LAHORE: The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has won the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2026 in the category of Outstanding Support for Students, earning international recognition for its efforts to expand access to higher education for talented students from diverse backgrounds across Pakistan.
The award highlights LUMS’ long-standing commitment to addressing structural inequalities that limit access to educational opportunities. Furthermore, it acknowledges the university’s mission to create pathways for deserving students to achieve academic and professional success regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances.
At the heart of this achievement are two key initiatives: the National Outreach Programme (NOP) and the Student Success Initiative. Together, these programmes help students gain admission to the university and provide support throughout their academic journey.
The National Outreach Programme serves as LUMS’ flagship access initiative. Through this programme, university teams engage with students, teachers, and families in economically disadvantaged and geographically remote areas nationwide. In 2024 alone, outreach teams visited 276 schools across 90 cities and towns, encouraging high-potential students to pursue higher education opportunities.
Students selected through the programme participate in a summer preparatory session on campus before applying for admission. However, candidates must still secure admission on merit to join the university.
Comprehensive Support Helps Students Thrive
Once admitted, eligible students receive full financial assistance covering tuition and living expenses. In addition, the Student Success Initiative offers academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, counselling, wellbeing services, career development programmes, alumni guidance, and community-building activities.
As a result, many NOP scholars and graduates have gone on to build successful careers in technology, finance, entrepreneurship, education, academia, development, and public service. Their accomplishments reflect LUMS’ broader vision of empowering talented individuals to transform their own lives while contributing positively to their communities and the nation.
