AIOU Fee Structure 2026
Complete AIOU fee structure for Spring & Autumn 2026 — from Matric to PhD. Find per-course fees, credit-hour rates, and a step-by-step guide to paying your admission fee at HBL or NBP.
Fee Structure by Program Level
Approximate fee ranges for 2026. Always verify exact amounts on the official AIOU admission form at aiou.edu.pk before paying.
| Program Level | Programs | Fee per Course | Est. Semester Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary (Matric) | SSC Part I & II | ~PKR 800–1,200 | ~PKR 3,200–4,500 | Fees are per-course. Matric students typically register 5–6 courses per semester. |
| Intermediate | FA, F.Sc, I.COM, F.A Dars-e-Nizami | ~PKR 1,000–1,500 | ~PKR 3,800–6,000 | Fee varies slightly by subject and whether compulsory/optional courses are included. |
| Bachelor (BA / B.Sc) | BA, B.Sc, B.Com | ~PKR 1,200–2,000 | ~PKR 4,500–8,000 | BA fee is per course unit. Rates vary by faculty and number of registered courses. |
| Associate Degree (2-Year) | AD Arts, AD Commerce, ADE | ~PKR 1,500–2,200 | ~PKR 4,500–8,000 | Associate Degree programs charge per credit hour. Confirm exact rate with AIOU at admission time. |
| BS Programs (4-Year) | BS Computer Science, BS Education, BS Commerce, BS Psychology, and others | ~PKR 1,500–3,500 per credit hour | ~PKR 5,500–12,000 | BS programs are credit-hour based. IT and professional programs carry higher per-credit rates. |
| B.Ed / ADE / M.Ed | B.Ed 1.5-Year, B.Ed 2.5-Year, B.Ed 4-Year, M.Ed, ADE | ~PKR 2,000–4,000 | ~PKR 6,500–12,000 | B.Ed fees include workshop attendance fees, which are charged separately per workshop. |
| Masters / MSc / MBA | MA, MSc, MBA, M.Com, MPA, MSc IT, MSc CS, MSc Education | ~PKR 3,000–6,000 | ~PKR 7,000–18,000 | MBA and MSc IT carry the highest fees among Masters programs. Financial management programs are mid-range. |
| PhD Programs | PhD Education, PhD Economics, PhD CS, PhD Islamic Studies, and others | ~PKR 5,000–10,000 | ~PKR 15,000–30,000 | PhD students pay research supervision fees in addition to coursework fees. Exact amounts are announced with the PhD admission advertisement. |
* All figures are approximate. AIOU revises fees periodically. Confirm exact amounts at aiou.edu.pk before paying.
How to Pay AIOU Fee
AIOU accepts fee payment through the following channels for 2026 admissions.
HBL Bank Branch
Download your fee challan from aiou.edu.pk after submitting your admission form. Take the printed challan to any HBL branch, pay over the counter, and keep the bank-stamped copy as proof.
NBP Bank Branch
National Bank of Pakistan branches also accept AIOU fee challans. The procedure is the same as HBL — present the printed challan, pay, and keep the stamped receipt.
EasyPaisa / JazzCash
Selected AIOU fee payments can be made via EasyPaisa or JazzCash mobile wallets. Check the admission form and official AIOU portal for the current semester's mobile payment option availability.
Online Banking (HBL Internet)
HBL Internet Banking allows direct AIOU fee payment using your HBL account. Log in to HBL Connect, navigate to Bill Payments, select AIOU, and enter your roll number and challan details.
AIOU Fee Structure — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AIOU fee structure for 2026?
AIOU fees for 2026 range from approximately PKR 3,200 for Matric programs to PKR 30,000+ per semester for PhD programs. Fees are charged per course or per credit hour depending on the program. Exact fee amounts are published on the official AIOU admission form for each semester — always check aiou.edu.pk for the most current figures.
How is AIOU fee calculated — per course or per credit hour?
AIOU uses both models depending on the program. Older programs (Matric, FA, BA) typically charge a flat fee per course unit. Newer programs (BS 4-Year, MBA, MSc IT, PhD) are credit-hour based, where you multiply the per-credit-hour rate by the number of credit hours of each registered course. The admission form clearly states which model applies.
Is AIOU the cheapest university in Pakistan?
Yes. AIOU consistently offers some of the lowest tuition fees among accredited universities in Pakistan. A full BA degree at AIOU costs a fraction of what other universities charge, making it accessible to students from low-income backgrounds. The government subsidises AIOU fees as part of its open distance learning mission.
Can AIOU fee be paid in instalments?
AIOU does not officially offer an instalment plan — the full semester fee is due at admission time. However, since you pay course by course (not a lump institution fee), registering for fewer courses in a semester naturally reduces your immediate payment. Consult your regional campus if you face financial hardship.
What happens if I pay AIOU fee after the deadline?
Late fee payments may attract a penalty surcharge (typically PKR 500–1,000 above the course fee). If payment is not received by the final extended deadline, AIOU will cancel your course registration and you must re-apply in the next semester. Always pay at least 5 working days before the deadline to allow bank processing time.
Is AIOU fee refundable if I withdraw from a course?
AIOU's fee refund policy is limited. Withdrawal before the semester starts may be eligible for a partial refund minus processing charges. No refund is issued once course materials have been dispatched. Contact your regional office within 15 days of admission to inquire about refund eligibility for your specific case.
Does AIOU charge separate fees for examinations?
Yes. AIOU charges a separate examination fee each semester in addition to the course registration fee. The exam fee is usually PKR 100–300 per course and is due when submitting your exam roll number slip application. This fee covers examination hall and invigilation costs.
Are there any additional AIOU fees beyond tuition?
Beyond tuition, AIOU may charge: exam fee (per course), workshop attendance fee (B.Ed, ADE, M.Ed), late registration penalty, and re-checking/re-counting fee (if you challenge your result). There is no hostel or library fee for distance learners. Physical study material (books) is included in the course fee and mailed to you.