Saturday, November 30, 2019

Pakistani F1 Student Enrollment in US Rising at Slowest Rate in 5 Years

Enrollment of Pakistani students on US F1 visa rose just 5.6% to 7,957 in 2018/19, the slowest rate in 5 years. It's in sharp contrast to 27% jump in Pakistani student enrollment to 28,000 in China this year.

Pakistani F1 Students in US. Source: IIE 

Rate of increase in Pakistani students on F-1 visas declined to 5.6%, down from 8.5% in 2014/15 and 14.7% in 2015/16. However, the total number of Pakistani students on F1 visa in the United States has climbed from 5,354 to 7,957. Enrollment of international students from Pakistan on F1 visa declined from a peak of nearly 9,000 in 2001/02 to a low of 4,600 in 2011/12.

US Non-Immigrant Visa Rejection Rates. Source US State Dept via Quartz India 

Total number of foreign students studying in the United States is nearly 1.1 million, the largest in the world. China hosts nearly 492,000 foreign students. New international student enrollment is declining in the US while it is rapidly climbing in China.

Pakistan (7,957) now ranks 22nd among nations sending students to study in the United States.  China (369,548), India (202,014), South Korea (52.250), Saudi Arabia (37,080) and Canada (26,122) occupy the top 5 positions in terms of the number of international students in the United States.

Number of foreign students in the United States from various countries of origin is heavily skewed by visa refusal rates. 48% of applications from Pakistan for non-immigrant travel visa to the United States, including F-1 student visa, are rejected, a much higher rate than 27% refusals in India. Highest refusal rates are for applicants from Somalia (90.2%) and Iran (87.7%). The lowest are in Argentina (1.7%) and Liechtenstein ( 0%).

In China, South Korea is the leading sender with 50,600 students enrolled in 2018, followed by Thailand (28,600 students), and, in a virtual tie for second place, Pakistan and its 28,000 students in Chinese institutions and schools last year. Rounding out the top five source countries are India (23,200 students in 2018) and the US (21,000 students).

Related Links:

Haq's Musings

South Asia Investor Review

Rapid Growth of China-Pakistan Educational, Scientific and Cultural Ties 

China-Pakistan Strategic Ties

US and China Compete For Influence in Pakistan

China-Pakistan Defense Tech Cooperation Irks West

Pakistan-Russia-China vs India-Japan-US

Pakistan Rising or Falling? Myth Vs Reality

Facts and Myths About China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

China Emerges as Top Destination for Pakistanis Studying Abroad

Sec Hagel: India Using Afghanistan to Launch Attacks in Pakistan

Ex Indian Spy Documents RAW's Successes Against Pakistan

Riaz Haq's Youtube Channel


24 comments:

Terry A. said...

Interesting Statistics on the # of students from other countries studying in the USA & China…….so a bit puzzling are the facts that there are so many more students from China studying in the USA ( 370 K ) whereas only 21K students from the USA are
Studying in China ?……..Wonder how many of these 370K studying in the USA are funded by the Govt of China and how many are paying their own way from private funds or loans ?

Another interesting Fact is that from. 2008 to 2016 the Govt of China stashed away at least 4 - 5 Trillion U.S $$ in Profits, into their Bank Accounts mainly due to the huge discrepancy in Tariffs charged ( China charging the USA an average of 25% whereas the USA only Charging China a paltry average of 3 % ) for at least the past 20-25 years or more ?………..this also has some correlation to the US National Debt which skyrocketed from 6 - 7 Trillion to almost 18 - 19 Trillion from 2008 to 2016 - ?

Conclusion is obvious that the USA has the Best University Educational Institutions in the World ………& I don’t see any other country threatening the Superior education at U.S Universities anytime in the near future ( 10-15 years )

Mayraj F. said...

US is ridiculously expensive and not worth it now unless go to an elite university.

I think way treating adjuncts is big downside of US.

Riaz Haq said...

Applications for non-immigrant travel #visa to #US, including F-1 #student visa, are rejected at rejected at much a higher rate in #Pakistan 48% than in #India 26%. Highest refusals: #Somalia 90.2%, #Iran 87.7%. Lowest: #Argentina 1.7%, #Liechtenstein 0% https://qz.com/1696508/what-are-the-chances-of-being-rejected-for-a-tourist-or-business-visa/


Nearly 6.4 million people came to the United States on a B visa in 2017. This common visa type—B-1, for business travel; B-2, for tourism; or the combo B-1/B-2, for a bit of both—is issued for short-term travel to the US. If you plan to attend business meetings or conferences, spend a week on vacation in Hawaii or Florida, or visit family in the US, this is the visa you’re likely to need.

Not everyone requires one, of course. Citizens of 38 countries are eligible for the ESTA visa waiver system, allowing them to bypass ordinary visa requirements for short-term business or tourist travel. They are mostly rich nations in Europe and Asia.

But despite how common the B visa is, getting one isn’t as easy as it might appear. Applicants must pay a fee, apply online, and then attend an in-person interview, where they’ll be grilled on what their plans are, where they’ll be going, and—crucially—when they plan to leave the US. Processing time from there can take as much as two months.

Even then, many people find their applications rejected. In fiscal year 2018—which ran from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018—B visa applicants from around 50 countries were more likely to have their application refused than accepted. For citizens of Somalia, the refusal rate was more than 90%, with only 38 Somalis granted a B visa (pdf).

The table below shows the refusal rates for each country with at least 10 visas issued in fiscal year 2018, according to data from the US Department of State (pdf). The overall refusal rate, including countries with 10 or fewer visas issued, was 32.4%.

Riaz Haq said...

Number of Pakistani students studying in US increased by 5.6 percent during 2018-19.
Pakistan sent 7,957 students to USA in 2018-19, as compared to 7,537 students sent last year.

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/11/20/546027/pakistan-among-fastest-growing-markets-for-international-students-in-usa/

The numbers showed a slight increase in total international enrollment, 0.05% from the previous year, but a decrease in new international student enrollment, -0.9%.

Decreases were seen in undergraduate (-2.4%), graduate (-1.3%) and non-degree (-5.0%) trends, as well.

China sent the most students -- 369,548 -- comprising 33.7 percent of all foreign students, a 1.7 percent increase from the previous year.

India sent the second-largest number -- 202,014 -- or 18.4% of all college and university students, a 2.9% increase from the previous year.

But several other countries, in descending order of number of students sent to the U.S., showed declines: South Korea (-4.2%), Saudi Arabia (-16.5%), Canada (0.8%), Vietnam (0.3%), Taiwan (4.1%), Japan (-3.5%), Brazil (9.8%), Mexico (-1.5%), Nigeria (5.8%), Nepal (-0.3%), Iran (-5.0%), the United Kingdom (-2.7%), Turkey (-3.4%), Kuwait (-9.8%), Germany (-8.5%), France (-1.0%), Indonesia (-3.4%), Bangladesh (10%), Colombia (1.1%), Pakistan (5.6%), Venezuela (-7.3%), Malaysia (-6.8%) and Spain (-3.0%).

https://www.voanews.com/student-union/fewer-foreign-students-enrolling-us-college-and-universities

Riaz Haq said...

The United States has been the country of choice for international students, hosting more than one million from around the world. Each year, the U.S. issues more than 300,000 new F-1 visas! China clearly dominates the field, receiving nearly 100K student visas each year. India is second on the list, followed by South Korea, Vietnam and Japan. All five countries for sending the largest number of foreign students to the U.S. are from Asia.

https://immigrationroad.com/visa/f1-student/f1-student-visa-statistics.php

Pakistan ranks 25th with 1,965 F1 visas and 185 F2 visas in Fiscal Year 2018 (Oct 1 to Sept 30)


1 China - mainland 98,904(F1) 2,549(F2)
2 India 42,694 2,550
3 Korea, South 20,959 2,529
4 Vietnam 16,061 248
5 Japan 14,413 670
6 Brazil 13,288 4,751
7 Saudi Arabia 12,502 4,595
8 China - Taiwan 8,474 296
9 Mexico 7,015 431
10 Germany 6,239 80
11 France 5,491 113
12 Nigeria 5,365 646
13 Colombia 4,609 349
14 Russia 4,350 265
15 Great Britain and Northern Ireland 4,325 87
16 Spain 4,071 87
17 Turkey 3,778 245
18 Italy 3,703 95
19 Thailand 2,722 24
20 Hong Kong S.A.R. 2,493 45
21 Switzerland 2,450 33
22 Indonesia 2,351 170
23 Australia 2,327 68
24 Kuwait 1,989 232
25 Pakistan 1,965 185
26 Sweden 1,932 19
27 Bangladesh 1,920 623
28 Nepal 1,829 283
29 Singapore 1,803 88
30 Chile 1,772 434
31 Malaysia 1,722 42
32 Venezuela 1,672 179
33 Netherlands 1,632 17
34 Peru 1,594 80
35 Argentina 1,538 109
36 Ghana 1,494 163
37 Norway 1,489 25
38 Ecuador 1,477 83
39 Iran 1,433 210
40 Ethiopia 1,328 73
41 Panama 1,310 5
42 Kenya 1,285 73
43 Denmark 1,285 13
44 Burma 1,241 34
45 Kazakhstan 1,178 265
46 Egypt 1,108 266
47 South Africa 1,062 61
48 Israel 1,014 114
49 Jamaica 999 47
50 Philippines 944 55

Riaz Haq said...

U.S. Universities Engage Thousands of Pakistani Students as Interest in U.S. Higher Education Rises

https://pk.usembassy.gov/u-s-universities-engage-thousands-of-pakistani-students-as-interest-in-u-s-higher-education-rises/

https://opendoorsdata.org/

Karachi – February 11, 2020: Amid rising Pakistani interest in U.S. higher education, representatives from 13 U.S. universities met thousands of Pakistani students during visits to schools, universities, and college fairs in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi as part of EducationUSA’s 16th South Asia Tour. Representatives of top universities from around the United States shared valuable information about their institutions’ academic programs, campus life, financial aid options, and application procedures.

As noted in the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Open Doors report, Pakistan is among the world’s fastest growing emerging market places of origin for students in the United States. The thousands of academic programs, world-class institutions, and unmatched flexibility of U.S. higher education make the United States the world’s premier destination for university students.

“Nearly 8,000 Pakistanis study at universities and colleges across the United States,” said Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Lisa Heller. “That is an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year, and we want that number to continue to rise further. The U.S. government is very proud to support the South Asia Tour, which will help Pakistani students choose a U.S. university. “

“Each year, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) looks forward to hosting the South Asia Tour and introducing U.S. universities to Pakistan’s brilliant student body,” said Rita Akhtar, Executive Director of USEFP. “This year, for the first time, we are providing visiting representatives a chance to connect with Pakistani alumni and admitted students of their institutions. We’ve learned over the years that the personal connections forged during face-to-face conversations with representatives encourage more Pakistani students to enroll in U.S. colleges and universities.”

EducationUSA Pakistan is the only free and official source for higher education in the United States and a part of the U.S. Department of State’s network of more than 425 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries. Pakistan’s EducationUSA team is made up exclusively of U.S. graduates, allowing advisers to share firsthand experience with applicants. In Pakistan, EducationUSA is managed by USEFP, a bi-national commission established in 1950 by the Governments of Pakistan and the United States.

To learn more about EducationUSA’s free advising services, please visit: www.usefpakistan.org.

Riaz Haq said...

2020FACTSHEET:
PAKISTAN
22
InternationalStudentPlaceof OriginRanking,2019/20
$325,000,000
InternationalStudentEconomic Impact,2019*
159
U.S.StudyAbroad DestinationRanking,2018/19
*Source:EstimatecalculatedbyIEbasedoninformationfrom OpenDoorsandBureauofEconomicAnalysis,U.S.DepartmentofCommerce, www.bea.gov/international
INTERNATIONALSTUDENTTOTAL
2019/20 7,939
2018/19 7,957
2017/18 7,537
2016/17 7,015
2015/16 6,141
2014/15 5,354
2013/14 4,935
2012/13 4,772
2011/12 4,600
2010/11 5,045
U.S.STUDYABROADSTUDENTTOTAL

Year
International
2016/17 % Ch%andgifef Students

Ab.
-0.2 . 2018/19
Ab.
5.6 . 2017/18
Ab.
7.4 . 2016/17
Ab.
14.2 . 2015/16
Ab.
14.7 . 2014/15
Ab.
8.5 . 2013/14
Ab.
3.4 . 2012/13
Ab.
3.7 . 2011/12
Ab.
-8.8 . 2010/11
Ab.
-3.4 . 2009/10
7 40.0Abc 5 -16.7Abc 6 0.0Abc 6 -40.0Abc
10 66.7Abc
6 -45.5Abc
11 175.0Abc
4 -71.4Abc
14 40.0Abc
10 100.0Abc 5 -
2009/10 5,222 INTERNATIONALSTUDENTSBYACADEMICLEVEL
Ab.2008/09
1999/00-2019/20
-. e
Abc
Source:TheOpenDoorsReportonInternationalEducationalExchangeisacomprehensiveinformationresourceoninternationalstudentsinthe UnitedStatesandU.S.studentsstudyingabroad.ItissponsoredbytheU.S.DepartmentofStatewithfundingprovidedbytheU.S.Governmentand ispublishedbyIE.Formoreinformation,visitwww.opendoorsdata.org.
U.S.StudyAbroad
Year 2016/17 Calculation%3Change
9K
6K
3K
0K
StudentsfromPakistan intheU.S.
Undergraduate Graduate Non-degree OPT
3,505 3,296 41.5 -6.0 2,761 2,930 36.9 6.1 306 272 3.4 -11.1 1,385 1,441 18.2 4.0
U.S.StudentsStudying AbroadinPakistan
2010 2015 2020
2000 2005
Students
A c a d e m ic 2 20 01 187/ /1 198 2 0 1 8 /1 9 % o f
2018/19 2019/20 % Total % Chang
Level Countr.

Riaz Haq said...

U.S. Universities Look For International Student Enrollment To Recover This Fall

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/06/11/us-universities-look-for-international-student-enrollment-to-recover-this-fall/?sh=3cea6cb245fb

Compared to 2019-20, the volume of international applicants has increased by about 9% this year according to data from the Common App, as of January 22. Most of the top “sending” countries are showing increases, with the notable exception of China, the leading source of international students. But that decrease has been more than offset by substantial increases from countries like India, Canada, Nigeria, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

Riaz Haq said...

For US Visa, Over 2-Year Wait For New Delhi, Just 2 Days For Beijing
There's an appointment wait-time of 833 days for applications from Delhi and 848 days from Mumbai for visitor visas.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-visa-appointment-wait-time-the-shocking-difference-for-indians-3387535

Indian visa applicants require a wait-time of over two years just for getting an appointment, a US government website showed, while the timeframe is only two days for countries like China.

There's an appointment wait-time of 833 days for applications from Delhi and 848 days from Mumbai for visitor visas, shows the US State Department's website. In contrast, the wait-time is only two days for Beijing and 450 days for Islamabad

For student visas, the wait time is 430 days for Delhi and Mumbai. Surprisingly, it's only one day for Islamabad, and two for Beijing.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who is in the US, yesterday raised the issue of visa applications backlog with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The top US diplomat said he's "extremely sensitive" to the issue and that they are facing a similar situation around the world, a challenge arising due to Covid.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

Riaz Haq said...

UK emerges as top destination for Pakistani students seeking master’s degrees
Pakistani students receive access to millions of pounds worth of scholarships and bursaries in the UK

https://www.dawn.com/news/1740162


Due to its rich educational history and culture that fosters a global perspective, the UK has become one of the most sought-after destinations for Pakistani students looking to acquire higher education. As of June 2022, the number of student visas issued for Pakistani students has surged to 28,188, marking a significant 95pc increase from the previous year.

A major contributing factor to this trend is the UK’s Graduate Route (GR) programme, which was launched in 2021. This programme allows Pakistani students to kick-start their careers immediately after completing their course, with a two-year upper limit to find employment. Doctoral graduates (PhD) are given an additional year, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.

Moreover, the UK’s master’s degree programme is another key factor attracting Pakistani students. The programme offers extensive transformational instruction in just 12 months, comprising a combination of classes, projects, studies, and papers. Compared to other countries where the postgraduate programme lasts two years, students in the UK can start working almost a year earlier, giving them a competitive advantage while also being more cost-effective.

As a global hub for education, the UK boasts four universities in the top 10 list of the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2023. Graduates from the UK have access to the best-in-class industry professionals, research facilities, and infrastructure to acquire practical skills, making them highly employable. According to QS Graduate Employability Rankings, UK graduates are the most employable globally. Additionally, according to a Universities UK International (UUKI) report, 83pc of international graduates stated that their UK degree helped them secure a job.

For Pakistani students who cannot afford tuition fees, numerous scholarships and bursaries worth millions of pounds are available, including the Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and others. The British Council also provides exceptional scholarships to young, brilliant Pakistanis, such as the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships and GREAT Scholarships, opening up even more opportunities for them.

A UK education prepares young students to become the leaders of tomorrow, researchers who address global challenges, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders of the future. For Pakistani students considering postgraduate education abroad, the UK offers innumerable benefits for their future professional careers.

Riaz Haq said...

According to the latest data available from the Chinese Ministry of Education, as of 2020, there were 28,023 Pakistani students studying in China. This represents a significant increase from previous years, as the number of Pakistani students in China has been steadily growing over the last decade. Pakistan is among the top countries sending international students to China, and the two countries have been strengthening their educational ties in recent years through various initiatives and exchange programs.

---------

According to the latest data available from the German Federal Statistical Office, as of 2020, there were 25,609 Pakistani students enrolled in German universities. This represents a significant increase from previous years, as the number of Pakistani students in Germany has been steadily growing over the last decade. Pakistani students are one of the largest groups of international students in Germany, and the country is a popular destination for Pakistani students seeking higher education opportunities abroad.

---------


According to the latest data available from the Department of Home Affairs, as of June 2021, there were 23,207 Pakistani students enrolled in Australian education institutions. This represents a significant increase from previous years, as the number of Pakistani students in Australia has been steadily growing over the last decade.

----------

According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), as of the academic year 2020/2021, there were 21,045 Pakistani students enrolled in higher education institutions in the UK. This represents a decline from the previous year, which saw 22,385 Pakistani students enrolled in UK universities. However, Pakistani students remain one of the largest non-EU groups of international students in the UK.

-------------

According to the Open Doors Report 2021, published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), during the 2020/2021 academic year, there were 10,606 Pakistani students enrolled in higher education institutions in the United States. This represents a decline from the previous year, which saw 11,916 Pakistani students enrolled in US universities. However, Pakistani students remain an important part of the international student community in the United States.

------------

According to the latest data available from Campus France, as of the academic year 2019/2020, there were 2,903 Pakistani students enrolled in French universities and other higher education institutions. This represents an increase from the previous year, which saw 2,582 Pakistani students enrolled in French institutions. Pakistani students make up a relatively small proportion of the international student community in France, but there has been a steady increase in their numbers in recent years.

----------------

According to the latest data available from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), as of May 2021, there were 2,096 Pakistani students enrolled in Japanese universities and other higher education institutions. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, which saw 2,057 Pakistani students enrolled in Japanese institutions. Pakistani students make up a relatively small proportion of the international student community in Japan, but the country has been making efforts to attract more international students, including from Pakistan.
----------

Norway: As of 2020, there were 496 Pakistani students enrolled in Norwegian universities, according to the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education.

Sweden: As of 2020, there were 1,433 Pakistani students enrolled in Swedish universities, according to the Swedish Council for Higher Education.

Denmark: As of 2020, there were 152 Pakistani students enrolled in Danish universities, according to the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Overall, the number of Pakistani students in Scandinavia is relatively small compared to other regions, but there has been a steady increase in recent years.

Riaz Haq said...

UNESCO stats on Pakistani students abroad


https://uis.unesco.org/en/uis-student-flow


United Arab Emirates 24,863
Australia 11,297
United Kingdom 7,802
United States 7,511
Kyrgyzstan 6,003
Germany 5,837
Malaysia 4,243
Canada 2,607
Türkiye 2,386
Saudi Arabia 1,635
Korea, Rep. 1,465
Sweden 1,056
Qatar 1,039
Italy 936
Hungary 878
Finland 618
France 502
Norway 435
Bahrain 411
Iran, Islamic Rep. 377
Ukraine 335
Japan 330
Cyprus 318
Oman 293
New Zealand 274
China, Hong Kong 272
Ireland 263
Poland 253
Latvia 234
Spain 192
Estonia 155
Belgium 145
South Africa 138
Thailand 135
Czechia 131
Denmark 130
Austria 127
Georgia 122
Russian Federation 115
Azerbaijan 90
Lithuania 84
Egypt 77
Portugal 71
Switzerland 69
Malta 63
Uzbekistan 56
Romania 51
Kazakhstan 47
Jordan 42
Brazil 39
Bulgaria 34
India 25
Slovenia 25
Belarus 21
Luxembourg 21
Brunei Darussalam 19
Ghana 17
Iceland 17
Botswana 11
Morocco 10
Slovakia 10
Bosnia/Herzegovina 9
Greece 9
Tanzania 8
Viet Nam 5

Riaz Haq said...

15,000 Pakistani Students are Currently Studying in Australia


https://propakistani.pk/2023/04/03/15000-pakistani-students-are-currently-studying-in-australia/

The envoy shared the willingness to boost the ties further in areas of trade and investment. He apprised the minister that 100,000 strong Pakistan diaspora and 15,000 Pakistani students in Australia are playing an important role in bringing the two countries closer.

Riaz Haq said...

23,450 student visas issued in 2022 for Pakistanis to study in the UK, representing 377% increase over 2019.

https://www.studyinternational.com/news/uk-student-visas-indian/

The UK approved a record-breaking number of UK student visas on record in its time series. Out of 486,868 sponsored study visas granted (to both main applicants and their dependants), 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%.

Following India, Chinese nationals received 115,056 approved UK student visas, 4% lower than the number seen in 2019 (119,825). Almost half of all UK student visas (48%) went to Chinese and Indian nationals.

Nigerian nationals make up the third largest nationality group in the latest year, with a record high of 65,929 approved UK student visas. This is a 686% jump from 2019, marking the largest relative increase in Sponsored Study grants among all nationality groups.

Indian students now see the UK as more appealing after it reintroduced opportunities to remain in the country to work after graduation.

Data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is showing an uptick in the number of Indian international students enrolled in British universities in 2020-21.

First-year Indian international students have increased by 27%, from 41,815 in 2019-20 to 53,015 in 2020-21, representing 19% of all non-EU enrolments. While China still leads in terms of student enrolments, their numbers have decreased over the 2020-21 period.
Speaking to Times of India, Indian National Student Association UK president Amit Tiwari said: “Indian students also appreciate the fact that they get a chance to apply experience to their studies due to the post-study work visa. We can only see the trend increasing of Indian students coming to the UK.”

Sanam Arora, founder and chairperson of National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, said India is the most natural partner for the UK when it comes to education. She added that it is in India’s interest if the UK increased their intake with a compelling offer.

“Post-study work rights are critical to that offer, and the results of that are already being seen in the doubling of numbers from India and I do think this increase will continue. I am excited to see what comes out of the FTA negotiations,” Arora was quoted saying.

Riaz Haq said...

HEC Pakistan announces DAAD scholarships for studies in Germany


https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/31/hec-announces-daad-scholarships-for-studies-in-germany/

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the German assistance organization Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarships for Pakistani students who want to study in Germany.

According to HEC, the organisation has announced scholarships for students to pursue a Master’s degree in their Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS).

“Under the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme, foreign graduates from development and newly industrialised countries from all disciplines and with at least two years professional experience have the opportunity to take a postgraduate or Master’s degree at a state or state-recognised German university,” the HEC statement read on Twitter.

Pakistani graduates with at least two years of professional experience can apply for the programme and must also possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject normally in a four-year-long course.

“Candidates can prove their motivation is development-related and be expected to take on social responsibility and initiate and support processes of change in their personal and professional environment after their training/scholarship,” DAAD mentioned on their website.

Students can find more details on the scholarship and programme on DAAD’s website.


Riaz Haq said...

Improving language supports could increase stay rate of international students in Germany


https://monitor.icef.com/2022/03/improving-language-supports-could-increase-stay-rate-of-international-students-in-germany/


More than a quarter of surveyed students said that language difficulties had been challenging for them, and nearly as many said they had experienced challenges in meeting new friends and in finding accommodation. Feeling socially isolated may be especially pronounced among Indonesian, South Korean, Taiwanese, Pakistani, and Chinese students: more than 50% in those segments said they had felt, at least at one point, the desire to go back to their home country. Among Chinese students, this proportion rose to 70%.

-----------

Short on time? Here are the highlights:

A survey of nearly 2,000 international students studying in Germany during the pandemic shows that many would like to remain in the country after graduating to work/immigrate or to progress to another level of study
The most challenging obstacles for these students are language barriers and difficulties in making new friends, suggesting a need for stronger international student supports at German universities

A 2021 Expatrio/DEGIS survey of nearly 2,000 international students who chose to study in Germany during the pandemic found that (1) most were drawn by the country’s no-tuition-fees policy and (2) more than half intended to stay in the country after their studies. That said, language barriers are a concern for many international students in Germany, including those who would like to stay on after graduation.

About the survey
The survey was conducted by Expatrio, a platform designed to support international students in Germany, while DEGIS is an organisation that helps international students to network and adjust to German culture.

Students from roughly 93 countries participated in the survey; most of them were studying for master’s degrees (67%). The survey was a follow-up to one conducted in 2020 and was larger than its predecessor, with 31% more student respondents. Responses were collected from August to October 2021 and reported in “Navigating the Pandemic: International Students’ Relocation to and Life in Germany 2021.”

Why do students choose Germany?
Surveyed students chose Germany primarily because of the country’s no-tuition-fees policy for all students in higher education (45%); employment opportunities were the next-most influential factor (18%), especially for Mexican and Brazilian respondents.

Riaz Haq said...

Nearly 21,000 students from Pakistan as international students return to Australia but not yet at pre-pandemic levels


https://monitor.icef.com/2023/04/international-students-are-returning-to-australia-in-numbers-but-not-yet-at-pre-pandemic-levels/


Short on time? Here are the highlights:

Australia’s international student numbers and overall enrolments were up in 2022, but they have not yet reached their levels before the pandemic in 2019
The Chinese market is not rebounding, and Indian students now account for more commencements (first-time enrolments) than Chinese students do
Driving the Australian international education sector’s recovery are new students from Thailand, Nepal, Colombia, Pakistan, and other emerging markets

-------

Australia’s international education sector is recovering from pandemic losses, but it has not rebounded to pre-pandemic performance yet according to new data from Austrade.

Australian institutions enrolled 619,370 foreign students in 2022. This is up 8% over 2021 but is down 18% since 2019.

Commencements (first-time enrolments in Australian programmes) grew by 39% y-o-y but were 23% lower than in 2019. Fewer new Chinese students depressed commencement volumes: there were 39% fewer Chinese students in 2022 than in 2019. In 2022, India displaced China as the largest source of commencements.

Total course enrolments (as distinct from total international students) nudged upwards by 4% to 746,390 in 2022, but this is 22% lower than in 2019. (Australia provides data on both international students and international enrolments – the second is always a higher number as an international student may enrol in more than one course while on their study visa.)

----------

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

Combined, China and India still contributed half of all international enrolments in Australian institutions in 2022.

Foreshadowing the shape of the sector’s recovery in the years to come are commencement trends. Chinese commencements fell by 8% in 2022 compared with 2021, while Indian commencements increased by 45%, boosting India to the top market for Australia in terms of first-time enrolments in courses. Otherwise, the biggest stories in terms of commencements come from:

Thailand, up 145%
Nepal, up 94%
Pakistan, up 71%
Philippines, up 61%
In 2022, India and China each accounted for roughly 18% of commencements, with Nepal next at 11%.

Riaz Haq said...

UNESCO data on outbound international students in 2020

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

Pakistan: 64,604 students


-------------


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...

Total F1 Visa Approvals/ Issuances by Fiscal Year* at Pakistan Consulates
Below is the total number of F1 Visa issuances/ approvals in Pakistan since fiscal year 2018.

Fiscal Year(FY)* Approvals/ Issuances
FY 2018 1,672
FY 2019 1,593
FY 2020 654
FY 2021 4,111
FY 2022 3,848

https://visagrader.com/visa-approvals-and-refusals/F1/pakistan-pak

F1 Visa Approval and Rejection rates for Consulates/ Embassy in Pakistan
Below is the projected F1 Visa approval and rejection rates across US Consulates/ Embassy in Pakistan by fiscal year. The US Department of State does not release specific data of rejections/ refusals or denials by Country or US Consulate/ Embassy. The approval and rejection rates for F1 Visa and nationality of Pakistan that you see below are derived based on the total number of approvals across all Consulates in Pakistan and the global rejection/ refusal data shared by US Department of State.

Fiscal Year* Approval Rate Rejection Rate#
FY 2018 65.03% 34.97%
FY 2019 74.65% 25.35%
FY 2020 68.84% 31.16%
FY 2021 80.17% 19.83%

F1 Visa Approvals/ Issuances by Month and Year at Consulates/ Embassy in Pakistan
Below is the total number of F1 Visa approvals/ issuances in Pakistan by every month of the year since year 2018. The data by month of the year is a good indicator to understand the seasonality of the demand for certain visa types for your planning. You can use this data to book appointments during less busy time to avoid issues with finding visa slots.

2018
Month Approvals
January 96
February 17
March 30
April 88
May 182
June 312
July 413
August 264
September 20
October 36
November 74
December 142
2019
Month Approvals
January 71
February 18
March 19
April 65
May 195
June 303
July 436
August 203
September 31
October 61
November 161
December 263
2020
Month Approvals
January 112
February 26
March 17
April 3
May 2
June 1
July 1
August 3
September 4
October 375
November 326
December 374
2021
Month Approvals
January 236
February 79
March 131
April 185
May 286
June 832
July 576
August 488
September 223
October 282
November 341
December 443
2022
Month Approvals
January 304
February 121
March 133
April 163
May 390
June 667
July 522
August 374
September 108
October 94
November 0
December 0
F1 Visa Issuances/Approvals by US Consulate/ Embassy
You can click on the below links to explore F1 Visa approvals/ issuances data by US Consulate/ Embassy in Pakistan

Total F1 Visa Approvals/ Issuances by Fiscal Year* for Individuals with Nationality as Pakistan
Below is the total number of F1 Visa approvals/ issuances for individuals with nationality as Pakistan since fiscal year 2018.

Fiscal Year* Approvals/ Issuances
FY 2018 1,964
FY 2019 1,881
FY 2020 790
FY 2021 3,506
FY 2022 3,553

Riaz Haq said...

US records 16% increase in admission of Pakistani students

In the past two years, an overall 33% increase has been noted

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1129600-us-records-16-increase-in-admission-of-pakistani-students
A United States Department of State report recorded a 16% increase in the admission of Pakistani students to universities across the country.

The annual Open Doors Report for 2022-23 report, prepared in collaboration with the Institute of International Education (IIE), highlighted a substantial increase in the number of students from Pakistan studying in higher education institutions in the US.

"During 2022-2023, there were 10,164 Pakistani students, compared to 8,772 in the previous year, indicating an impressive 16% increase," the report read.

It also underscores the continued prominence of the US as the top destination for international study in the 2022-2023 academic year. Notably, the data reveals a significant milestone, with the US hosting over one million (1,057,188) international students during this period, marking a remarkable 12% increase from the previous academic year and representing the fastest growth rate in over four decades.

-----

International students in the U.S., by country of origin 2022/23 | Statista


10,164 students from Pakistan studying in America, ranking the country the 16th largest source of international students in the US

https://www.statista.com/statistics/233880/international-students-in-the-us-by-country-of-origin/

Riaz Haq said...

US Visa issuance 2018 to 2023: Non-immigrant visas showed a steady increase from 40,679 in 2018 to 80,852 in 2023, and while Immigrant visas fluctuated, they too increased from 10,114 in 2018 to 16,320 in 2023 – Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics Report on Immigration and Non Immigration Visas to US from Pakistan

https://gallup.com.pk/post/36260#:~:text=US%20from%20Pakistan-,US%20Visa%20issuance%202018%20to%202023%3A%20Non%2Dimmigrant%20visas%20showed,Visas%20to%20US%20from%20Pakistan

Has there been an increase in influx from Pakistan to US between 2018 to 2023?

Non-immigrant visas showed a steady increase from 40,679 in 2018 to 80,852 in 2023. Conversely, immigrant visas fluctuated, with 10,114 in 2018 experiencing a noticeable drop in 2020 with only 3,750 visas issues, most likely due to Covid-19, however, they rebounded by 2023 with 16,320 immigrant visas issued within the year. These numbers reflect the dynamic nature of travel and immigration patterns over the past few years.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THIS PRESS RELEASE:

There was a fluctuating trend of non-immigration US visas issued for Pakistanis in 2023, with peaks in October (9,565) and December (7,483), and low points in July (4,795) and April (5,723), highlighting potential seasonal patterns or shifts in travel behaviour.
Across categories: “Business & pleasure” lead with 85.11% of the visas issued, followed by “Student” making up 3.67% of the visas issued, while “Temporary Workers” only made up 1.33% of the total Non-Immigration US Visas issued in 2023.
Immigrant US visa issuance for Pakistanis fluctuated month-to-month, reflecting varying demand.
Across categories: “Special immigrants” lead with 46.65%, closely followed by “Immediate relatives of US citizens” at 32.22%, while “Employment based” visas only made up 1.41% of the Immigrant US Visas issued in 2023, indicating a lesser reliance in work-related sponsorship.
Non-immigrant visa issuance showed a steady increase from 40,679 in 2018 to 80,852 in 2023.
Immigrant visa issuances fluctuated, with 10,114 visas issued in 2018, experiencing a noticeable drop in 2020 with only 3,750 visas issues, most likely due to Covid-19, however, they rebounded by 2023 with 16,320 immigrant visas issued within the year. These numbers reflect the dynamic nature of travel and immigration patterns over the past few years.
Examining the Non-Immigrant Visa issuances in Pakistan, Islamabad Consulate led with 52.2%, while the Karachi Consulate followed with 47.8%.

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.