Pakistani Students Account For Largest Share of Increase in Interest in Europe

Interest in studying in Europe  is growing in certain key markets like Pakistan and Bangladesh in particular, according to a recent report on foreign students coming to Europe. Although India generates the largest share of relative demand, this fluctuates drastically and has gradually declined overall in recent years, the report adds.  

Interest in Bachelor's Programs. Source: StudyPortals.com


The chart above shows the top origin countries for interest in Bachelor’s programs in Europe, as well as the evolution of that interest over the last four years. 

Interest in Bachelor's Programs. Source: StudyPortals.com


Bangladesh and Pakistan also show strong demand in Master’s programs, alongside students in Turkey and Iran. The report reveals widening European interest and shift towards STEM

Among 2,835 students from 143 countries selected for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program, Pakistani students rank at the top with 192 scholarships, followed by India 174, Bangladesh 140, Mexico 118, and Nigeria 109, according to an EU tweet. Currently, there are 7.114 Pakistani students studying in Germany. 

The United Kingdom emerged as the top destination for Pakistani students with 28,188 student visas granted in 2022,  up 95% from the previous year. The UK has now surpassed China has the biggest draw for Pakistani students after the COVID19 pandemic.  Of the 486,868 UK student visas granted (to both main applicants and their dependents), 117,965 went to Indian nationals. This is an increase of 80,569 (+215%) compared to 2019, and slightly more than the 115,056 granted to Chinese nationals — but Pakistani nationals saw a bigger increase in approvals for their UK student visas at 377% compared to India’s 215%, according to Study International

Foreign Students in the US. Source: Open Doors


The US also reported a 17.4% increase in the number of Pakistani students studying in the United States during 2021-22. This brought their number to 8,772, according to Open Doors. The Open Doors Report identified China and India as the largest sources of international students to the United States. During 2021-22, China sent 290,086 students, which is 30.6% of the total number of international students in the US, a decline of 8.6% from the previous year. India, which sent 199,183 students this year — 21% of the total — saw a 19% year-over-year increase. Toge­ther, China and India make up more than half of all international students in the United States.

The number of Pakistani students studying in Australia has also increased 21% to 20,935 in 2022.  The number of first-time enrollments of Pakistanis jumped 71% in the year, according to ICEF Monitor

Offsetting a decline in Chinese enrollments in Australia (177,470 in 2022, down 11% y-o-y) and zero momentum from India (128,980, up .03%) were notable enrollment increases from:

Thailand, the 6th largest market, up 61% to 25,792

Nepal, the 3rd largest market, up 21% to 71,805

Colombia, the 4th largest market, up 21% to 28,435

Pakistan, the 9th largest market, up 21% to 20,935

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Comments

Riaz Haq said…
UNESCO data on outbound international students in 2020

http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3807#

Pakistan: 64,604 students


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Bangladesh 49,151

Brazil 89,151

Canada 51,156

China 1,088,466

Egypt 43,243

India 516,000

Iran 66,701

Malaysia 55,311

Morocco 63,001

Nepal 95,268

Nigeria 71,753

Pakistan 64,604

Syria 87,057

South Africa 12,295

South Korea 100,610

Russia 57,591

Vietnam 132,559

UK 40,074

USA 109,827
Riaz Haq said…
Outbound mobility trends for five key sending markets (of international students) in Asia (in 2022)

Bangladesh (70,000) , Nepal (125,500), Pakistan (103,190), Philippines (62,000) and Thailand (40,720).

https://monitor.icef.com/2023/03/outbound-mobility-trends-for-five-key-sending-markets-in-asia/


Pakistan
The most recent UNESCO data (2020) counts 64,065 Pakistani students abroad in higher education. Outbound mobility from Pakistan was over 103,190 in 2022 when we consult more recent statistics published by government sources in various destinations. There have been large increases in Pakistani students recorded recently in the UK, Australia, US, Canada, and Germany.

The top three destinations for Pakistani students currently are UAE, UK, and Australia.

UAE: 24,865 in 2020 according to UNESCO
UK: 23,075 in 2021/22 (+62% y-o-y)
Australia: 15,875 in 2022 (+15%)
US: 8,770 in 2021/22 (+17%)
Germany: 7,115 in 2021/22 (+22%)
Canada: 6,405 in 2022 (+38%)
Kyrgyzstan: 6,000 in 2020 according to UNESCO
Malaysia: 4,700 in 2021
Turkey: 2,385 in 2020 according to UNESCO
Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, Qatar: At least 4,000 in 2020 according to UNESCO

Riaz Haq said…
From Google Gen Ai:

Studying in Europe offers Pakistani students access to world-renowned institutions, innovative teaching techniques, and multicultural surroundings. In 2019, nearly 10,000 Pakistani students registered in European colleges.
The number of Pakistani students studying abroad has grown steadily over the past decade. In 2020, 64,604 Pakistani students were studying abroad.
Some of the top countries for Pakistani students to study abroad include:
The United States, The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, France, Singapore, Sweden.
Some of the top destinations for Pakistani students in Europe include:
Germany
Austria
Sweden
The United Kingdom
Pakistani students are required to pass language tests to study abroad. However, some universities offer scholarships that allow students to study in Europe without IELTS.
Riaz Haq said…
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MOBILITY

https://wenr.wes.org/2020/02/education-in-pakistan


Pakistan is a significant exporter of international students globally. According to UNESCO statistics, the number of outbound Pakistani degree-seeking students grew by 70 percent over the last decade, from 31,156 in 2007 to 53,023 in 2017. While that number is dwarfed by the more than 330,000 degree-seeking students from neighboring India, consider that Pakistan’s outbound mobility ratio—the percentage of international students among all students—is almost three time as high (2.7 percent in 2017) as that of India (1 percent). This means that it’s far more common for Pakistani students to study abroad and broaden their academic horizons in another country than it is for Indian students.

Further increases in student outflows from Pakistan are expected in the years ahead. The British Council, for instance, expects Pakistan to be among the top 10 growth countries worldwide until 2027, despite an overall cooling of international student mobility on a global scale. For one, the precarious economic conditions and employment prospects in Pakistan are a major push factor for both international students and the hundreds of thousands of labor migrants leaving Pakistan each year. Studying abroad can open immigration pathways in countries like Australia or Canada, while a foreign degree gives those that return a competitive edge on the Pakistani labor market.

Another important driver is the lack of university seats and high-quality study programs in Pakistan, particularly at the graduate level. While Pakistan has created a tremendous amount of new doctoral programs over the past decade, growing numbers of Pakistani scholars are heading abroad to access higher quality education, primarily in fields like engineering and the sciences. To modernize research in Pakistan and raise the qualifications profile of university faculty, the government supports this development with scholarship programs of considerable scale, considering Pakistan’s fiscal constraints. While most Pakistani students are said to be self-funded, overseas scholarship programs have helped thousands of graduate students to pursue studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Germany, France, and various other countries in recent years. Scholarship recipients are often required to return home after graduation.

The traditional English-speaking international study destinations, Australia and the U.S., are currently the top choices among Pakistani degree-seeking students, as per UNESCO statistics. Datapublished by the Australian government show that the number of Pakistani students grew almost threefold over the past decade, from 3,512 in 2008 to 10,000 in 2019, making Pakistan one of the top 10 sending countries of tertiary students in Australia.

In the U.S., likewise, Pakistani enrollments have generally been on an upward trajectory over the past few years. According to the Open Doors data of the Institute of International Education, Pakistan sent 7,957 students to the U.S. in 2018/19, an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year, making it the 22nd most important sending country. Around 44 percent of these students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, 35 percent in graduate programs, and 4 percent in non-degree programs, while 17 percent pursue Optional Practical Training.

Other popular destination countries include the U.K. and the Muslim-majority countries Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, the latter also being a magnet for labor migrants from Pakistan. It should be noted, however, that China has emerged as a significant destination as well. China may, in fact, now host the largest number of Pakistani international students worldwide. While UNESCO does not report data for China, and Chinese government figures are difficult to compare,1 Pakistan is currently the third-largest sending country to China with 28,000 students, per Chinese statistics.
Riaz Haq said…
Pakistani Student Enrollment In Germany Soars By 30%

https://thefridaytimes.com/24-Nov-2023/pakistani-student-enrollment-in-germany-soars-by-30-percent

The educational landscape in Germany sees a dynamic transformation as Pakistani student enrollment surges by an impressive 30 percent. Statistics from the academic years 2020–21 to 2022–23 revealed a growth from 6,403 to 8,208 Pakistani students.

The German higher education sector, boasting a total enrollment of 458,210 international students as of 2022-2023, stands witness to this remarkable influx. Among these students, the discipline of engineering emerges as a beacon, with 145,707 individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds immersing themselves in the technical realms of innovation and progress.
Riaz Haq said…
Germany is Launching Opportunity Card for Foreigners Looking for Jobs

https://propakistani.pk/2024/04/22/germany-is-launching-opportunity-card-for-foreigners-looking-for-jobs/

Germany is set to introduce the Opportunity Card in June 2024, a new program aimed at facilitating employment for qualified non-EU citizens in the country. This initiative is designed to streamline the process for skilled job seekers, enhancing their ability to explore job opportunities and engage in flexible work arrangements.

The Opportunity Card represents a significant shift in Germany’s approach to immigration for skilled workers. It simplifies the existing qualification requirements, allowing individuals to enter the job market more efficiently. The card enables holders to look for jobs, participate in work trials, and if necessary, extend their stay in Germany.

The new system reduces the complexities often encountered in the bureaucratic process. Here are the key aspects of the qualification process for the Opportunity Card:

Qualification Recognition:
The card is accessible to individuals whose skills and qualifications are recognized in Germany, eliminating the need for additional special requirements.

Educational Criteria:
Eligible applicants include those with a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification of at least two years recognized by their home country, or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad.

Language Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency, requiring at least an A1 CEFR level in German or a B2 CEFR level in English.

Point-Based Evaluation System
The Opportunity Card uses a point-based system to assess eligibility. Points are allocated based on various factors such as the recognition of qualifications, language skills, professional experience, age, connections to Germany, and the potential involvement of partners or spouses. Applicants need to achieve a minimum of six points to be eligible.

Advantages of Holding the Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card offers numerous benefits that facilitate a smoother transition into the German job market:

Ease of Job Search: The card allows holders to bypass lengthy recognition processes, enabling them to immediately start looking for employment.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Holders are permitted to undertake work trials and can engage in secondary employment for up to 20 hours per week.
Extension Possibility: In cases where holders are offered eligible employment but cannot secure another resident title, the card can be extended for up to an additional two years.
Germany’s Intentions
The Opportunity Card is a strategic initiative by the German government to attract skilled workers and simplify their entry into one of Europe’s leading economies. It provides a streamlined pathway for engaging with the job market without the necessity of a pre-arranged job contract, thereby offering job seekers valuable time to find suitable employment.
Riaz Haq said…
Pakistan with 10,988 students ranks 15th among international student sending countries in US. India (331,602 students) ranks first, China (277,398) 2nd and South Korea (43,149) 3rd.

Canada (28,998) ranks 4th, Taiwan (23,157) ranks 5th, Vietnam (22,066) ranks 6th, Nigeria (20,029) ranks 7th, Bangladesh (17,099) ranks 8th, Brazil (16,877) ranks 9th, Nepal 16,742) ranks 10th, Mexico (15,474) ranks 11th, Saudi Arabia (14,828) ranks 12th, Japan (13,959) ranks 13th, Iran (12,430) ranks 14th and Pakistan (10,988) ranks 15th.

UK (10,473) ranks 16th, Colombia (10,120) ranks 17th, Ghana (9,394) ranks 18th, Germany (9,230) ranks 19th, Turkey (9,148) 20th, Spain (8,842) 21st, France (8,543) 22nd, Indonesia (8,348) 23rd, Italy (6,545) 24th and Hong Kong (5,6,27) 25th.

Other Places of Origin (175,624).

https://opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/international-students/
Riaz Haq said…



What the UK International Student 2022/23 data can tell us

https://monitor.icef.com/2024/08/uk-reports-record-foreign-enrolment-for-2022-23/

India (173,190 students) surpassed China (154,260) as the main sender of students to UK universities. China had been the #1 market since 2018/19. Indian students represented a quarter (26%) of all international students in the UK in 2022/23.

India (+37%), Nigeria (+39%), and Pakistan (50%) were by far the fastest-growing student source countries, year-over-year.

What the 2022/23 data can tell us
India (173,190 students) surpassed China (154,260) as the main sender of students to UK universities. China had been the #1 market since 2018/19. Indian students represented a quarter (26%) of all international students in the UK in 2022/23.

India (+37%), Nigeria (+39%), and Pakistan (50%) were by far the fastest-growing student source countries, year-over-year.


The top 10 non-EU sending markets were:

India (173,190, +37%)
China (154,260, +2%)
Nigeria (72,355, +39%)
Pakistan (34,690, +50%)
US (22,540, -2%)
Hong Kong (17,095, +3%)
Bangladesh (14,945, +18%)
Malaysia (13,005, +7%)
Saudi Arabia (9,045, +3%)
UAE (8,350, +3%)
Riaz Haq said…
The Pakistan Index
@thepakindex
Countries with the Most Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Winners, 2025

1. 🇵🇰 Pakistan: 114
2. 🇮🇳 India: 96
3. 🇧🇩 Bangladesh: 95
4. 🇲🇽 Mexico: 93
5. 🇳🇬 Nigeria: 75
6. 🇧🇷 Brazil: 73
7. 🇪🇸 Spain: 65
8. 🇺🇸 USA: 62
9. 🇪🇬 Egypt: 61
10. 🇩🇪 Germany: 61

(European Commission)

https://x.com/thepakindex/status/1930293609321931140

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In 2025, Pakistan once again had the highest number of winners of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, with 114 recipients. This makes Pakistan the top country in receiving the scholarship for the fourth consecutive year. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a prestigious European scholarship program for graduates, funding joint master's degrees at prestigious universities across multiple countries.

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Opportunities Circle is here with the most awaited fully funded master’s scholarship program, which is Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025. The European scholarship program is open, and it is a prestigious scholarship offered to international students to pursue master’s degree programs in three countries and three different European universities for free. Erasmus is Europe’s most significant scholarship for international students. European Union sponsors the fully funded scholarship 2025-2026. Do you want to go to Europe without spending a penny so this scholarship is for you

This article will provide detailed information and a complete guide about the fully funded Erasmus master scholarship program, so make sure you do not skip any section. Three thousand fully funded master’s scholarships will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2025. Those who want to apply for the Erasmus scholarship program in Europe should start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL. Yes, you have read it right. Erasmus Mundus master’s scholarship for international students requires English language proficiency either in the form of IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo test scores.

Erasmus is a European Government-funded scholarship program. Different programs are offered under this Erasmus Master’s scholarship, plus the deadline is different for each course of this fully funded European scholarship. Students will be able to study for their master’s degree by studying in three to four different countries though the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. The fully funded master’s scholarship in Europe is a golden opportunity for all international students to explore, live, and study free in Europe. Application for most Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarship programs will start in October 2024. International students will study each semester at a different university and have to do an internship as training in a different country under this Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) – Erasmus+.

The fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships funded the highest number of students in the past; approximately 3,013 students were selected from different countries. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) is offered for the master’s program, MPhil and Erasmus Fellowship. The duration of the Erasmus Mundus masters scholarship in Europe is 2 years and no more. During these two years, Erasmus scholars will learn all the necessary skills required to become proficient in their relevant fields. They will have a chance to study under the world’s top professors and lecturers and receive mentorship from professionals in relevant fields. There are no country restrictions. Students from all over the world can apply for the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree scholarship. This master’s scholarship in Europe will open doors to many career opportunities; the scholars are highly admired by organization around the globe.

https://www.opportunitiescircle.com/erasmus-mundus-scholarship/#google_vignette

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