Allama Iqbal Open University AIOU for Overseas Students Complete details
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for Overseas Students – Complete Guide
The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) provides international students and overseas Pakistanis with flexible and affordable distance learning opportunities. Through online programs and study centers abroad, AIOU ensures that education remains accessible no matter where you are in the world.
Below is a detailed overview of AIOU’s eligibility, programs, admission process, fees, exams, recognition, and scholarships for overseas students.
Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Students
AIOU accepts international students and overseas Pakistanis with equivalent qualifications.
- Age Requirement: No age limit.
- Nationality: Open for all, including non-Pakistani nationals.
- Language Requirement: English proficiency may be required in non-English speaking countries.
Program-Specific Eligibility
- Matric (SSC Equivalent): O-Levels/GCSE with at least 45% marks.
- Intermediate (FA/FSc Equivalent): A-Levels/IB or equivalent with 45% marks.
- Bachelor’s (BA, BSc, B.Com): Equivalent to Intermediate (FA/FSc).
- Master’s (MA, MSc, M.Com): Equivalent Bachelor’s degree with minimum 45%. (Some programs may require work experience.)
Additionally, overseas applicants must hold a valid passport and, in some cases, an equivalence certificate.
Programs Offered to Overseas Students
AIOU provides 65+ programs, ranging from Matric to PhD, available via online mode.
Some of the most popular programs for international students:
- Matric / FA Programs
- Bachelor’s Programs (BA, B.Ed, B.Com, BSc, Associate Degrees)
- BS Programs: Islamic Studies, Arabic, Pakistan Studies, Mass Communication, Gender & Women Studies, Library Science, English, Urdu, BBA, Accounting & Finance
- B.Ed Programs: 1.5, 2.5 & 4 years
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Master’s Programs (MA, MSc, M.Com)
- Certificate & Short Courses
MPhil & PhD Programs (in selected disciplines)
Admission Process for Overseas Students
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Confirm required qualification (O/A Levels, IB, etc.).
- Ensure English proficiency (if applicable).
Step 2: Online Registration
- Visit AIOU Website
- Go to Admissions > Overseas Students.
- Fill the online registration form.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Passport copy
- Educational certificates/transcripts
- Equivalence certificate (if required)
- English proficiency certificate (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay Admission Fee
- Payment via credit/debit card or bank transfer in USD.
Step 5: Verification & Confirmation
- AIOU verifies documents.
- Admission confirmation is sent via email.
Step 6: Access Study Materials
- Receive study materials and assignments online.
- Access AIOU’s virtual classroom, LMS, and e-library.
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How to apply in AIOU?
Admission Deadlines:
- Spring Semester: January 15 – February 28
Autumn Semester: July 15 – August 31
For latest updates on admission must watch
When Will AIOU New Admission Open?
AIOU Fee Structure for Overseas Students
- Admission Fee (one-time): $150
- Tuition Fee: Varies by program (payable in USD or equivalent).
💡 Compared to international universities, AIOU’s fees are highly affordable, making it an excellent option for overseas Pakistanis.
Study Centers Abroad
AIOU has established overseas study centers in:
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
These centers assist with admissions, support services, and in some cases, exam facilitation.
Examinations for Overseas Students
Exams are conducted via:
- Designated Overseas Exam Centers
- Online Proctored Examinations
Exam Process:
- Register for exams online.
- Receive exam schedule (email + portal).
- Attempt exams online; answers submitted electronically.
AIOU Degree Recognition Internationally
AIOU is recognized globally due to its memberships and accreditations:
International Recognition
- Recognized by UNESCO
- Member of Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
- Member of Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
- Accredited by Accreditation Council for Distance Education (ACDE)
Country-Specific Recognition
- Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Education recognized
- UAE – MOE recognized
- Oman, Bahrain, Qatar – Accepted by Higher Education authorities
- UK – Recognized by UK NARIC
- USA – Accepted (via equivalency certification)
- Canada – Verified by CICIC
- Australia – Accepted under AQF
Equivalence Certificates Required
- IBCC (Pakistan) – For school-level programs
- HEC (Pakistan) – For higher education degrees
Ministry of Education (Pakistan) – For additional verification
Student Support Services
AIOU provides overseas learners with:
- Online Tutors for guidance
- Digital Study Materials & LMS
- Advisory & Helpline Services
- Email & Phone Support
📧 Overseas Support: ICE@aiou.edu.pk
📞 Helpline: +92-51-111-112-468
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How to Contact AIOU?
Scholarships for Overseas Students
AIOU supports financially deserving and talented international students through:
- Financial Support Scheme (SSF-101)
- Earn to Learn Scheme (SSF-102)
- Merit Scholarships (SSF-103)
- Final Year Project Grants (SSF-105)
- Community Scholarships
Scholarships are need-based or merit-based, and applications can be made via AIOU’s Directorate of International Collaboration & Exchange.
Summary Table: AIOU for Overseas Students
Category | Details |
Eligibility | O/A Levels, IB, SSC/HSSC equivalent with 45%+ marks |
Programs Offered | Matric to PhD (BA, BS, MA, MSc, B.Ed, BBA, Diplomas, Certificates) |
Admission Sessions | Spring (Jan–Feb) & Autumn (Jul–Aug) |
Admission Fee | $150 (one-time) |
Tuition Fee | Varies by program, paid in USD |
Study Centers | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman |
Exams | Online Proctored Exams / Designated Centers |
Recognition | UNESCO, AAOU, COL, UK NARIC, US Dept. of Education, CICIC (Canada) |
Equivalence Needed | IBCC & HEC (Pakistan) for verification |
Student Support | Online tutors, e-library, advisory, helpline, email support |
Scholarships | Merit, Need-based, Earn-to-Learn, Final Year Grants, Community Support |
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