🛡️ Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair 2026 – University of Cambridge | PhD + Associate Professor | BS-20/21 Pay Scale | Apply by 28 September 2026.
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Application deadline: 28 September 2026
Introduction
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan, is inviting applications under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, UK. The position available is the Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair at the University of Cambridge. This is a prestigious academic opportunity to represent Pakistan's rich cultural, literary, and intellectual heritage at one of the world's most renowned universities [citation:5][citation:6].
The selected fellow will engage with students and scholars on Pakistan's history, culture, languages, literature, geography, and socio-economic dynamics. The fellowship is initially for three years on a deputation/contract basis, extendable annually up to a maximum of two additional years subject to satisfactory quarterly performance reviews. Applications must be submitted online through the National Job Portal within 30 days from the date of publication (29 August 2026), meaning the last date is 28 September 2026 [citation:1].
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training |
| Position | Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair |
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge, UK |
| Application Method | Online (National Job Portal) |
| Deadline | 28 September 2026 (30 Days from Publication) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 55 Years |
| Pay Scale | BS-20 / BS-21 Equivalent |
| Tenure | 3 Years (Extendable to 2 More) |
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Doctorate (PhD) degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline from an HEC-recognized university or institution |
| Academic Level | Currently serving as an Associate Professor or higher on a regular basis at a public or private university |
| Track Record | Excellent background in teaching and research |
| Age Limit | Maximum 55 years as of the closing date of the application |
| Language Proficiency | Proficiency in English |
| Computer Skills | Proficiency in computer skills |
| Cultural Familiarity | Familiarity with the culture, institutions, and people of the host country (United Kingdom) |
| Leadership Capacity | Capacity and competence to project Pakistan's language, history, and culture in the host country |
| Professional Experience | Experience in mentoring, advocacy, communication, organizational leadership (government/semi-government at senior level), budget management, research grants, diplomacy, media relations as a spokesperson, and demonstrated involvement in academic staff associations |
| Professional Memberships | Membership in professional or academic bodies, supported by documentary evidence |
| Research Output | Research leading to quality publications during the tenure abroad is desirable |
| Interpersonal Skills | Should possess strong social and interpersonal skills to project a positive image of Pakistan |
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive and up-to-date CV detailing all academic and professional achievements.
- Statement of Purpose (One Page): A clear and concise statement describing the applicant's interest in the fellowship and outlining the specific objectives they aim to achieve through participation in the program.
Fellowship Responsibilities
The visiting fellow will be expected to undertake the following duties:
- Engage with students and scholars: Interact on Pakistan's history, culture, people, national and regional languages, eminent literary figures, geography, and regional, economic, and political environment, in line with the academic requirements of the University.
- Teaching duties: Engage with university staff in the teaching of Urdu, Pakistan Studies, Pakistani literature, history, society, and culture at the University.
- Academic interaction: Interact with the academic community of the University to positively contribute to relations between the Pakistani academic community and the University.
- Weekly seminars: Attend weekly seminars held at the Centre of South Asian Studies during the academic year, as well as other academic fora on relevant issues at the University.
- Research engagement: Engage with students and scholars of the University with a research interest in Pakistan, as envisaged in the MOU.
- Organizational activities: Work with University staff to organize and conduct conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops, or art exhibitions showcasing Pakistan's culture.
Compensation & Benefits
The Ministry will provide the following financial and logistical support, as determined by the Government of Pakistan and in line with the MOU:
- Salary Scale: Pay and allowances equivalent to BS-20 and BS-21 under Government of Pakistan rules and MOU guidelines.
- Research Funding: Research funds to support academic work during the fellowship.
- Travel Costs: Return airfare for the Visiting Fellow and family members (spouse and children).
- Visa Costs: Coverage of visa expenses.
- Housing Allowance: Housing and rent for the Visiting Fellow.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must follow these steps to submit their application:
- Visit the National Job Portal: Go to https://njp.gov.pk/ in your browser.
- Create an account: Register with your valid CNIC number, email address, and mobile number.
- Find the vacancy: Locate the Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair advertisement.
- Prepare your documents: Ensure you have your detailed academic CV and one-page Statement of Purpose ready.
- For government employees: Obtain departmental permission/NOC from your parent organization before applying.
- Fill the application form: Complete all required fields with accurate personal, academic, and professional information.
- Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of your CV, Statement of Purpose, and departmental NOC (if applicable).
- Submit before the deadline: Submit your application by 28 September 2026.
- Keep proof of submission: Save a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.
Contact Information
- Organization: Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan
- Contact Officer: Deputy Secretary
- Room No.: 129, First Floor, C-Block, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad
- Phone: 051-9202361
- Application Portal: https://njp.gov.pk/
- PID Reference: PID (I) 1848/26
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Publication Date | 29 August 2026 |
| Application Submission Deadline | 28 September 2026 (30 Days from Publication) |
| Interview | To be announced for shortlisted candidates |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 Years (Extendable to 2 More) |
Who Should Apply
- PhD holders: Candidates with a Doctorate in relevant humanities or social sciences disciplines from HEC-recognized institutions.
- Associate Professors and above: Faculty members currently serving as Associate Professor or higher on a regular basis at public or private universities.
- Research-active academics: Scholars with excellent teaching and research backgrounds.
- Cultural ambassadors: Individuals capable of representing Pakistan's history, culture, and language internationally.
Application Tips
- Verify your eligibility: Ensure you hold a PhD degree and currently serve as Associate Professor or higher.
- Prepare a strong CV: Highlight your academic achievements, research publications, teaching experience, and relevant leadership roles.
- Write a compelling Statement of Purpose: Clearly articulate your interest in the fellowship and specific objectives you aim to achieve.
- For government employees: Arrange departmental permission/NOC before applying.
- Apply early: Submit your application well before the 28 September deadline to avoid technical issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the deadline: Applications submitted after 28 September 2026 will not be considered.
- Incomplete application: Ensure all required fields and documents are provided.
- No Statement of Purpose: The one-page Statement of Purpose is mandatory.
- No NOC for government employees: Serving government employees must provide departmental permission.
Applicant Safety Guidance
📌 Important: Applications must only be submitted through the official National Job Portal at https://njp.gov.pk/. Do not share your personal banking information or OTPs with anyone. The Ministry will never ask for payment during the application process. Keep your submission proof safely. No TA/DA is admissible for test/interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship?
It is a prestigious academic fellowship established under an MOU between the Government of Pakistan and the Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, to promote Pakistan's rich cultural, literary, and intellectual heritage at one of the world's most renowned universities [citation:5][citation:6].
What is the required qualification?
A Doctorate (PhD) degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline from an HEC-recognized university or institution.
What is the academic level requirement?
Candidates must currently serve as an Associate Professor or higher on a regular basis at a public or private university.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 28 September 2026 – 30 days from the publication date of 29 August 2026.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the National Job Portal at https://njp.gov.pk/ with your CV and Statement of Purpose.
What is the tenure of the fellowship?
The appointment is initially for three years on a deputation/contract basis, extendable annually up to a maximum of two additional years subject to satisfactory quarterly performance reviews.
What is the pay scale?
Pay and allowances will be equivalent to BS-20 and BS-21 under Government of Pakistan rules and MOU guidelines.
What are the benefits?
The fellowship includes salary, allowances, research funding, travel expenses (return airfare for fellow, spouse, and children), visa expenses, and housing/rent allowances.
Can government employees apply?
Yes, but serving government/semi-government employees must apply through proper channels with departmental permission (NOC).
What is the age limit?
The maximum age limit is 55 years as of the closing date of the application.
What documents are required?
A detailed academic Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a one-page Statement of Purpose detailing the candidate's interest and specific objectives for the fellowship.
Where will the fellowship be based?
The fellowship is based at the Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Final Guidance
This is an exceptional opportunity for distinguished academics to represent Pakistan at the prestigious University of Cambridge. The Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship offers a unique platform to promote Pakistan's intellectual heritage, strengthen academic ties between Pakistani and international scholars, and contribute to the global understanding of Pakistan's culture, literature, and history.
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria including the PhD requirement, academic level, and age limit. Prepare your CV and Statement of Purpose carefully, and submit your application through the National Job Portal by 28 September 2026. Best of luck with your application!
🎓 Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair 2026 | University of Cambridge | Apply by 28 September 2026
📝 Apply Online 🌐 Visit Ministry Website
