Best countries for Pakistani students to study abroad

For Pakistani students looking to study abroad, there are many countries that offer high-quality education and a welcoming environment.

Here are the best countries for Pakistani students to study abroad.

1. United Kingdom

The UK has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education, with some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College. The UK is also home to a diverse student population and offers a wide range of courses and programmes in the UK.

With excellent fast-track degree options and popular scholarships like the Commonwealth and Chevening, the country offers high-quality education that provides great value for money. However, the cost of living in the UK can be quite high, and the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming.

Note: You can stay and work in the UK for up to two years with the Graduate Route visa. But Pakistani applicants might face stricter visa scrutiny due to the new immigration policies.

Related:

2. United States

Studying in the USA is one of the best choices for international students, including Pakistani students. The US boasts world-renowned universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Stanford, diverse cultures, and an excellent quality of life. You can choose from a wide range of courses and also pursue research opportunities.

The US is also known for its innovation and technology, making it an ideal destination for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. However, the cost of education in the US can be quite high, and scholarships and financial aid can be competitive.

Note: If you’re a STEM graduate, you can work in the US for up to 3 years after your course through Optional Practical Training.

Related:

3. Canada

Canada is another popular destination for Pakistani students and for good reason. Canadian universities are known for their high academic standards, research opportunities, and welcoming environment.

Canada is also a safe and peaceful country, with a high quality of life and diverse cultures. The cost of education in Canada is generally lower than in the US, and there are several scholarship opportunities available for Pakistani students.

4. Australia

Australia is a popular destination for Pakistani students due to its high standard of living, beautiful landscapes, and excellent education system with top universities like the University of Melbourne and ANU. Australian universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, and business.

Pakistani students may be eligible for scholarships and financial assistance, and the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. However, the visa application process can be lengthy.

Note: International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. You can also avail yourself of post-study work visas.

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is a diverse and multicultural country that offers high-quality education at an affordable cost. Malaysian universities offer a wide range of programmes in fields such as engineering, medicine, and business, and are known for their strong ties to industry. However, the climate can be a challenge, with high temperatures and humidity, and job prospects after graduation may be limited.

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6. Germany

Germany is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students, including Pakistani students, due to its high-quality education that’s at the same affordable. German universities offer excellent academic programmes, particularly in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, and business.

Germany is also known for its low tuition fees and cost of living, making it an attractive option for students on a budget. However, the language barrier can be a challenge, as most programmes are taught in German.

Note: You can work and enhance your career through post-study work visas and residency.

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular study abroad destination for Pakistani students due to its high-quality education, multicultural environment, wide range of programmes taught in English, and international orientation. The universities in the Netherlands are renowned for their academic excellence in Engineering, Business, and Social Sciences.

The tuition fees are affordable when compared to other Western countries. Besides, there are excellent scholarship opportunities you can take advantage of. The universities have strong industry connections and support you in securing good internships.

Note: Post-study work visas allow you to stay and seek employment after completing your course. You can stay for up to one year after your studies.

8. Ireland

Ireland is an English-speaking EU country with renowned educational institutions like the Trinity College of Dublin and a growing tech industry. It is becoming increasingly popular among Pakistani students due to its strong programmes in business, technology, and healthcare, and post-Brexit advantages. The multicultural and welcoming environment makes it a comfortable option.

The tuition fees in Ireland are affordable compared to other Western countries. In addition, there are several scholarship options for international students to support their finances.

Note: The Third Level Graduate Scheme offers you a two-year post-study work visa.

Also read: Cheapest countries to study in Europe

9. South Korea

South Korea has a dynamic culture and technology-driven education, due to which it’s gaining popularity among Pakistani students. Korean universities offer excellent programmes in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Arts. Many courses are being offered in English.

Affordable tuition fees compared to Western countries and the numerous scholarship options like the Korean Government Scholarship programme makes South Korea an attractive study abroad destination.

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Cost of studying abroad for Pakistani students: A country-wise comparison

The cost of studying abroad varies across popular study destinations. You might be interested in knowing the expected cost in different countries to make an informed choice. Here’s a country-wise comparison of the probable costs in various destinations.

Country	Tuition fee (per year)	Cost of living (per month)
United Kingdom	GBP 9,500 – GBP 18,250 (Undergraduate) GBP 15,000 – GBP 25,000 (Postgraduate)	GBP 900 – GBP 1,400
Netherlands	EUR 8,000 – EUR 15,000	EUR 900 – EUR 1,200
Ireland	EUR 10,000 – EUR 18,000	EUR 900 – EUR 1,300
South Korea	~USD 4,200–USD 10,000	(~USD 670–USD 1,000)
Germany	EUR 0 – EUR 3,000 (mostly public universities)	EUR 800 – EUR 1,000
Canada	CAD 15,000 – CAD 33,000	CAD 1,000 – CAD 1,500
USA	USD 15,000 – USD 45,000	USD 1,200 – USD 2,500
Australia	AUD 20,000 – AUD 45,000	AUD 1,400 – AUD 2,500

Sources: British Council | Study in Canada

Best universities and subjects in popular study abroad destinations for Pakistani students

An understanding of the best universities abroad, along with the popular subjects they offer, will help you significantly in selecting the right course. Here’s an insight into the best countries, universities, and subjects.

Country	University	Field/Subject
United Kingdom	University of Oxford	Medicine, Law, Sciences, Humanities
	University of Cambridge	Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences
	Brunel University of London	Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Accounting
	Aston University	Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Business
	Kingston University	Computer Sciences, Engineering, Business
Canada	University of Toronto	Medicine, Engineering, Business, Computer Science
	University of British Columbia	Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies
	Fanshawe College	Computer Science, Healthcare, Engineering, Accounting
	Trent University	Computer Science, Business, Psychology, Education
	Conestoga College	Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Healthcare
United States	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences
	Stanford University	Engineering, Business, Medicine
	Harvard University	Medicine, Law, Business, Social Sciences
	Troy University	Computer Science, Business, Law, Psychology
	Arizona State University	Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Healthcare
Germany	Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)	Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
Berlin School of Business and Innovation	Computer Science, Business, Marketing, Animation
EU Business School	Business, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources
SRH Hochschule Berlin	Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Healthcare
Australia	Australian National University	Political Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering
	University of Melbourne	Medicine, Law, Arts, Engineering
	University of Sydney	Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering
	Navitas	Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Finance, Design
	Southern Cross University	Business, Finance, Engineering, Medicine
Netherlands	Delft University of Technology	Engineering, Technology, Architecture
	University of Amsterdam	Social Sciences, Law, Economics
	Leiden University	Law, Humanities, Natural Sciences
	SRH Haarlem University of Applied Sciences	Information Technology, Media Studies and Communication, Psychology
	Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences	Business, Finance, Marketing, Education
Ireland	Trinity College Dublin	Medicine, Humanities, Business
	University College Dublin	Engineering, Business, Medicine
	University of Galway	Medicine, Engineering, Arts
	Trinity College Dublin	Computer Science, Business, Economics, Sociology
	University College Cork	Computer Science, Business, Law, Education
South Korea	Seoul National University	Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Engineering, Technology, Computer Science
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)	Engineering, Science
Malaysia	University of Malaya	Medicine, Engineering, Business
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	Agriculture, Engineering, Life Sciences

Scholarship programmes available for Pakistani students

You can access scholarships in many of the popular study abroad destinations. Here’s an overview of the scholarships you can apply for and support your studies.

Certainly! Here is a concise version of the scholarship programmes for Pakistani students in various countries, presented in a clear table format:

Country	Scholarships	Portals
United Kingdom	Anne Marie Schimmel Scholarship, Charles Wallace Trust, Scotland Saltire, GREAT Scholarship at Manchester	UK Scholarships overview
Canada	USEFP Fellowships, Provincial & University Scholarships	USEFP Pakistan
United States	AAUW International Fellowships, Fulbright (via USEFP)	USEFP Pakistan
Germany	DAAD Scholarships, Helmut-Schmidt Scholarships, Expatrio Scholarship	DAAD Scholarships
Australia	Griffith Univ. Excellence Scholarship, UOW International Scholarships	Griffith Scholarship
Netherlands	Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip Scholarship	Study in Holland Scholarships
Ireland	Government of Ireland Scholarships, University Scholarships	Education Ireland Scholarships
South Korea	Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP), University Scholarships	KGSP Official
Malaysia	Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), University Scholarships	Study in Malaysia Scholarships
Multiple Countries	HEC Pakistan Scholarships, Punjab Educational Endowment Fund Scholarships (PEEF)	HEC Scholarships

How to apply for a student visa in various study abroad destinations for Pakistani students

The visa application process varies based on the country. However, certain steps are common while applying for a student visa to study abroad. Below are the basic procedures to apply for a student visa.

Secure an offer letter from a recognised institution in the destination country.
Check the visa requirements for Pakistani students. You can get the information from the country’s embassy website.
Collect the required documents, which include a passport, academic records, language proficiency test scores, financial proofs, and a statement of purpose.
Fill out the visa application, either online or offline.
Upload the documents, pay the required application fee and submit the application.
Attend the visa interview.

Apart from the general steps, you may find that immigration rules, documentation, and other requirements vary across different countries. Here’s a comparison of the key differences in visa requirements, processing time, and success rate across various countries.

Country	Visa requirements	Processing time	Success rate
Canada	Admission from a designated institution, proof of funds, medical exam, police clearance, biometrics, English proficiency, intent to study	4-8 weeks	Highly student-friendly policies
United Kingdom	Confirmation of Acceptance, financial proofs, English proficiency, and a biometric residence permit	3-6 weeks	Moderate – stricter scrutiny recently
United States	SEVP-certified admission, SEVIS fee payment, financial proof, English proficiency, mandatory interview	4-12 weeks	Moderate – focused on ties to home
Germany	University admission, financial proof (blocked account/scholarship), and health insurance	6-12 weeks	Generally high
Australia	Confirmation of Enrollment, proof of funds, English proficiency, health exams, GTE statement	3-6 weeks	Moderate to high
Netherlands	Admission from a Dutch institution, financial means, health insurance, and English proficiency	4-8 weeks	High
Ireland	Admission letter, proof of funds, medical insurance, and English proficiency	6-10 weeks	Fairly good
South Korea	Admission, proof of funds, health exam, and language proficiency if required	4-8 weeks	High

Sources: Canada IRCC | US Dept of State | Australian Home Affairs | IND Netherlands

Career prospects for Pakistani students in various study abroad destinations

Career prospects in different countries are shaped by the country’s job market, post-study visa options, and many other factors. Here’s a summary of the career prospects in various study abroad destinations.

Country	Post-study work visa	Job prospects	Salary range
United Kingdom	2 years (3 for PhD)	Good in tech, healthcare, finance, and education sectors	GBP 25,000–GBP 45,000/year
Canada	Up to 3 years	Very strong, especially in tech, engineering, and healthcare	CAD 50,000–CAD 80,000/year
United States	12 months OPT + 24 months STEM extension	Strong, but competitive in tech, finance, and healthcare	USD 50,000–USD 75,000/year
Germany	18-month job search visa	Good in engineering, manufacturing, and IT	EUR 35,000–EUR 50,000/year
Australia	2–4 years	Good in mining, IT, and healthcare	AUD 55,000– AUD 85,000/year
Netherlands	1-year graduate search visa	Moderate, growing tech and business sectors	EUR 30,000–EUR 45,000/year
Ireland	2 years	Growing in ICT, healthcare, and finance	EUR 30,000–EUR 45,000/year
South Korea	1–2 years	Strong in technology, engineering, and manufacturing	KRW 35M–KRW 60M/year
Malaysia	Typically 1–2 years	Growing, with emphasis on IT, manufacturing, and services	MYR 36,000–MYR 60,000/year

Sources: Davidson Morris | GOV.UK | Morgan McKinley

Cultural adaptation tips for various study abroad destinations

Cultural differences can influence your student in many ways. During the transition period, while you settle down in the new country, it is good to spend time gaining an understanding of the local customs and the society. Be open to embracing the cultural differences. You can also make an attempt to learn the local language so that you can overcome the cultural barriers quickly.

You might also find the new environment challenging. Reach out to other students and the support system at your institution to be comfortable in the new environment. Here are some country-specific tips that can help you adapt quickly and make the most of your time.

Country	Cultural adaptation tips
United Kingdom	The British value punctuality and politeness. Be open and try to engage in small talk. The universities offer multicultural campuses where individual privacy is respected.
United States	The US culture values independence and individualism. You’re expected to be open and participate in classroom discussions. Most of the interactions are casual.
Canada	Canada respects cultural differences. Punctuality is always appreciated. Use transparent and polite communication in your interactions.
Germany	Germans prefer direct communication. Punctuality is highly appreciated and you’ll find both academic and daily life in Germany to be structured. Knowledge of German will greatly help you.
Australia	Australians are approachable and straightforward. They respect diversity and are informal in social interactions. You can get involved in local clubs to make friends.
Netherlands	Dutch are honest and prefer direct communication. They value punctuality and structured lifestyle. You can join student networks and local events to adapt faster.
Ireland	Irish people are friendly and willing to offer help. You can easily adapt to the culture by participating in local festivals.
South Korea	South Koreans respect hierarchy. In social and academic situations, age and seniority are respected. It is recommended to learn Korean etiquette so that you can interact without hesitation.

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Factors to consider when choosing the best country to study abroad

The main factors to consider when choosing the best country for Pakistani students to study abroad are:

1. Cost of education

The cost of education is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the best country to study abroad. Different countries have varying tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship opportunities. For Pakistani students, it's important to consider their financial resources and find a country that offers affordable education. In general, countries like Germany and Canada have lower tuition fees and living costs compared to countries like the US and the UK.

2. Quality of education

The quality of education is another important factor to consider when choosing the best country for Pakistani students to study abroad. Pakistani students should research the academic standards of universities in their preferred countries and evaluate the quality of faculty, research opportunities, and student support services. Countries like the US, UK, and Canada have a reputation for high academic standards and world-class universities.

3. Safety

Safety is an important concern for Pakistani students studying abroad. Students should consider the overall safety of the country they plan to study in and assess the crime rate, political stability, and cultural norms. Countries like Canada and Australia are known for their safe and peaceful environment, making them an attractive option for Pakistani students.

4. Culture and lifestyle

Culture and lifestyle are important factors to consider when choosing the best country for Pakistani students to study abroad. Pakistani students should research the cultural norms, language, and social life of the country they plan to study in. Countries like the US, UK, and Canada have diverse and welcoming cultures that can make it easier for international students to adjust to their new environment.

5. Job prospects

Job prospects are an essential consideration for Pakistani students who plan to work after completing their studies. Students should research the job market and evaluate the availability of jobs in their field of study. Countries like Canada and Australia have a high demand for skilled workers, making it easier for international students to find work after completing their education.

Studying abroad is a dream for many Pakistani students who want to gain international education experience and expand their horizons. The top countries for Pakistani students to study abroad include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, France, Singapore, and Sweden.

Each country has its own unique advantages and challenges, so you should carefully consider your options and choose the destination that best fits your academic and personal goals.

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Frequently asked questions

1. What are the admission requirements for studying abroad?

Admission requirements vary depending on the country and the university, but most institutions will require academic transcripts, English language proficiency tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. Some programmes may also require standardised test scores (such as the SAT or GRE) or additional application materials.

2. How much does it cost to study abroad?

The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the country, the university, and the programme of study. Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other expenses can add up quickly. However, there are many scholarships and financial aid options available for international students, so it's important to research and apply for these opportunities.

3. How can I improve my chances of being accepted to a foreign university?

To improve your chances of being accepted to a foreign university, it's important to have strong academic credentials, English language proficiency, and relevant work or volunteer experience. You can also improve your chances by applying early, researching and choosing the right programme, and submitting a compelling personal statement or essay.

4. What are the benefits of studying abroad?

Studying abroad offers many benefits, including the opportunity to gain an international education experience, learn a new language, develop cross-cultural skills, expand your network, and enhance your career prospects. Studying abroad can also be a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and have fun!

5. Which are the best countries for Pakistani students to study Engineering abroad?

The best countries for Pakistani students to study Engineering abroad include the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia. These countries have reputed universities and diverse specialisations for your career advancement.

7. Is it easier to get a student visa for Pakistanis in Canada or the UK?

Both Canada and the UK have their own specific student visa processes and requirements. The ease of obtaining the visa depends on how well you adhere to the processes. However, the UK has tighter visa scrutiny compared to Canada, which has student-friendly visa policies.

8. How to get a student visa for Pakistanis to study in Germany?

To get a student visa for Germany, first, you must secure admission to a German university. Gather all the required documents and open a blocked account. Complete the application form, submit it, and attend the visa interview. Once approved, you can collect your visa and get ready for your trip.

9. Which country has the most Pakistani students?

The most popular destinations for Pakistani students are China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. However, China has become the top education destination for Pakistani students.

10. Which country gives study visas easily to Pakistani students?

China
Germany
UK
Canada

11. Which country has the highest student visa success rate for Pakistani students?

The country with the highest student visa success rate for Pakistani students is Germany. It is followed by Australia, the UK, and Canada.

12. Which countries offer the most affordable education for Pakistani students?

You must consider various factors like tuition fees, cost of living, and work opportunities while deciding the affordability. Some of the most affordable countries for Pakistani students to study abroad include Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, and South Korea.

13. How do visa requirements vary among top study destinations for Pakistanis?

Visa requirements for Pakistani students vary among the top study destinations. The UK has strict visa scrutiny and requires solid academic records and strong financial proof, while the US is strict in its documentation requirements. Germany has a streamlined visa process, and many German institutions do not require IELTS. Canada and Australia also provide student-friendly visa policies.

14. What are the popular fields of study for Pakistani students abroad?

Popular fields of study for Pakistani students abroad include Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, and Medicine. Other fields that are growing in popularity include Data Science and Finance.

15. How does the safety and quality of life compare in the best countries for Pakistani students?

Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands are safe with a high quality of life and multicultural environments. Ireland is also a good choice for Pakistani students. The US and the UK provide high-quality living, but many cities in these countries have higher crime rates, which makes it necessary to research these cities before making a choice.

16. What scholarships are available for Pakistani students in these countries?

Pakistani students have several scholarship opportunities to study in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany. You can apply for the Chevening scholarship and the Commonwealth scholarships in the UK, which are offered to outstanding students. The Fulbright Foreign Student Programme in the US, the DAAD in Germany, and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland are other options you can consider.

17. Which country is best for scholarships for Pakistani students?

The top countries for Pakistani students to study abroad with scholarship opportunities include:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Germany
New Zealand
Malaysia
France
Singapore
Sweden

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Best countries for Pakistani students to study abroad

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