Who Can Apply?
Applicants from diverse academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, including International Relations, Political Science, Strategic Studies, Defence and Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Diplomacy, Public Policy, History, Economics, Law, Sociology, Area Studies, Education, as well as Applied Sciences, Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences, and other relevant disciplines.
Internship Application Form
Internships
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), in its 41st meeting held on April 16, 2023, approved the Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP Version 1.1) to be implemented from Fall 2023 in higher education institutions (HEIs). As per the policy, all graduates, irrespective of their discipline, are required to complete a mandatory Capstone Project of 3 credit hours as partial fulfillment of their degree program. The project is designed to enable students to apply their knowledge and acquired competencies to address real-world problems. Students may begin working on their Capstone Project any time after the 4th semester, as advised by their respective departments.
Moreover, a 6–8 weeks Field Experience/Internship of 3 credit hours is a mandatory component of the BS program. The main purpose of this experience is to familiarize students with organizational structures, hierarchy, work and professional ethics, a sense of responsibility, and to develop their self-confidence.
- FYP 399: Field Experience/Internship (Compulsory): Field experience is a professional learning opportunity that offers meaningful and practical work experience related to a student’s field of study or career interest. It allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
- FYP 499: Capstone Project/Report Writing (Compulsory): A capstone project enables students to integrate the concepts, principles, and methods learned during their course of study and apply their knowledge and competencies to address real-world problems.
1. National Internship Program (NIP)
The National Internship Program (NIP) is a 6–8 weeks intensive internship designed to fulfill the Field Experience/Internship requirement (3 credit hours) under the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy 2023. As part of this program, bachelor’s students gain practical exposure to professional environments while completing a compulsory component of their degree.
In addition to the internship, the program incorporates lectures on Capstone Project/Report Writing, another mandatory requirement under the HEC policy. These sessions are delivered by renowned experts and practitioners to equip students with essential skills for research design, project implementation, and academic writing.
Through NIP, students will gain firsthand experience of organizational structures, workplace hierarchy, professional ethics, and a strong sense of responsibility, while also developing self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. The program emphasizes academic, research, and intellectual training, enabling participants to effectively apply their knowledge and competencies to address real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
2. Virtual Internship Program (VIP)
The Virtual Internship Program (VIP) is a dedicated online internship designed for young minds enrolled in Bachelor’s programs, High School, or College across social sciences, humanities & arts, applied and natural sciences. The primary objective of VIP is to introduce students to the theory and practice of objective research, critical thinking, and effective presentation of ideas through publications. Candidates from all disciplines are also encouraged to apply, as the program emphasizes analytical and research skills applicable across fields.
- Bachelor’s students enrolled in degree programs can also receive a 6–8 weeks Internship Certificate, fulfilling the 3 credit hours Field Experience/Internship requirement. Additionally, lectures on Capstone Project/Report Writing will help them meet the 3 credit hours compulsory requirement.
Important Instructions:
- There is no semester restriction to apply, and enrollment in a university is not mandatory. Students from any background, including High School and College, are welcome to apply. International students are also encouraged to participate.
Program Details and Explanation:
- Upon receiving applications, only shortlisted candidates will be offered the internship.
- Selected internees are required to write at least six Analysis Papers over the span of one year for PAIR PULSE, an online BLOG showcasing VIP research. All six papers should focus on the research area identified in the VIP Application Form, though students may request to change their topic before submitting the first paper.
- An academic calendar covering monthly lectures, trainings, workshops, and seminars will be provided, ensuring comprehensive research training and scholarly development for the next generation of intellectuals.
- Upon successful completion of the program, internees will receive an Experience Certificate of Research Associate, covering one year of research training and publications.
- VIP Certificate Ceremony: Subject to funding, a formal ceremony will be held in Islamabad to award certificates, where internees will present their research findings.
- The paper presentations of VIP internees will be published as a special edition of PAIR PERSPECTIVE, an online magazine highlighting independent research and contributions from young minds in the social sciences.
Training Workshops
- National Security Workshop (NSW)
- National Media Workshop (NMW)
- Workshop on Capstone Project
- Workshop on Writing Skills/Expository Writing
We Shape Minds to Build a Nation
- Research & Inquiry
- Critical Thinking
- Policy Analysis
- Geopolitical Awareness
- Research Writing
- Professional Development
- Expert Engagement
- Collaborative Research
- Ideas into Impact
