Before paying a fee or submitting documents, make sure your programme is complete and use the form that applies to your study period.
Current AIOU degree forms:
Download AIOU degree forms
This guide explains the application process. For form-specific instructions, see our AIOU Degree Form guide.
Before You Apply
Apply after completing the academic requirements of the programme for which you need the certificate, diploma or degree. Your records should be complete, and any outstanding academic or fee issue should be resolved before the degree case can be processed.
For an ordinary certificate/degree case, AIOU’s current processing requirements list a duly completed degree form, the applicable degree fee challan and any reappear fee, an official PRC/transcript, and attested copies of previously completed certificates or degrees. The attestation should carry the gazetted officer’s name and designation.
If you are unsure whether your case is complete, check your academic record before submitting the application. Missing documents or unresolved deficiencies can hold up the case.
How to Apply for an AIOU Degree
The basic process is:
- Choose the correct degree application form. Students through Autumn 2020 should use the old form, while students from Spring 2021 onward should use the new form. Express Mode has a separate application form.
- Complete the form carefully. Enter your registration and programme information exactly as required.
- Collect the required documents. These normally include your official PRC/transcript and attested copies of previous qualifications.
- Pay the applicable degree fee. Include a reappear fee where it applies to your academic record.
- Attach proof of payment and the required documents.
- Submit the application through the route applicable to your case. Express Mode, for example, has its own walk-in submission procedure.
- Keep your application or tracking details. These can be needed when checking the progress of the case through AIOU’s Degree Tracking System.
Submitting an application does not itself mean that the degree has been approved or issued. AIOU still has to examine the case and resolve any academic, financial or document-related requirements.
Degree Application Form
Do not download an old degree form from an unofficial website simply because it still appears in search results.
AIOU’s current Downloads section separates the forms as follows:
| Your case | Form to use |
|---|---|
| Student up to Autumn 2020 | Degree Form Old |
| Student from Spring 2021 onward | Degree Form New |
| Walk-in Express application | Degree Form Walk-in (Express Mode) |
These forms are listed on the official AIOU Downloads page.
Our separate AIOU Degree Form page is the better place for detailed guidance on choosing and completing the form.
Documents Required
For a standard degree/certificate application, AIOU currently identifies these core requirements:
- duly filled degree application form;
- degree fee challan;
- reappear fee, if applicable;
- official PRC/transcript for the qualification for which the degree or certificate is required; and
- attested copies of previously completed certificates/degrees.
Some cases can require additional documents. Express Mode instructions, for example, mention CNIC and programme-dependent records such as previous certificates/degrees and transcripts, internship reports or departmental letters where applicable.
Follow the requirements on the current form for your particular case rather than relying on an old document checklist copied elsewhere.
Pay the Degree Fee
The amount you need to pay depends on the qualification and the service you choose. AIOU also treats ordinary, urgent and Express Mode processing differently, so do not assume that one fee applies to every degree application.
AIOU’s current certificate/degree requirements direct students to its fee challan facility for the degree fee and reappear fee, where applicable.
For a fuller explanation of charges, use our AIOU Degree Fee guide.
Avoid paying on the basis of an old blog post or saved fee table. Check the current AIOU form or fee source for your programme and application type before making payment.
Ordinary vs Urgent Degree Application
AIOU distinguishes between ordinary and urgent degree processing. Its FAQ states that a student requesting urgent release of a degree has to pay double the certificate/degree fee.
There is now another option that should not be confused with the ordinary urgent application: Walk-in Express Mode.
AIOU’s 2026 Express Mode instructions provide a separate form, separate fee structure and walk-in submission process. An applicant must have completed the programme, have no pending objections or academic deficiencies, meet the document requirements and pay the prescribed Express Mode fee.
AIOU describes this facility as a two-working-day service for a complete eligible application, but the official instructions also make that period conditional on resolved objections, complete requirements and availability of the relevant signatory authorities. It should therefore not be treated as an unconditional delivery guarantee.
Submit Your Application
The correct submission route depends on the application type, so follow the instructions on the current form rather than an old ABL-only or courier-only guide.
AIOU’s Degree Tracking System currently includes an Online Application entry as well as sections for applications that are in process or have been returned/incomplete.
At the same time, AIOU continues to publish downloadable degree application forms, including old, new and Walk-in Express forms. This means students should not assume that every type of degree case follows one identical online-only procedure.
For Walk-in Express Mode, the current official instructions are specific: the complete application is submitted at the Student Facilitation Center, Islamabad during the intake hours stated on the Express Mode form.
If you are using an ordinary or urgent application, follow the submission instructions presented on the current form and AIOU system for your case.
What Happens After Submission?
Once AIOU receives your application, the degree case can move through scrutiny and processing. A case may also be returned or held if a required document, fee or academic requirement is incomplete.
AIOU provides a Degree Tracking System where students can check degree-related cases and application status.
For step-by-step help after applying, see our AIOU Degree Tracking guide.
Keep your tracking or case information safe. You may need it when following up on an application.
Application Returned or Incomplete
A returned application does not necessarily mean that your request for a degree has been rejected. It may mean that AIOU requires a missing document, correction, fee or other requirement before processing can continue.
The Degree Tracking System specifically provides areas for Incomplete / Returned Applications and In Process Applications.
If your case shows an objection or missing requirement, read the status carefully and supply the requested material. Avoid submitting a fresh degree application simply because the first case has not yet been completed.
For an issue that cannot be resolved from the status information, use the official AIOU Help Desk to submit a support request.
The key is to use the current form for your study period, attach the required academic documents, pay the correct fee for the service you select, and retain your application details for tracking.
Zeshan Akram, an expert in AIOU and Pakistani education, with 8 years of teaching experience. Founder of aioututor.pk, providing insightful articles on education.