additional financial assistance, subject to faculty approval. If a student receives funding from another source, the said amount of fee waiver and/or scholarship allowance given by LUMS would be adjusted accordingly. Please note that the fee waiver and/or scholarship funding is approved initially for one year and is renewable based on academic performance.

Important Dates

Activity	Date
Online Application Deadline	April 14, 2026, 5:00 pm (PKT)
Deadline to upload supporting documents (Online) and pay the application fee	April 15, 2026
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General)	April 26, 2026
LUMS Graduate Admission Test (LGAT)	April 26, 2026 (Tentative)
Admission Decisions	July 31, 2026
Commencement of Classes	August 2026

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.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take any admission test?

Applicants are required to take either GMAT/GRE (General)/NTS GAT (General) or LGAT

I would like to submit my GMAT/ GRE score to LUMS when I take the test. What is the LUMS code?

Our GMAT/GRE reporting code from ETS is 0679

For how long are the GMAT/GRE/NTS GAT/LGAT scores valid?

GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid. NTS GAT is valid for two years. LGAT is valid for one admission cycle.

Can I check the equivalency of scores from GRE (General) to GMAT?

Equivalency of scores can be checked by using this link https://www.ets.org/content/dam/ets-org/pdfs/gre/gre-bschool-comparison-tool.xlsx

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me and when will my referees receive the email?

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.

How many letters of recommendation should I submit?

Minimum two (2) letters of recommendation are required.

Do you have any age limit for admission to the PhD Management programme?

No, there are no age restrictions for admission to the PhD Management programme.

May I apply using the paper application and send paper materials?

No, our system for reviewing applications is completely online so we must receive your application electronically using our online application service.

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

What is the application process?

Application for admission to the PhD Management programme is an online process (there is no paper-based application to fill out or mail).
After creating an account and accessing the online admission application you may then begin to complete your application.
You can work on your application at any time and submit it when you are ready. Please note that we expect applicants to adhere to the deadlines stated on the LUMS website.
After submission, you may print a copy for your own use.

How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?

The final admission decision will be available on your online admission portal. Regretfully, we are unable to share any information regarding your application status via telephone or email.

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.

Who is considered an international applicant?

A foreign national who is not of Pakistani origin and does not have a Pakistani passport/NICOP/CNIC is eligible to apply to LUMS under its International Student Programme. Applicants holding dual nationality out of which one is Pakistani are not eligible to apply through LUMS International Student Programme.

What is the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

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 uplift of existing institutions in Pakistan.

How do I get equivalence from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan?

International students can get equivalence through the following process: https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/Pages/default.aspx

What is the total fee of PhD Management programme? Do you offer any stipend to the students?

PhD Management is a fully funded Programme for 4 years. All students are entitled to a monthly stipend.

Does LUMS offer campus accommodation to international students?

LUMS provides a well-maintained residential environment for International students.

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".

How do I register for NTS GAT (General)?

Details regarding the registration are available on nts.org.pk

Is there any preference by LUMS in attempting GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General)?

There is no preference in taking GMAT or GRE or NTS GAT (General).

If I take GMAT/GRE/ NTS GAT (General) more than once, do you consider my highest score?

We will consider the best scores of a single attempt.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards of LGAT?

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.

I have submitted my online application & all required documents on time but I am unable to view my Test Registration Card?

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.

If I provide you with my GMAT/GRE/ NTS GAT (General) score or GPA etc., can you tell me my chance of admission?

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 PhD Management students.

Is attestation from Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan mandatory?

Only applicants shortlisted for admission are required to submit HEC-attested Bachelor's transcript/degree and Master's transcript/degree (if applicable) to the Admissions Office. For details on the attestation process, please visit https://hec.gov.pk.

By which date should applicants expect their Test Registration Cards to be delivered?

Test Registration Cards and instructions will be posted to the applicants' admission portal secure online application account and an email message will alert applicants that the Test Registration Card has been posted. It will be posted on applicants' online account one week before the test date.

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.

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