ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Pakistan’s largest higher education institution and Asia’s first distance-learning university, has announced a relief package worth 120 million Pakistani rupees (about $430,000) to support students affected by recent floods across the country.
The initiative is designed to ensure students in disaster-hit regions can continue their education despite financial and social disruptions caused by the floods.
“Our goal is to ensure that no student is left behind due to natural calamities or financial constraints,” Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor of the University told WE News English. “AIOU will continue to take every possible step to promote education and serve our students.”
Relief Details
- Full tuition waiver for secondary and higher-secondary students (Matriculation and Intermediate) who have not yet paid fees for the Autumn 2025 semester.
- 50 percent fee concession for undergraduate and associate degree students.
- Extension of admissions deadline until September 15, 2025, to give affected students more time to enroll.
Founded in 1974, AIOU has grown into the largest public-sector university in Pakistan, enrolling over 1 million students annually. With 54 regional campuses and more than 2,000 academic programs, the institution is a pioneer in distance education, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
The university’s latest relief package highlights how climate-driven disasters are forcing educational institutions in South Asia to adapt, offering flexibility and financial support to safeguard learning opportunities.
