How to Apply for the Aga Khan University BEd in Pakistan: Last Date 5 January 2027

Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development (IED) is taking applications for its Bachelor of Education (BEd) until 5 January 2027. The application fee is Rs 9,000, the admission test is on Saturday 30 January 2027, and classes start in July 2027. Any graduate with 16 years of education can apply, whatever the degree subject.

Your degree papers must be attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). That step can take weeks, so start it before anything else. We read AKU's BEd page and key admission dates page on 14 October 2026. We did not read the full fee sheet clearly, so check fees on AKU's own page.

Applications run from 4 October 2026 to 5 January 2027

AKU's key dates page shows BEd applications from 4 October 2026 to 5 January 2027. The test is on Saturday 30 January 2027, interviews are in March 2027, and classes start in July 2027. The fee for applicants from Pakistan is Rs 9,000.

The same dates apply to the MPhil and PhD in Education at IED. If you hold a master's degree and want research training instead, those two programmes use the same 5 January 2027 deadline and the same 30 January test.

You need a 16 year degree in any subject

AKU asks for a minimum of 16 years of education in any discipline. A BA, BSc, BS or BCom is enough. You do not need a teaching background. AKU also asks for HEC attested documents, or a 16 year equivalence from HEC if your degree came from abroad.

So the HEC step matters. Use only the real portal, because fake attestation sites are common. Our guide on how to tell the real HEC attestation site from a fake one shows the safe address. If you studied through a joint or dual degree, read about the HEC NOC check for those degrees.

AKU says nothing on its BEd page about a minimum grade. That does not mean a low result is fine, because selection depends on the test and interviews. It means the page we read lists no cut-off, so we cannot state one.

The BEd takes one and a half years full time

AKU describes the BEd as a one and a half year programme for full-time students and up to three years for part-time students. You pick a specialisation, such as mathematics, science, English, social studies or early childhood education and development.

The programme aims to build the skills of teachers, with a focus on learning that lasts and on teachers who are caring and socially responsible. AKU lists more specialisations than we repeat here, so read the full list on its page before you decide.

This is a good fit for graduates who want a school teaching career, or for serving teachers who want a stronger degree. If you are already teaching in Punjab, look at Punjab's school teacher internship, which pays a monthly stipend. Teachers who want a foreign short course may look at the Fulbright TEA for government school teachers.

Why does the BEd route attract graduates from other fields? Many people finish a BS or BA and then decide on teaching. A shorter degree of one and a half years lets them switch without starting a four year course again. That is a real saving in time and in fees.

Set aside time for the test too. AKU publishes a sample paper, and the test is on a Saturday in late January, about three weeks after the form closes. Applicants who send the form on the last day leave themselves little time to prepare.

Apply online in six steps

You apply at aku.edu/apply-online. Create an account, choose Pakistan and the BEd, enter your degree details, upload your documents, pay the fee by HBL voucher or card, and submit. AKU then sends your admit card for the test.

1. Start HEC attestation of your degree and transcripts, or ask for a 16 year equivalence.
2. Create an account at aku.edu/apply-online with an email you check often.
3. Choose Pakistan, then the Bachelor of Education at IED.
4. Enter your education details and upload your CNIC, photo and documents.
5. Pay Rs 9,000 by HBL voucher or card and upload the receipt.
6. Submit, collect your admit card, and sit the test on 30 January 2027.

AKU publishes a sample test paper for the BEd and a separate fee sheet. Read both before you pay. The fee sheet we downloaded is a scanned table that does not read cleanly, so we do not quote tuition here. Also remember that AKU offers financial assistance through a separate process. Compare it with Bait-ul-Mal education stipends if your family needs support.

Common questions about the AKU Bachelor of Education

What is the last date to apply for the AKU BEd?

The last date is 5 January 2027. Applications opened on 4 October 2026.

When is the AKU BEd admission test?

The test is on Saturday 30 January 2027. Interviews follow in March 2027.

Who can apply for the BEd?

Anyone with at least 16 years of education in any discipline can apply. You must provide HEC attested documents or a 16 year equivalence.

How long is the AKU BEd?

It takes one and a half years for full-time students. Part-time students can take up to three years.

How much is the application fee?

The fee is Rs 9,000 for applicants from Pakistan. It is US$ 165 for applicants from AKU's non-residential countries.

How we verified this

What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.

Last checked 14 October 2026. Dates, fee and eligibility come from AKU's Bachelor of Education page and key admission dates page at aku.edu. We could not read the BEd fee sheet clearly, so no tuition figure is given. We have not applied or sat the test.