Office of Admissions
LUMS DHA, Lahore Cantt. 54792, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3560 8000 Ext.: 2177
PhD Management
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 Programme Structure - Four Years
YEAR 1
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
Streams:
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Streams:
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YEAR 2
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
Streams:
Comprehensive Exam - A |
|
YEAR 3
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
|
|
YEAR 4
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
|
|
Note:
Additionally, the candidate will also have to meet the following conditions to graduate:
- Journal Paper, International Conference, Two Seminars
- 30 Credit Hours of Coursework and Minimum 3.0 CGPA
- 30 Credit Hours of Research Work
Admission Criteria
Fall Admission 2025
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;
- Submission of complete online application, application processing fee and supporting documents by the stipulated deadline;
Application Review; and
- Interview (if called)
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 or attempting final-year exams by May 30, 2025, are also eligible to apply for Fall 2025 admission.
Test Requirement
Applicants are required to take One (1) of the following tests in order to be considered for the 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
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 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 10,330.
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 on or before April 16, 2025.
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 2024-25
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours | 9 | 9 | 18 |
| PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Admission Fee | 138,130 | - | 138,130 |
| Tuition Fee | 412,470 | 412,470 | 824,940 |
| Semester Registration Fee | 44,020 | 44,020 | 88,040 |
| General Security | 57,580 | - | 57,580 |
| Total | 652,200 | 456,490 | 1,108,690 |
Hostel Fee
| Particulars | Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PKR | PKR | PKR | |
| Hostel Fee Double Occupancy | 84,830 | 84,830 | 34,930 |
| Hostel Fee Triple Occupancy (Bigger room) | 61,760 | 61,760 | 25,430 |
Important Points
- The above breakdown of fee structure is for Year 1 of the 4 year PhD programme.
- The per credit hour rate for FY 2024–25 is PKR 45,830/-
- 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 15, 2025, 5:00 pm (PKT) |
| Deadline to submit online supporting documents and Processing Fee | April 16, 2025 |
| Deadline to take GMAT/GRE (General) | April 27, 2025 |
| Admission Decisions | July 31, 2025 |
| Commencement of Classes | August 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
Do I need to take any admission test?
Applicants are required to take either GMAT or GRE General.
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 scores valid?
GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.
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?
Admission decisions will be communicated via courier service and updated in your online application under "Admission Status" tab. Regretfully, we are unable to provide the final application status by telephone or e-mail inquiry.
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".
Financial Support at LUMS
LUMS provides funding to PhD students in terms of Scholarships and Research Assistantships. The University’s policy is to admit students purely on merit.
The PhD Programme 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
- The scholarship is for four (4) years, to meet the minimum graduation requirement of the Programme.
- 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.
Several additional places on a fee-paying basis are available for applicants passionate to pursue their academic career in the PhD Management Programme. Working professionals are encouraged to apply.
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.