National News

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP): Allama Iqbal Open University
(AIOU) has given admissions to around three hundred and fifty
students living abroad with an aim to expand its educational
outreach to abroad.
These students have been awarded admissions in the different
categories, said Vice Chancellor AIOU Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui.
In an exclusive talk with APP, he said that these students
were living in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE,
Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain and USA.
The VC said that recently around 30 students who are
residents of New York, US have also been awarded admission
by the university in the ‘Daras-e-Nazami’, a four-year degree
programme.
The University’s programme in Islamic studies is getting
popular in US and others countries mainly in the Middle East and
Turkey, he added.
He said the University is also considering to introduce some
post-graduate level programmes for the overseas Pakistanis in near
future.
Besides other programmes, VC said the University has recently
introduced B.Ed one and half year programme for the overseas
Pakistanis, receiving very positive response.
An educational plan for the overseas students have also been
upgraded that includes provision of online study material and
arranging examination, Dr Shahid informed.
He said that some Pakistanis in Spain, Italy, Sri Lanka,
Finland and Iran have also shown interest in continuation of their
future study, through the distance learning system.
“During my recent visit to Uganda, I have discussed with the
Pakistanis living there about the scope of education in African
countries as well”.
He said the Pakistanis stationed abroad could submit their
admissions forms along with the prescribed fee in foreign currency
within the stipulated date.
“We have laid special emphasis on providing educational
facilities to the overseas Pakistanis. Promoting online
education at higher education level is the future strategy that the
University will aggressively follow to get it implemented at the
earliest” he added.
The University, VC said has already started online PhD and
MPil programmes in line with the international practices.
The University has advised the aspiring students to take
admission in the autumn 2017 semester. The last date for the
admission is September 28. They should avail the opportunity of
online admission. Prospects and admission forms are available at the
University’s official website.
The programmes are offered in the ongoing admission includes
Allisan-ul-Arabi (Basic Arabic Course), Arabic Bol Chall, Secondary
School certificate (Matric), Higher Secondary School Certificate
(FA), Bachelor Programmes and Short Term courses.