Allama Iqbal Open University PhD Admission Autumn 2026 Apply Now for highly motivated candidates seeking admission to prestigious PhD programs with fully funded merit-based scholarships. AIOU is offering admissions in various disciplines including Islamic Studies, Education, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Food & Nutrition. Selected scholarship recipients will receive full tuition fee coverage and a monthly stipend of Rs. 80,000. Applicants can submit online applications before 17 August 2026 and appear in the entry test at designated AIOU centers across Pakistan.
Admission Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Allama Iqbal Open University |
| Admission Session | Autumn 2026 |
| Degree Level | PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Merit-Based Scholarships |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Admission Advertisement | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 August 2026 |
| Entry Test Start Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Entry Test End Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Scholarship Stipend | Rs. 80,000 Per Month |
| Tuition Fee Coverage | 100% Covered |
| Scholarship Duration | Up to 4 Years |
| Scholarship Nature | Residential |
| Main Campus | H-8, Islamabad |
| Official Website | https://aiou.edu.pk |
| Admission Status | Open |
PhD Programmes Offered
Faculty of Arabic & Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies (General)
PhD in Islamic Studies (General)
Islamic Studies (Hadith & Hadith Sciences)
PhD in Islamic Studies with specialization in Hadith & Hadith Sciences
Islamic Studies (Seerat Studies)
PhD in Islamic Studies with specialization in Seerat Studies
Faculty of Education
Distance & Non-Formal Education
PhD in Distance & Non-Formal Education
Science Education
PhD in Science Education
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
Mass Communication
PhD in Mass Communication
Pakistani Languages & Literature
Specializations Available:
- Pashto
- Punjabi
- Sindhi
- Saraiki
- Balochi
- Brahvi
Faculty of Agriculture
Agricultural Extension
PhD in Agricultural Extension
Faculty of Sciences
Chemistry
PhD in Chemistry
Computer Science
PhD in Computer Science
Environmental Sciences
PhD in Environmental Sciences
Food & Nutrition
PhD in Food & Nutrition
Mathematics
PhD in Mathematics
Physics
PhD in Physics
Fully Funded Merit-Based PhD Scholarships
AIOU is offering highly competitive merit-based scholarships for PhD candidates.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire PhD programme.
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 80,000 for living expenses.
- Access to university research facilities.
- Access to laboratories and libraries.
- Access to digital and online research databases.
- Financial support throughout the approved scholarship duration.
- Opportunity to conduct advanced research under expert supervision.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants applying for the fully funded scholarship must fulfill the following requirements:
- Minimum CGPA 3.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent grade in MS/MPhil degree.
- Submission of a comprehensive and well-written research proposal.
- Research proposal must align with the research areas of the concerned department/faculty.
- Previous research experience or publication record is preferred but not mandatory.
- Fresh candidates with strong academic potential may also apply.
- Applicant must be 35 years of age or below on the closing date of admission.
- Candidate must demonstrate strong academic, research, teaching, and learning potential.
Scholarship Terms & Conditions
- Scholarship covers the full tuition fee of the PhD programme.
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 80,000 will be provided separately from tuition fee support.
- Scholars will have access to university laboratories, libraries, research facilities, and online databases.
- Scholarship duration is up to four years.
- Continuation of scholarship is subject to satisfactory annual progress.
- Progress reports will be evaluated by the concerned department chairperson and supervisor.
- Scholarship is residential in nature.
- Selected scholars must remain physically present at the AIOU Main Campus Islamabad during the stipend period.
Entry Test Schedule
| Faculty | Test Date |
|---|---|
| Arabic & Islamic Studies | 21 August 2026 |
| Education | 24 August 2026 |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | 27 August 2026 |
| Sciences | 28 August 2026 |
Test Time
09:00 AM
Entry Test Centers
Applicants may appear at any of the following centers according to their convenience.
Islamabad
Academic Complex, Main Campus AIOU, H-8, Islamabad
Multan
Regional Campus AIOU, CF-7, Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony, Near Thana Stop, Multan
Quetta
Regional Campus AIOU, Eastern Bypass, Takhtani Road, Quetta
Karachi
Regional Campus AIOU, Street No. 6, D-1, Block 14, Federal B Area, Karachi
Gilgit
Regional Campus AIOU, Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Near Army Public School & College, Khumer Cantt, Gilgit

How to Apply
- Visit the official Fully Funded Merit-Based PhD Admission Portal:
- Carefully read the eligibility criteria and programme details available in the university prospectus.
- Select the desired PhD programme.
- Complete the online admission application form.
- Upload all required academic documents and research proposal.
- Submit the application before 17 August 2026.
- Download and keep a copy of the submitted application.
- Prepare for the relevant entry test according to your faculty.
- Appear at any designated test center on the scheduled date.
- Await merit list and final admission decision.
Continuing Students
Continuing students can register courses through the CMS portal:
Fee Payment Methods
Applicants can deposit fees through:
- Allied Bank Limited (ABL)
- Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB)
- First Women Bank Limited (FWBL)
- National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
- Upaisa
- Easypaisa
- JazzCash
- 1-Link Network
Terms and Conditions
- Admissions will be granted according to the standards and criteria prescribed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
- Scholarship awards are purely merit-based.
- Applicants must meet both admission and scholarship eligibility requirements.
- Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- The research proposal must be relevant to the selected discipline.
- Scholarship continuation depends upon satisfactory academic and research performance.
- The university reserves the right to amend admission schedules, scholarship policies, eligibility criteria, or programme offerings without prior notice.
- Candidates must submit authentic information and documents.
- Any false information may result in cancellation of admission and scholarship.
- Applicants are advised to regularly visit the official AIOU website for updates and announcements.
Contact Information
Director Admissions
Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad
- Email: adms@aiou.edu.pk
- Helpline: (051) 111-112-468
- Website: https://aiou.edu.pk
Apply before 17 August 2026 to secure your chance for admission and a fully funded PhD scholarship at Allama Iqbal Open University.
