With an increased demand for higher education, the ability of domestic educational institutions to attract foreign students is entailed and several countries are out designing different policies to internationalize the education sector and to attract as many international students as possible. To recruit international students, domestic universities are set to meet the international educational standards since students have to compete internationally and they are expected to solve problems from multiple perspectives.
There are mainly two types of international education. First, students do not leave their home countries and receive international education through distance learning. The second type of international education the in-campus study where students move across borders and get their degrees in person in foreign countries. This type of education is increasing gradually. Foreign degree-providers or affiliated domestic partners, or both, jointly award credits for the course. Franchising, dual degrees, distance education and various articulation models are important forms of internationalization of higher education.
Why foreign students should study in Pakistan? Pakistan has many advantages for international students to study. Pakistan is at the geographic, historical and cultural cross-roads of the world with different civilizations (Arian, Indian, Islamic, Western). It is also a gateway between developing and the developed world. As a multicultural society ‑‑ especially in big cities ‑‑ and becoming a more open society with the concept of enlightened modernization, Pakistan possesses a reasonable infrastructure. Many universities in Pakistan enjoy good repute and they offer degrees with international standards. The cost of education in Pakistan is very low as compared to other foreign countries. English is the medium of instruction in all universities, which is a very significant and encouraging feature for foreign students. Since Pakistan is at the early stages of internationalization, the availability of seats in universities is high.
Reflective of the ‘Study in Pakistan’ brand also, ‘Education Scenario International’ magazine has served as a crucial, innovative and aggressive marketing campaigner too that aimed at getting Pakistani universities and institutions connected with its global partners for enhancement of quality standards for higher education. Precisely, as such, its initiatives successfully enhanced international student enrolment/recruitment across Pakistan. The Group’s ‘Study in Pakistan’ campaign obviously is the outcome of the dedication behind this monthly publication that ultimately got the Pakistani universities and institutions connected with their global partners for enhancement of quality standards for higher education.
