At The PIE Live Europe 2025, Stuart Smith, CEO of NCUK, highlighted Pakistan’s evolving transnational education (TNE) landscape, emphasizing the country’s price-sensitive yet rapidly expanding market. With rising demand for international qualifications, universities are exploring cost-effective pathways to enable Pakistani students to study abroad while managing financial constraints.
Pathway Programs: Addressing Cost Barriers
One of the biggest challenges for Pakistani students seeking international education is the high cost of studying abroad. Smith explained how pathway programs provide a solution:
“Students can start their education at home, save costs, and academically prepare for studying abroad in a comfortable environment. This model also increases visa approval rates, as students are better prepared for interviews and documentation.”
Visa refusals remain a major issue for Pakistani students, with many missing their January 2024 intake due to delays and rejections. However, students enrolled in in-country pathway programs have seen higher visa success rates, reinforcing the importance of structured preparatory programs.
Pakistan’s Revised TNE Policy: A Step Toward Quality Assurance
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently updated its TNE policy, introducing clearer guidelines on operational models and quality assurance measures. The revised framework allows HEIs ranked within the top 700 in QS or THE rankings to offer degree programs in Pakistan, ensuring credibility and compliance.
However, HEC has also cautioned students and parents about violations by certain institutions, warning that non-compliance could result in non-recognition of degrees.
University of Essex: Strengthening Research & Academic Collaborations
Vanessa Potter, Director of Communications & External Relations at the University of Essex, outlined the university’s shift in strategy regarding Pakistani students. Instead of focusing solely on TNE enrollments, Essex is:
-
Strengthening partnerships with Pakistani alumni
-
Supporting research collaborations at local universities
-
Providing PhD scholarships and co-supervision for academic staff
“Many Pakistani universities have excellent research potential, but limited R&D investment affects global rankings. We are working with the British Council and the British High Commission to fund academic exchanges and support lab staff in science departments,” Potter stated.
Pakistan’s Investment in Research: Challenges & Opportunities
Pakistan’s R&D spending remains significantly low, decreasing from 0.17% of GDP in 2019 to 0.16% in 2021. Limited funding affects universities’ ability to compete globally, yet institutions like the University of Essex see this as an opportunity for research partnerships.
“There are pockets of excellent research in Pakistan, though they don’t always reflect in global rankings. Increased collaboration and investment can bridge this gap,” said Potter.
Udaan Pakistan: A Strategic Vision for Economic Growth & Education
Atif Khan, Country Director at the University of Hertfordshire, introduced ‘Udaan Pakistan’, an initiative designed to revitalize Pakistan’s economy and boost international education demand.
“Now is the right time for universities to invest in Pakistan. Demand for international degrees will continue to grow, with 80% of current TNE students already planning to transition to the UK for postgraduate studies,” Khan stated.
Currently, Pakistan has 55 TNE programs with over 15,000 students, 12,000 of whom are enrolled in UK-affiliated courses. The UK issued 35,000 student visas to Pakistani students in 2024, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
Recruitment Challenges & Ethical Concerns
Khan also criticized discriminatory practices by some UK universities when selecting recruitment agents.
“Some institutions treat local Pakistani-origin agents differently from international aggregators. This is clear discrimination. Universities need a consistent recruitment strategy with a focus on compliance and training, or they risk attracting lower-quality students,” he warned.
Employability & Career Support: The Key to Future Growth
Potter emphasized that Pakistan’s economic challenges may slow student mobility, but universities offering strong career support and employability prospects will continue to attract Pakistani students.
“Clearly articulating how a degree enhances career prospects will be crucial for universities looking to grow in this market,” she concluded.
The Future of TNE in Pakistan
With Pakistan’s TNE sector expanding, UK institutions are seeing increased opportunities for:
Affordable pathway programs
Stronger research partnerships
Enhanced academic collaborations
Increased visa approvals
As the demand for international education rises, universities must balance affordability, quality, and compliance to maximize their presence in Pakistan’s high-potential education market.
 landscape){kind=link}