Which Courses are offered by Allama Iqbal Open University AIOU? complete details
Courses Offered by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is Pakistan’s largest public sector distance-learning university, headquartered in Islamabad (Sector H-8). Established in 1974, it was the first institution in South Asia to introduce the open and distance education system. Today, AIOU serves over 1.4 million students annually across Pakistan and abroad through its regional campuses, online platforms, and flexible learning programs.
The university offers a wide range of academic and professional courses, starting from Matriculation (Secondary School Certificate) up to Ph.D. level research programs. These programs are designed under different faculties, online learning platforms, and short-term skills development initiatives to meet the needs of modern learners.
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General Distance Learning Programs Offered by AIOU
AIOU provides accessible programs for every level of education:
- Matriculation & Intermediate Programs: Humanities, General Science, and Commerce streams.
- Undergraduate Degrees (BS / Associate Degree Programs): BS (4 years) in multiple disciplines and Associate Degrees in Arts, Education, and Commerce.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): Offered in 1.5-year, 2.5-year, and 4-year formats as per HEC guidelines.
- Master’s Programs: MA, MSc, MBA, M.Ed. (being gradually replaced by BS/MS programs under HEC policy).
- Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD): Available in Education, HRM, Business Administration, and related fields.
Certificate & Short Courses: Computer Basics, Arabic Language, Teaching Methods, Library Science, and Islamic Studies.
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Arabic & Islamic Studies
This faculty is dedicated to promoting Arabic language proficiency and Islamic knowledge at all levels.
- Certificate in Arabic Language
- Diploma in Arabic Language
- BS Arabic
- MA Arabic
- MPhil Arabic
- PhD Arabic
- Certificate in Islamic Studies
- Diploma in Islamic Studies
- BS Islamic Studies
- MA Islamic Studies
- MPhil Islamic Studies
- PhD Islamic Studies
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Education
Since teacher education is one of AIOU’s strongest domains, it offers multiple flexible B.Ed. and M.Ed. pathways.
- B.Ed. (1.5 years)
- B.Ed. (2.5 years)
- B.Ed. (4 years / BS Education)
- M.Ed. (1 year / 2 years)
- MPhil Education
- PhD Education
- Certificate in Teacher Education
- Diploma in Teacher Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Sciences
This faculty covers both basic and applied sciences, preparing students for research and professional careers.
- Matriculation & Intermediate (Science Group)
- BS in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science
- MPhil in selective Science subjects (subject to supervisor availability)
- PhD in selective Science subjects
- Certificate in Computer Science
- Diploma in Computer Science
- BS Computer Science (BCS/BSCS)
- MS/MCS (Computer Science)
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
This faculty covers literature, languages, culture, and media sciences.
- BS (English, Urdu, History, Mass Communication, Pakistan Studies)
- MA (English, Urdu, History, Mass Communication, Pakistan Studies)
- MPhil in selective Social Science subjects
- PhD in Social Sciences & Humanities
- Certificate in Library & Information Science
- Diploma in Library & Information Science
- BLIS (Bachelor of Library & Information Science)
MLIS (Master of Library & Information Science)
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Economics & Management Sciences
Equipping students with professional and business knowledge.
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- MBA (1.5 years / 2.5 years)
- MPA (Master of Public Administration)
- M.Com (Master of Commerce)
- BS Economics, BS Commerce, BS Accounting & Finance
- Certificate in Business Administration
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences
Programs Offered by AIOU In Faculty of Law (Limited Programs)
Currently, AIOU does not offer LLB or LLM, but provides law-related diplomas and certifications.
- Diploma in Criminology
- Diploma in Human Rights
- Short Courses in Law-related subjects
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Online & Skills Development Courses In AIOU
In line with market needs, AIOU has introduced short-term online certificate courses:
- Digital Marketing
- E-Commerce & Online Business
- Web Development
- Graphic Designing
- Cyber Security Essentials
- Data Analysis & AI Basics
- Entrepreneurship
Leadership & Management Skills
Online Learning Platforms at AIOU
To ensure accessibility, AIOU has introduced multiple digital learning platforms:
- AIOU LMS (Learning Management System – Moodle): For assignments, study materials, and quizzes.
- AIOU Virtual Classroom: Online lectures, live sessions, and workshops.
- AIOU Digital Library: Provides access to international research journals, e-books, and databases.
AIOU Mobile App: For quick access to results, assignments, schedules, and notifications.
Important Notes for Students:
- Old BA/BSc/MA/MSc programs are being phased out under the HEC BS 4-year policy.
- Advanced research programs like MPhil & PhD depend on supervisor availability.
Short courses and diplomas vary by semester, so students should check the official website regularly.
Summary Table of Courses Offered at AIOU
Faculty / Category | Programs Offered | Levels Available |
General Programs | Matric, FA, BA (Associate), BS, B.Ed., MA/MSc, MBA, PGD, Certificates | Matric to Postgraduate |
Arabic & Islamic Studies | Arabic, Islamic Studies | Certificate to PhD |
Education | Teacher Education, B.Ed., M.Ed., MPhil, PhD | Certificate to PhD |
Sciences | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science | Matric to PhD |
Social Sciences & Humanities | English, Urdu, History, Mass Communication, Pakistan Studies, Library Science | Certificate to PhD |
Economics & Management Sciences | Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration | Certificate to PhD (selected) |
Law | Criminology, Human Rights, Law-related diplomas | Diplomas / Short Courses |
Online & Skills Development | Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, IT, Cyber Security, Data Analysis, Leadership | Certificate / Short Courses |