Pakistan, still considered a third world country, with its declining economy and quality of living, is making it difficult for new generations to survive in the country. The students and the parents prefer that they continue their higher studies and set up their career out of Pakistan in a more advanced and developed country. There are many push factors that are motivating Pakistani families to take these decisions.

Push Factors For Pakistani Students 

For the past couple of decades, a large number of students from Pakistan have been moving abroad to pursue higher studies due to lack of high quality educational facilities for students. Pakistan’s educational sector declined largely after COVID and 2022 floods. But even before that Pakistan had 75% Learning Poverty. 

A comprehensive report by Pak Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS) in 2023 reported that Pakistan is home to 71 million children who are aged between five to sixteen years. And from that 71 million, 36 per cent, or 25.3 million, children are out of school.

Other than that, the quality of life in Pakistan is also not very high. With some populations deprived of even the most basic needs and rights and other populations qualified as lower middle or middle class account for the most of the population of the country. 

The World Bank Group reported  that in Pakistan the estimated lower-middle income poverty rate for FY24 was 40.5 percent (US$3.65/day 2017 PPP) with an additional 2.6 million Pakistanis falling below the poverty line from the year before. This depicts what the quality of life would look like in Pakistan in the coming future. 

Outbound Students From Pakistan

From what the statistics suggests, the future does not look good for upcoming generations and that’s why a large number of students are moving abroad to pursue their studies with a hope of finding a career path for themselves for a long term stay and even for nationality. 

Following are the recent figures of number of outbound students moving to the top countries in hope of a better future:  

• Australia: 23,380 in 2023 
• UK: 34,690 in 2022-23
• US: 10,165 in 2022/23 
• Canada: 4,750 in 2023
• Ireland 

Australia

Popular Educational Programs Offered:

• Accountancy
• Engineering
• Agricultural Sciences
• Actuarial Sciences
• Architecture
• Biomedical engineering
• Psychology

Study costs

Student visa cost: AUD $1,600

Bachelors: $20,000 – 45,000 annually 

Masters: $22,000 – $50,000

PhD: $20,000 – $42,000

Living Costs

Approximately $20,000 – $30,000 yearly 

Quality of Life

Australia provides an exceptional quality of life, making it an attractive destination for Pakistani students studying abroad and pursuing international education.

• Safety and Healthcare: Known for its low crime rates, Australia offers a secure environment and a high standard of living. Its world-class healthcare system ensures international students have access to quality medical care through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  
• Employment Opportunities: With a strong economy, Australia provides excellent part-time work opportunities for international students, helping them gain practical experience and manage living expenses.
  
• Multicultural Society: Australia’s diverse and inclusive environment allows Pakistani students to adapt easily and gain valuable cultural experiences.
  

These factors make Australia a compelling choice for Pakistani students seeking a safe, supportive, and enriching study destination.

Post Graduation Plans 

After the completion of the study program the student applied for in their student visa, they can apply for Temporary Graduate visa also. This allows them to work in Australia for a period of 18 months to 4 years.

This is an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, real world experience and skillful expertise in the field they completed their degree in. This facility by the Australian government paves a way for successful career opportunities for Pakistani students and also opens the door for exploring possibilities for permanent visas in Australia. 

Australia can provide career opportunities in information technology, medical field, engineering, media and marketing, hospitality and other relevant fields depending on the student’s chosen field. 

UK

Popular Educational Programs Offered:

• Business Analytics: B.Sc, M.Sc 
• Computer Science: B.Sc, M.Sc
• Business Administration Management: BBA, MBA, MIM, BSc, MSc
• Medicine and Surgery: BSc Medicine, MBBS, BMBS Medicine, MB BChir MBChB,
• Finance, International Business, and Accounting: Masters. M.Sc, B.Sc
• Law: LLB, LLM
• Engineering; MSc, ME
• Fashion and Interior designing: BSc, MA, MSc

Study costs

Study costs vary on the programs and courses you choose to study but the estimated costs are as following:

Bachelors: £12,000 – £38,000 annually 

Masters: £9,000 – £30,000 

PhD: £11,000 – £22,000

Student visa cost: £490

Living Costs

Approximately £1,100 – £1,700 monthly 

Quality of Life

The United Kingdom offers an exceptional quality of life, making it an appealing choice for Pakistani students pursuing international education. Key benefits include:

• High-Quality Education: UK universities focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, equipping students with essential skills for successful careers.
  
• Globally Respected Degrees: Degrees from UK institutions are recognized worldwide, enhancing employability and providing a competitive edge in the job market.
  
• Cultural Diversity: The UK’s multicultural environment enriches the learning experience and broadens students’ global perspectives.

Post Graduation Plans 

The Graduate Route allows students to stay in the UK for up to two years after earning a degree (three years for PhD graduates), providing valuable work experience and career development opportunities. UK universities maintain strong alumni communities, offering valuable connections and support for students and graduates. Moreover, as a hub for cutting-edge research, the UK provides students with access to groundbreaking projects across diverse fields.

US

Popular Educational Programs Offered:

• Computer science and IT
• Pharmacy 
• Biotechnology
• Art and Design
• Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering
• Economics & Econometrics
• International Relations
• Management
• Social Sciences

Study costs

Bachelors: $20,000 – 40,000 annually 

Masters: $20,000 – $50,000 annually

PhD: $28,000 – $40,000 annually

Student visa cost: AUD $510

Living Costs

Approximately $10,000 – $15,000 yearly 

Quality of Life

The United States offers an exceptional living and learning environment, making it an attractive choice for Pakistani students pursuing international education.

• High Standard of Living: The U.S. provides a safe, modern, and welcoming environment with access to advanced amenities, efficient public services, and a vibrant cultural landscape.
  
• Cultural Diversity: Known as a melting pot of cultures, the U.S. provides international students with exposure to diverse perspectives, enriching personal development and global awareness.
  
• Recreational Experiences: From iconic landmarks to breathtaking national parks, the U.S. offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation, enhancing the overall student experience.

Post Graduation Plans

Students can access various employment options during and after their studies, with programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) offering valuable work experience in their chosen fields.

Canada

Popular Educational Programs Offered:

• Business management programs: Bachelors, MBA, DBA
• Information Technology (IT) & Computer science: BSc, MSc, MIT, MASc
• Media & Journalism: Bachelors, Masters
• Human resources: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
• Psychology: BA, BSc, BASc, MA, MSc, PhD
• Agriculture & Forestry programs: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
• Logistics and supply management programs: Bachelors, BBA, MBA, Post-graduate Diploma
• Graphic Design: BDes, BFA, MDes

Study costs

Student visa cost: CAD $150

Bachelors: $550 – $30,000 annually 

Masters & PhD: $1,075 – $65,000

Living Costs

Approximately $200 – $700 monthly

Quality of Life

Canada provides an exceptional environment for international students, blending top-tier education, cultural diversity, and a high standard of living.

• Top-Tier Education: Home to world-class institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, Canada offers students a strong academic foundation that paves the way for successful careers.
  
• Cultural Diversity: Known for its multicultural society, Canada welcomes students from around the world. This diverse environment allows students to broaden their global perspectives and engage in enriching cross-cultural experiences.
  
• Excellent Quality of Life: With excellent healthcare, abundant career opportunities, and modern infrastructure, Canada ensures students enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle while pursuing their studies.
  

Post Graduation Plans

Canada also provides pathways to permanent residency for international students through programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Canadian Experience Class, making it an attractive option for those wishing to settle long-term.

Ireland

IT/Computer Science: Diploma, Undergraduate, Masters, PHD 

Artificial Intelligence:  Specialisations

Finance: MSc Finance, MSc Accounting, MA Accounting, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CIMA 

Digital Marketing: SEO, SEM, social media, content writing, email, and SMS Marketing

Business Analytics: Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Computer Programming

Study costs

Student visa cost: €60 (single-entry visa) / €100 (multiple-entry visa)

Bachelors: € 10,000 – € 55,000 annually 

Masters & PhD: € 10,000 – € 35,000 annually 

Living Costs

Approximately €550 – € 2,000 monthly 

Quality of Life

Ireland offers an outstanding opportunity for Pakistani students pursuing international education, with several key advantages:

• Globally Respected Education: Irish universities are known for their academic excellence and innovative teaching, providing qualifications that are highly valued worldwide and enhance career prospects.
  
• High Quality of Life: Regularly ranked as one of the safest and most livable countries, Ireland provides a peaceful, welcoming environment, enriched by a vibrant and youthful community that enhances the student experience.
  
• Cultural Diversity: Ireland’s rich history and inclusive society create a unique environment for students to engage with diverse cultures, promoting both personal and academic growth.