Studying abroad allows students to experience different education styles and offers more exposure to their field of expertise. However, most Pakistani students do not even know about the opportunities for pursuing their studies abroad.
Popular Countries for Pakistani Students
Picking a country for studying abroad is a vital decision that needs profound deliberation. You can select a particular country to study, considering the affordability, cultural fitness, and ease of getting a student visa.
The following are the top six popular countries for Pakistani students to study:
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is well-reputed for its education system. The institutions of the UK provide comfortable and friendly experiences along with ample opportunities for students. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK operates a centralised process. Pakistani students get easily adjusted in the UK because they have already learned English as a second language.
Students need to fulfil the minimum entrance requirements and provide academic references. They also need to provide a personal statement including the inspiration for which they want to pursue education in a particular field.
Moreover, scholarships are also granted to Pakistani students under the Charles Wallace Visiting Fellowship. These scholarships help them to finish their courses during short visits to the UK.
Living Cost: High.
Visa Application Process: Complex and time-consuming.
United States of America (USA)
If you are a team player and have an entrepreneurial mindset, then the universities of the USA are a perfect fit for you. The education system is decentralised in the US, so you must apply for individual universities after checking their requirements and eligibility criteria. However, all the universities demand the submission of a personal statement.
The USA offers a Fulbright scholarship for Pakistani students to fulfil their dream of studying abroad. Moreover, the US degrees are well-reputed worldwide, making it a famous country to study.
Living Cost: High.
Visa Application Process: Complicated.
China
China hosts 3rd largest population of international students after the UK and US. Pakistani students have many opportunities to study in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai universities. Studying in China is advantageous as it is a rising power and provides educational funding.
In Pakistan, the embassy of China has authorised the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination to accept applications for the Chinese Government Scholarship. This scholarship covers Bachelors, Masters, PhD, and short-term programs.
Living Cost: Relatively lower.
Visa Application Process: Easy.
Germany
Germany is one of the great places for those Pakistani students who want to study business. This country provides modern technical education and academic internships to students. Its efficient education system offers internationally recognised programs at a relatively lesser cost.
Different scholarships allow Pakistani students to study in Germany for free. The universities of Germany are funded by Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, allowing international students to be a part of different study programs free of cost.
Living Cost: Low
Visa Application Process: Easy.
Australia
There are numerous universities in Australia where you can apply for different courses. This country provides prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowship programs, which the Australian Government funds. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are responsible for offering these scholarships.
These scholarships benefit Pakistani students who want to complete their undergraduate or postgraduate studies abroad.
Living Cost: High.
Visa Application Process: Lengthy.
Canada
Canada is a popular destination for Pakistani students. The universities of Canada offer high academic standards, research opportunities and a hospitable environment. There are diverse cultures found in the country, and there exists a high-quality life.
It is a safe and peaceful country for students to go and pursue their education with different scholarship opportunities available.
Living Cost: Comparatively lower.
Visa Application Process: Complex.
Things to Ponder When Applying for Education Abroad
- You must check the eligibility criteria for the institution you are applying for.
- Analyse your academic history and participation in extracurricular activities.
- Keep an eye on the visa, flight, food, and travel expenses.
- Check for the living costs, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities.
- Research the educational quality of universities.
- Evaluate the faculty members’ performance, available research opportunities, and support services for students.
- Consider the overall safety of the country you are planning to go to, assessing their crime rate and political stability.
- Research the respective country’s cultural norms, language, and social life.
- Evaluate the jobs availability related to your field of study, investigating the skilled workers’ demand.
Admission Requirements for Studying Abroad
Depending on the country and the university, admission requirements vary, but mostly, the following things are needed:
- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Standardised test scores (GRE or SAT)
Tips For Increasing Your Admission Chances to a Foreign University
The following things help increase your chances of securing admission to a university abroad:
- English language proficiency.
- Relevant work experience.
- Strong academic credentials.
- Volunteer work record.
Moreover, make sure to apply early, research and choose the right program, and submit a persuasive personal statement while applying to a foreign university.
Advantages of Foreign Education
Pursuing your education in foreign countries benefits you in the following ways:
- Provides you with diverse learning and experiences.
- Assists you in exploring your independent nature.
- Introduces you to diverse cultures and languages.
- Provides you the opportunity to learn a new language.
- Expands your network.
- Allows you to develop cross-cultural skills.
- Improves your confidence to step into practical life.
- Helps attract potential employers for better job opportunities.
