The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan, has announced a prestigious international academic vacancy under an MoU signed with the Centre of South Asian Studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Applications are invited from qualified scholars for the position of “Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship” Chair. This position is open to serving faculty members holding the rank of Associate Professor or above on a regular basis in either public or private sector universities.
This fellowship opportunity allows senior Pakistani academics to represent the nation’s history, culture, and scholarly heritage at one of the world’s leading higher education institutions. The selected fellow will lead research, teach courses related to Pakistan Studies, Urdu, and South Asian history, and collaborate with the academic community at Cambridge. The Ministry provides comprehensive compensation, including BS-20/BS-21 equivalent pay, travel coverage, housing support, and research funding.
University of Cambridge Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Summary 2026
| Detail Category | Job Information |
| Organization Name | Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training |
| Host Institution | Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, UK |
| Position Title | Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair |
| Target Cadre | Regular Associate Professors or Professors (Public & Private Universities) |
| Equivalent Pay Scale | BS-20 / BS-21 (Government of Pakistan terms) |
| Appointment Type | Deputation / Contract (3 years initial, extendable up to 2 years) |
| Max Age Limit | 55 Years (as of closing date) |
| Application Mode | Online via National Job Portal (NJP) |
| Application Deadline | Within 30 Days of official press advertisement publication |
Official Job Advertisement Image
Review the official hiring notice issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for complete details regarding eligibility and responsibilities:
Vacancy Details
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is accepting applications for the following international academic chair position:
- Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship Chair
- Location: Centre of South Asian Studies, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- Role Overview: Academic engagement, teaching, research, and cultural representation covering Pakistan’s history, languages, literature, and socio-economic landscape.
Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Requirements
- Basic Eligibility:
- Must hold a PhD degree from an HEC-recognized university/institution in a relevant research area in humanities or social sciences.
- Proven record of teaching and research excellence.
- Currently serving at the level of Associate Professor or above on a regular basis in a public or private university.
- Other Key Requirements:
- Age Limit: Maximum 55 years of age on the closing date of the advertisement.
- High proficiency in the English language and familiarity with the host country’s culture and institutions.
- Demonstrated leadership capacity to project Pakistan’s language, history, and culture abroad.
- Experience in mentoring, advocacy, communication, organizational leadership, research grants, and budget management.
- Active membership in professional or academic bodies (supported by documentary proof).
- High-quality research publications and strong computer skills.
Key Responsibilities, Perks & Privileges
- Core Responsibilities:
- Engage with Cambridge students and scholars on Pakistan’s history, culture, geography, economics, and regional dynamics.
- Teach courses in Urdu, Pakistan Studies, Pakistani literature, and society.
- Attend weekly seminars at the Centre of South Asian Studies and organize conferences, symposia, or art exhibitions.
- Perks & Benefits:
- Equivalent pay and allowances corresponding to BS-20 and BS-21 per Government of Pakistan rules.
- Provision of research funds and allowance coverage.
- Return flight travel costs for the Visiting Fellow and immediate family (spouse and children).
- Complete coverage for visa costs, housing, and rent as determined by the Government of Pakistan under the MoU.
Terms and Conditions
- Tenure: Initial appointment is for 3 years on a deputation/contract basis, extendable annually up to a maximum of 2 years subject to satisfactory quarterly performance evaluations.
- Proper Channel: Applicants currently serving in government or semi-government institutions must apply through proper departmental channels with requisite NOCs.
- Shortlisting & Selection: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
- TA/DA: No TA/DA will be provided for attending the selection interview.
- Ministry Rights: The Ministry reserves the right not to fill the vacancy without assigning any reason.
How to Apply for Cambridge Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship?
Qualified academic professionals can submit their applications online through the official portal by following these steps:
- Visit the National Job Portal: Go to https://njp.gov.pk/.
- Prepare Application Documents: Gather an updated academic Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a one-page Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing your interest in the fellowship and outlining the academic objectives you aim to achieve at Cambridge.
- Upload Supporting Papers: Attach departmental permission/NOC, educational transcripts, PhD degree, and documentary evidence of professional memberships.
- Submit Online: Complete the application submission on the NJP portal within 30 days of the advertisement’s publication in the press.