NUST vs LUMS: Fees, Entry Tests and Which One Fits You
NUST is a public university with a strong engineering name. LUMS is a private university known for business and liberal arts. They test, admit and charge very differently. Here's the comparison.
By ParhaiKrlo Team · Published 31 Oct 2026 · 3 min read
Updated: 31 October 2026
Pick NUST if you want engineering or computing at a lower fee and a merit list decided mostly by one test. Pick LUMS if you want business, social sciences or liberal arts, and can pay or qualify for aid.
Both are top choices. The real difference is how they admit you and what they cost.
Quick answer
| NUST | LUMS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Public | Private |
| Main test | NET (up to four tries) | LCAT, SAT or ACT (one is enough) |
| How merit works | 75% NET + 15% FSc + 10% Matric | Holistic: no published formula |
| First-year cost, engineering/CS | About Rs 0.5 million | About Rs 2.18 million |
| Known for | Engineering, computing | Business, social sciences, CS |
Admission: a formula vs a holistic review
NUST is a number. Your aggregate is 75% NET, 15% FSc and 10% Matric, and seats go down the merit list. Only your best NET score counts. See how the NUST aggregate works.
LUMS is a judgement. It looks at your test, your grades and the rest of your application, and publishes no weights. Some candidates are called for an interview. Read how LUMS decides admission.
That means a strong NET can carry weak board marks at NUST. At LUMS, a weak FSc is harder to make up with one good test.
Entry tests
- NUST NET-Engineering: 200 MCQs, 180 minutes, Maths, Physics and English, no negative marking. Held as NET-1 to NET-4.
- LUMS LCAT: 2 Verbal and 2 Math sections, 40 minutes each, on paper, no calculator. Held once a cycle: 21 March 2027.
The LCAT feels close to the SAT. NET is closer to FSc textbook questions, done fast.
Fees
| NUST (2026-27) | LUMS (FY 2026-27) | |
|---|---|---|
| One-time admission fees | Rs 45,000 | Rs 243,600 |
| Tuition | Rs 216,750 a semester (engineering) | Rs 45,800 a credit hour |
| First year, CS/engineering | About Rs 0.48 million | Rs 2,182,200 |
NUST's figure is two semesters of tuition plus the one-time and miscellaneous charges, before hostel. LUMS's is from its BS Computer Science table. Full LUMS figures are in our LUMS fee and financial aid guide.
Financial aid
LUMS says 1 in 4 students gets financial support, and its National Outreach Programme can cover everything. NUST offers need-based aid and interest-free loans too, but its fee is low enough that many families manage without it.
Don't rule LUMS out on price alone. Apply for aid by the deadline.
Programmes
- Choose NUST for mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical and other engineering. LUMS offers only a few engineering degrees.
- Choose LUMS for management science, economics, law, humanities and social sciences.
- For CS, both are strong. The choice usually comes down to fee and which test suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NUST cheaper than LUMS?
Yes, by a lot. A first year of engineering or CS at NUST costs about Rs 0.5 million before hostel. LUMS's BS Computer Science first year is Rs 2,182,200.
Which test do I need for NUST and LUMS?
NUST uses NET. LUMS accepts the LCAT, SAT or ACT, and you need only one.
How does LUMS decide admission compared with NUST?
NUST ranks you by a formula: 75% NET, 15% FSc, 10% Matric. LUMS uses a holistic review and publishes no weights.
Can I apply to both NUST and LUMS?
Yes. NET-1 starts in November and the LCAT is on 21 March 2027, so you can prepare for both.
Can you apply to both?
Yes, and many students do. NET-1 starts in November and the LCAT is in March, so prepare for NET first, then switch to LCAT practice.
Start with NUST mock tests and LUMS past papers to see which test you're better at.