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(Last updated: 29 Oct 2008)
Trends and opportunities
The market
There is substantial demand in Pakistan from students, parents and employers for private quality higher education along with a willingness and capacity to pay comparatively high fees.
Government institutions no longer enjoy the reputation they had 20 years ago. Despite the spacious campuses of premier institutions, such as Punjab University, Government College University Lahore and Karachi University, are no longer perceived as institutions of high academic standards.
At the core of this deterioration is the public examination system which, by repeating the same questions every few years, rewards rote learning over intellectual dexterity. The resultant lack of comprehension and thinking skills has meant that degrees from government universities and colleges no longer serve as screening devices for selecting graduates in the job market.
Even so, there is a strong desire to achieve a high result in the Secondary School Certificate Exams (SSCE) and the Higher Secondary School Certificate Exams (HSCE). The government-run schools, and many private institutions, serve as tuition centres to prepare students for the board exams but rarely providing quality education and opportunities for intellectual growth.
The Federal Ministry of Education in Islamabad has overall responsibility for education in the country. The provincial education departments are responsible for duties such as curriculum development, teacher training and, in collaboration with local universities, for examination and certification. Overall, public spending on education has never exceeded four per cent of gross national product (GNP), and of this the largest proportion goes to the higher education sector.
There are approximately over 130 colleges and universities based in the major cities of Pakistan. The demand for places exceeds their availability. While the private sector has had some impact in soaking up the excess demand for places, there are a significant number of people for whom studying abroad is the preferred option.
Opportunities
Approximately over 10,000 Pakistani students travel overseas for further studies every year.
Private institutions are seeking affiliations with universities abroad to ensure they offer information and training that is of international standard.
In response to increased trade competition and need for a high performing work force, the Government of Pakistan is strongly emphasising vocational training. Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system delivers training that is practical and career-oriented could service some of this demand.
The online delivery of programs has potential where Pakistani residents wish to enhance their skills, but are not able to undertake long-term study out of the country. Hospitality is one area where distance education is a preferred option.
Competitive environment
The USA, the UK and Australia are the three destinations most popular with Pakistani students. Most students at the Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree level locally are looking for opportunities to study abroad, often while they complete their Pakistani studies.
An overseas qualification improves chances of gaining a better opportunity in the job market.
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