Owing to its growing popularity around the world, a number of universities have begun to introduce special courses to facilitate distance learning in Pakistan.
From applied sciences to humanities, private and government institutes around the country are offering online degree programs in a number of disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Of course, the overall number of students opting for traditional learning is still higher than those enrolled in online degree programs in Pakistan. However, it is completely understandable as the latter is mostly preferred by working professionals and those who are unable to attend classes on a regular basis due to time or travel restrictions.
What is Distance Learning and How Does it Work?
By definition, distance learning or distance education is a way of studying remotely without being physically present in a classroom setup. There is also no regular face-to-face contact with a teacher, but that doesn’t mean students have to compromise on the quality of education.
Distance learning in Pakistan, or anywhere for that matter, largely depends on the online medium. Generally, universities offer online courses via:
- Audio technology, which includes CDs, MP3 recordings and podcasts.
- Video technology, which includes DVDs, MP4 videos and interactive online sessions.
- Computer-delivered material, such as PDF files and eBooks.
Although the popularity of online courses in Pakistan has pretty much eliminated the demographic boundaries, students still need an active internet action to gain access to the study material.
Advantages of Distance Learning
The biggest advantage of distance education is that it allows you to modify your schedule, depending on your work hours and household responsibilities. Usually, people working 9 to 5 jobs are unable to opt for further studies as they are unable to quit their livelihood. However, thanks to online degree courses, you can study in your own time and at your own pace.
Secondly, distance education is cheaper than traditional learning. Not only do students can save money on fees, but they can also save money on travel by studying from the comfort of their homes.
Thirdly, you can pick and choose from a variety of subjects and programs, depending on your profession. In fact, even if you want to change careers after already being a part of the workforce for several years, you can simply opt for a higher degree in a related and switch jobs without having to start from the bottom of the food chain once again.
Of course, like everything else, there are a few disadvantages of distance learning. For instance, you won’t get a chance to regularly interact with your teacher or socialize with your peers. However, whether you enrol in an online course depends on your personal preference and circumstances.
Top Universities Offering Online Degrees in Pakistan
Here are some of the best distance learning universities in Pakistan.
- Allama Iqbal Open University
- Virtual University of Pakistan
- COMSATS University
Let’s take a look at the courses, admission cycles and teaching methodologies at these universities.
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)
Type: Public University
Considered one of the largest institutes of higher education in the world, Allama Iqbal Open University tops the list of online universities in Pakistan. Established in May 1974, it also has the honour of being the first Open University in Asia and second in the world.
AIOU has over a thousand study centres along with more than 40 regional centres and campuses offering remote study courses in Pakistan. Moreover, the university operates under the semester system and offers around 2000 different courses, providing educational opportunities to the masses across the country for a nominal fee.
Approximately 1.2 million students, most of whom are women, enrol at Allama Iqbal Open University every year, according to the institute’s official website. There is no age restriction for enrollment either.
Courses and Programs
These are the programs available at AIOU:
- PhD Programs
- MPhil Programs
- Master’s Program
- BEd Program
- Bachelors Program
- Post Graduate Diploma
- Higher Secondary School Certificate (Intermediate)
- Secondary School Certificate (Matric)
Faculties
The faculties operating under the Allama Iqbal Open University include:
- Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Teaching Methodology
Like most distance learning courses in Pakistan, AIOU uses a variety of methods to teach students. These include radio and television broadcasts, reading materials prepared on self-learning basis, special textbooks, study centres for practical experience as well as regular workshops and seminars for one-on-one interaction with teachers and peers. During these events, students are required to give presentations, which adds to their experience.
The university’s study material can also be accessed online. Furthermore, students can also engage with part-time teachers and tutors associated with the university. Although distance education allows you to set your own schedule, the teaching methodology employed by Allama Iqbal Open University makes studying even easier for those who would have struggled with schoolwork their own.
Admission Cycle
AIOU has a semester-based system.
| Sessions | Months |
| Spring | February to March |
| Autumn | July to August |
Admission Procedure
In order to enrol in AIOU’s distance learning courses, you first need to select the program you want to pursue and check if you fit the eligibility criteria. Then, purchases a prospectus from your nearest AIOU regional office or centre and fill the admission form as instructed. As for the course fee, you can submit it in the nearest branch of one of the banks mentioned in the prospectus. Get a stamped receipt from the bank officer and keep it with you until the admission list is confirmed.
For more information about admission requirements and fee structure at Allama Iqbal Open University, please contact the administration at the given number. You can also check their website for further clarification.
Contact: 051-111-112-468
Address: Directorate of Students Advisory & Counselling Services, Gateway Block, Ground Floor, Allama Iqbal Open University, Sector H-8, Islamabad.
Virtual University of Pakistan (VU)
Type: Public University
When it comes to distance learning courses in Pakistan, the first university that pops into mind is obviously the Virtual University of Pakistan. As a not-for-profit public sector university with over 190 campuses across the country, VU is certainly one of the most recognized government universities not just in Pakistan but also across the world. These campuses allow students to interact with each other and attend virtual lectures in a classroom-like setup.
Established in 2012, Virtual University offers online degree courses at an affordable rate, making them accessible to those facing financial difficulties. As far as the academic cycle is concerned, the university offers a semester-based system. Moreover, with its tagline ‘World Class Education at Your Doorstep,’ VU provides students with various opportunities to interact with teachers and peers on a regular basis.
If you’re looking for online universities in Pakistan offering quality education without putting much strain on your wallet, VU is probably your best bet.
Moreover, overseas Pakistanis can also enrol at the Virtual University.
Courses and Programs
The Higher Education Commission has developed the curricula for all the available programs at the Virtual University of Pakistan.
- PhD Programs
- MPhil Programs
- Master’s Programs
- Bachelors Programs
- Associate Degree Program
- Post Graduate Diploma
Faculties
These are the faculties at Virtual University offering online courses in Pakistan.
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Teaching Methodology
VU uses the latest technology to impart knowledge upon the students. Along with the interactive online classes, video lectures and tutorials, audio recording and reading material, the university also has an advanced Learning Management System (VULMS). It also broadcasts lectures on its own TV channels.
As of right now, Virtual University of Pakistan is operating four television channels, including VTV1, VTV2, VTV3 and VTV4. Although students can access these lectures at any time, the institute encourages them to follow a ‘Time Plan.’ Furthermore, students can easily speak with their teachers online.
In addition to that, the virtual campuses located in nearly 100 cities across the country offer free internet facilities. Students can also purchase video lectures for a nominal fee via Virtual University’s online bookstore.
Admission Cycle
The Virtual University of Pakistan offers two semesters per year.
| Sessions | Months |
| Spring | February to March |
| Autumn | September to October |
Admission Procedure
Those wondering how to get an online degree in Pakistan can collect an admission form any of the VU campuses. You can either submit the duly filled form, along with the required documents, to the same campus or send it to the head office of the university.
You can also directly download the form from the university’s official website, which contains more instructions. However, if you have further any queries, you can directly contact the university as well.
Contact: 0800-880-88, 0304-111-0880
Address: MA Jinnah Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore.
COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI)
Type: Public University
COMSATS University Islamabad, one of the top universities in Pakistan, also has a separate virtual campus along with seven physical ones. Established in 1998, COMSATS stands for the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South, an international organization that aims to diminish the distance between the developed and developing countries via application of science and technology. It consists of 21 member countries in three continents.
CUI was formerly known as COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CII). However, it was upgraded to a Federally Chartered University in 2018.
The virtual campus of COMSATS has made it easier for students to pursue high-quality education and earn advanced degrees in disciplines such as computer science and information technology, among others, from the comfort of their home.
Courses and Programs
These are the programs available at the virtual campus of CUI, also known as VCOMSATS. The total duration of each program may vary with the faculty or department.
- Master’s Programs
- Master’s Executive Programs
- Bachelor’s Programs
Faculties
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Information & Technology
- Faculty of Sciences
Teaching Methodology
Compared to other disciplines, computer science and IT subjects may seem a little hard to study via self-learning material. However, the advanced learning management software at the university, referred to as VCOMSATS LMS, provides students with a range of digitally recorded lectures, slideshows, quizzes, course content and information, glossary, FAQs, related web links and other course material. The LMS discussion boards and online forums also allow students to directly interact with teachers.
Apart from the official YouTube channel of VCOMSATS, students can also access digital lectures by buying CDs and DVDs from the university. Furthermore, the live video conferencing system offers students a chance to directly speak with their course head, which will undoubtedly improve their quality of learning.
Admission Cycle
COMSATS University Islamabad has a semester-based system for distance learning courses in Pakistan.
| Sessions | Months |
| Spring | January to February |
| Autumn | June to July |
Admission Procedure
Being one of the top online universities in Pakistan, CUI requires students to fill and submit a detailed admission form on its website. You don’t need to physically collect a form or travel to submit it anywhere.
For a better understanding of the admission requirement and fee structure for online degree courses, you can directly contact COMSATS at the number listed below.
Contact: 051-9259406-8
Address: Main Campus, Park Road, Tarlai Kalan, Islamabad.
Meanwhile, if you are hoping to pursue a degree in medicine, pharmacy or one of the other related disciplines, don’t forget to check out our list of top medical universities in Karachi. These universities are renowned internationally and draw a large number of applications from all across the country.
For more information on educational institutes in different cities, stay tuned to Zameen Blog, the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
