Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has announced fully funded merit-based PhD scholarships under its Autumn 2026 admissions, offering selected candidates a monthly stipend of Rs. 80,000 along with complete tuition fee coverage.
According to the university, the scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who meet the admission criteria prescribed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as well as the additional scholarship requirements set by AIOU.
The scholarship package includes full tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend to support living expenses, and access to the university’s research facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and online academic databases. The funding will be available for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic performance. As the scholarship is residential, selected scholars will be required to remain physically present at the AIOU Main Campus during the stipend period.
AIOU is offering PhD admissions in a wide range of disciplines, including Islamic Studies, Distance and Non-Formal Education, Science Education, Mass Communication, Pakistani Languages and Literature, Agricultural Extension, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Mathematics, and Physics, along with several specialized fields within Islamic Studies and Pakistani Languages.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have completed an MS or MPhil degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or an equivalent qualification. Candidates are also required to submit a research proposal relevant to the research priorities of their chosen department. While previous research experience or published work will be considered an advantage, it is not a mandatory requirement. The maximum age limit for applicants is 35 years on the closing date of admissions.
The university has also announced the schedule for PhD entry tests. The test for Arabic and Islamic Studies will be held on 21 August 2026, followed by Education on 24 August 2026, Social Sciences and Humanities on 27 August 2026, and Sciences on 28 August 2026.
Interested candidates are advised to review the complete eligibility criteria and scholarship guidelines in the official admission prospectus before submitting their online applications through the university’s admission portal within the prescribed deadline.
