Pakistani students in US increasing steadily

The number of Pakistani students studying in the US has steadily increased in recent years, with graduates from American universities making impactful contributions to business, politics, and culture, US Ambassador to Islamabad Donald Blome said on Monday.

Speaking during the annual EducationUSA High Achievers' and Counsellors' Recognition Ceremony held during International Education Week, Blome shared insights from the State Department's annual Open Doors Report.

According to the report, 10,000 Pakistani students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programmes in the US during the 2022-23 academic year, while in the following year, the number rose to 11,000, setting a new record.

The number positioned Pakistan 16th globally in terms of student enrolment in the US. In his address, Blome emphasised the role of EducationUSA, the official source for free guidance on selecting universities, applying for scholarships, and preparing for studies in the US.

He announced additional support from the US Embassy, including funding for a new cohort of counsellors to visit US universities and enhance their understanding of available opportunities. The ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of Pakistani students and alumni.

"From my experience as an ambassador in Pakistan, I see graduates of American universities making impactful contributions in business, politics, and culture. Their achievements make us proud to support these programmes," the ambassador said.

Blome also highlighted the US Embassy's substantial investment in educational exchanges, which amounts to $30 million annually. These funds support approximately 500 students through scholarships, cultural exchange programmes, including other prestigious programmes like Fulbright and Humphrey.

Pakistan remains the largest sender of Fulbright scholars globally, with students hailing from diverse regions of the country. The event celebrated top-performing students aspiring to attend the US or international universities, as well as school counsellors, who have participated in exchange programmes.

The event served to underscore the strong educational ties between the two nations and the embassy's ongoing commitment to fostering opportunities for Pakistani youth. This significant rise in student enrolment and the success of programmes like Fulbright and Humphrey reflected the mutual benefits of educational exchanges.