Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is Pakistan’s oldest and largest distance education institution. It offers a wide range of academic programs for students across all provinces, from basic literacy to advanced postgraduate research degrees.
If you’re wondering which courses are offered by AIOU, this guide will give you a comprehensive overview. Whether you’re a fresh matriculate, a working professional, a housewife, or someone seeking career advancement, AIOU likely has a course that fits your needs.
Why Choose AIOU?
Before diving into the course list, it’s worth noting why AIOU is a preferred choice for millions of students:
- Government-recognized and HEC-accredited
- Affordable fee structure
- No age limit or entrance test for most programs
- Study-from-home model using printed books, online lectures, and LMS
- Equal opportunities for men and women
- Special education centers in remote and underdeveloped areas
AIOU Course Categories
AIOU offers academic and professional programs in the following major categories:
- Matric Programs (Secondary School Certificate)
- Intermediate Programs (Higher Secondary School Certificate)
- Associate Degree Programs (ADP)
- Bachelor’s Degree Programs (2 and 4 years)
- Master’s Programs (MA, M.Sc., M.Ed., MBA)
- BS (4-Year) Programs under Semester System
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
- M.Phil. / MS and PhD Programs
- Short Courses, Skill-Based Training, and Technical Education
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Let’s explore each of these in detail.
1. Matric Programs (SSC)
These are equivalent to 9th and 10th classes in regular school systems. AIOU offers:
- Matric (General Group)
- Matric (Dars-e-Nizami)
- Matric (Open Courses)
- Non-Formal Education Program (for underprivileged learners)
Who Can Apply: Anyone who has passed Grade 8 or equivalent and wants to complete their secondary education.
2. Intermediate Programs (HSSC)
AIOU offers FA and I.Com programs for 11th and 12th classes.
- FA (General Group – Humanities)
- FA with Dars-e-Nizami
- I.Com (Intermediate in Commerce)
These programs allow working adults and female students to complete their intermediate education while managing home or job responsibilities.
3. Associate Degree Programs (ADP)
These are 2-year degree programs equivalent to traditional BA/BSc degrees. After completing FA/FSc or equivalent, students can enroll in:
- ADP in Commerce
- ADP in Mass Communication
- ADP in Education
- ADP in Islamic Studies
- ADP in Library and Information Sciences
- ADP in Human Resource Management
- ADP in Finance and Accounting
- ADP in Entrepreneurship
- ADP in Marketing
These programs are designed to provide career-oriented education and allow credit transfer to BS 4-year programs.
4. Bachelor’s Programs (2-Year and 4-Year)
2-Year Bachelor’s (Discontinued for new students as per HEC policy)
AIOU previously offered BA and B.Ed. (2-year) programs, but they are being phased out gradually and replaced by ADP or BS 4-year programs.
4-Year BS Programs (Semester-Based)
These are structured as per HEC’s revised undergraduate policy and include:
- BS in Islamic Studies
- BS in Arabic
- BS in Mass Communication
- BS in Pakistan Studies
- BS in Gender and Women Studies
- BS in Accounting & Finance
- BS in Entrepreneurship
- BS in Urdu
- BS in Education (Elementary / Secondary / Science)
- BS in Computer Science (at selected campuses with lab access)
- BS in Library and Information Science
All BS programs follow the semester system, requiring students to pass credit hours and GPA standards.
5. Master’s Programs (MA, MSc, M.Ed, MBA)
For students who already have a BA/BSc degree, AIOU offers a wide range of postgraduate degree programs.
MA Programs:
- MA Islamic Studies
- MA Arabic
- MA Urdu
- MA Pakistan Studies
- MA Education
- MA Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- MA History
- MA Mass Communication
- MA Gender and Women Studies
- MA Distance and Non-Formal Education
MSc Programs:
- MSc Economics
- MSc Pakistan Studies
- MSc Mathematics
- MSc Statistics
- MSc Sociology
- MSc Forestry Extension
M.Ed (Master of Education):
- M.Ed in Educational Planning and Management (EPM)
- M.Ed in Teacher Education
- M.Ed in Special Education
- M.Ed in Science Education
MBA / MPA Programs:
- MBA (Executive / General / IT / Banking and Finance)
- MPA (Master of Public Administration)
These master’s programs follow either the annual or semester system, depending on the department.
6. Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD)
PGD programs are offered for specialization in specific professional fields. These are 1-year programs designed for career enhancement.
- PGD in Educational Planning and Management
- PGD in Distance Education
- PGD in Early Childhood Education
- PGD in Gender Studies
- PGD in Environmental Health and Safety
- PGD in Computer Science (at limited centers)
- PGD in Entrepreneurship
- PGD in Human Resource Management
PGDs are ideal for professionals seeking promotion or a shift in career direction.
7. MS / M.Phil and PhD Programs
AIOU also offers research-based higher education in select disciplines.
MS / M.Phil Programs:
- M.Phil Education
- M.Phil Islamic Studies
- M.Phil Mass Communication
- M.Phil Economics
- M.Phil Iqbal Studies
- M.Phil Statistics
- M.Phil Teacher Education
PhD Programs:
- PhD in Education
- PhD in Islamic Studies
- PhD in Urdu
- PhD in Mass Communication
- PhD in Distance and Non-Formal Education
- PhD in Statistics
Admission is based on GAT / subject tests, interviews, and academic record. These are semester-based and require thesis submission.
8. Technical, Skill-Based, and Short Courses
AIOU also runs short-term training courses and certifications, often under special projects or regional initiatives.
Some popular options include:
- Certificate in Literacy & Non-Formal Education
- Computer Literacy Courses
- English Language Course
- Workshop-based IT Training
- Sewing, Embroidery, and Handicraft Training (for female students in remote areas)
- Freelancing & Digital Skills (in collaboration with DigiSkills or other programs)
These courses are especially useful for skill development and small business startups.
Final Thoughts
AIOU offers one of the most diverse ranges of courses in Pakistan, covering everything from basic education to PhD-level research. Whether you are a school dropout, a college graduate, or a working professional looking for flexible learning, AIOU has a program that suits your needs.
With its low fees, nationwide network, and online support tools, AIOU continues to provide educational opportunities to those who cannot attend regular universities due to work, family, or location limitations.
