Editorial
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis pursue higher education abroad, typically through two main routes: undergraduate degrees (bachelor’s) and graduate degrees (master’s or doctorate). Many years ago, I was among these students, choosing the United States as my destination for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Reflecting on this experience, I feel fortunate to have had access to such opportunities, both in terms of admission and the financial resources needed.
However, the situation has drastically changed. The Pakistani rupee has depreciated significantly against the dollar, making studying in the US increasingly unaffordable. Today, higher education there is only accessible for the very wealthy or those with substantial financial backing. While scholarships or financial aid could offer some relief, securing them is far from guaranteed. For many, the smarter financial choice may be to stay in Pakistan, where universities like IBA Karachi, LUMS, and NUST provide quality education at a fraction of the cost.
The misconception that a foreign degree automatically holds more value than a local one leads many parents to spend their entire savings on sending their children abroad, even when local institutions offer equally good, or sometimes better, education. While countries like the US, UK, and Canada have long been popular study destinations, other regions such as Europe, Malaysia, and the UAE are now emerging as viable alternatives, offering affordable education with quality programs.
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Canada, once a preferred destination for Pakistani students, is tightening its student visa policies, making it a less attractive option. In contrast, European countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy offer affordable education, often in English, and have growing Pakistani communities. With the increasing challenges of securing visas for the US and Canada, Europe is set to become an even more popular choice for Pakistani students.
An essential factor missing in Pakistan’s educational system is proper counseling. Most schools lack qualified counselors with experience in international education, forcing students to navigate the complex application process independently. This lack of support disproportionately affects students from less affluent backgrounds, further widening the gap in accessing global education opportunities.
