LUMS has announced a new endowed scholarship in memory of one of its most loved teachers. The Dr. Zaeem Jafri Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in collaboration with the Jafri family, will strengthen the university's National Outreach Programme (NOP) — the flagship initiative that brings talented students from every corner of Pakistan to LUMS regardless of what their families can afford.

Quick facts: Announced 3 July 2026 · MoU signed by Dr. Abida Zaeem Jafri and LUMS Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema · Supports the National Outreach Programme (NOP) · For deserving students from across Pakistan.

Who was Dr. Zaeem Jafri?

Dr. Zaeem Jafri served LUMS from 1996 to 2009 as Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dean of Mathematics, and Director of Student Affairs. Generations of LUMS students remember him as a teacher who cared about them beyond the classroom. "Zaeem Sahib always cared deeply for his students," said his wife, Dr. Abida Zaeem Jafri, at the signing — "we are immensely grateful to have established this fund in his honour."

Why this matters: LUMS is expensive, NOP changes that

LUMS is one of Pakistan's top private universities — and one of its most expensive, with fees in the range of Rs. 6.5–10 lakh per semester for undergraduate programs. For most Pakistani families that is simply out of reach.

That is exactly the gap the National Outreach Programme exists to close. NOP identifies high-achieving students from underserved districts and backgrounds, prepares them through a summer coaching session, and — if they clear the admission process — funds their entire LUMS education: tuition, hostel, meals, books, even a monthly stipend. Every rupee added to funds like this one means more seats that talent can win regardless of income.

Can you apply to this scholarship directly?

No separate application is needed for this specific fund — it feeds into the NOP pool. What you should do is apply to the NOP itself. The typical route:

  • Matric/O-Level students: Keep your grades high — NOP looks for top performers (usually 80%+ or equivalent).
  • After Intermediate Part 1 / A-Level year 1: Apply for the NOP Summer Coaching Session through the LUMS website — this is the main entry door.
  • Clear the process: Successful summer-session candidates get application-fee waivers, SAT/LUMS entrance test prep support, and — on admission — the full funding package.

Details and forms are on the official LUMS NOP page — and the original announcement is here on the LUMS website.

Not aiming for LUMS? Other need-based options

  • Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship — full tuition at public universities for low-income families
  • HEC Need-Based Scholarships — available at most HEC-recognized universities
  • IBA Karachi's National Talent Hunt Program — IBA's equivalent of NOP

See our full guide: Top Scholarships for Pakistani University Students in 2026, and use the Fee Calculator on TaleemPK to see what a scholarship would save you at any of 270 universities.

Sources: LUMS official announcement (3 July 2026). Fee figures from TaleemPK's LUMS profile — see the full LUMS page for programs, merit and fee details.