Why more Pakistani students are choosing to study in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has been an increasingly popular destination
for Pakistani students in recent years, with a new campus being built every
year to meet the demand from students wanting to further their education
abroad. This increase in popularity isn't surprising when you consider the
range of scholarships and incentives available to students who study there and
the fact that learning Arabic will give them an edge in the job market once they
return home. There are plenty of reasons why more Pakistani students are
choosing to study in Saudi Arabia than ever before, and here we'll look at some
of the most important ones.
Study Abroad
Let's face it—Pakistan and Saudi Arabia aren't exactly on
anyone's top 10 list of countries they dream of studying in. With
their spectacular natural beauty, booming economies, and affordable tuition
fees (compared to what you might pay at an American or European university),
these two countries make for popular study-abroad destinations for those brave
enough to head east. To be sure, both countries have a reputation for being
off-limits: Pakistan is infamous for being conservative (particularly when it
comes to women), while women face severe restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Despite
these obstacles, however, over 300 students from each country have successfully
studied abroad at KFUPM since 1991.
What makes Saudi Arabia an attractive destination?
It is no secret that Pakistan is a country of great diversity,
offering a plethora of cultures and traditions. Similarly, there is a reasonable number of academic institutions across Pakistan. In fact, it has been estimated that over 3,000 universities and degree-awarding institutes are scattered all
across Pakistan. However, according to sources, only half possess accreditation from provincial authorities or government regulators such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC). At the same time, just 6% have been accredited by global bodies like ACQUIN (Arabian Quality Assurance Network). Today, thousands
of university graduates in Pakistan need to possess degrees recognized outside
their regional boundaries.
Saudi Arabia's Attractive Study Opportunities
Saudi Arabia has become a popular destination for
international students attracted by its advanced facilities and
world-class education. More than 500 international universities from 20
countries worldwide have set up branches or campuses in Saudi Arabia, offering
graduate and undergraduate degrees and master's programs. For example,
The American University of Madinah offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral
programs across multiple disciplines, including engineering management and
finance. It is on 641 acres and has seven distinctive colleges, including Shariah
(Islamic Law), medicine, business administration, and architecture.
Expat Community
If you're going abroad for school, chances are you'll be
among several other international students at your university. These
communities can be unique—they foster a feeling of home, help teach you how to
adapt, and provide an instant circle of friends. That said, it's still vital
that you learn how to live by yourself if you want real growth as an
individual. Connecting with locals is a great way to broaden your understanding
of the country and culture—and there will always be plenty who don't speak
English well enough to get through the class with your classmates. Join student
organizations and immerse yourself in local life. You might even find a
part-time job or two while you're at it!
Funding Your Studies In Saudi Arabia
It is much easier for international students (especially
from South Asia) to find scholarships and funding when they go abroad. The
government of Pakistan offers full scholarships through merit-based and
need-based schemes, while many of Pakistan's top private universities also
offer merit-based scholarships exclusively for international students.
Merit-based scholarship awards are usually per semester and may
cover your tuition fees and living expenses. International
applicants with superior academic records may also be eligible for need-based
scholarships, typically covering only tuition fees. To qualify for a
Pakistani scholarship, you'll need an education visa stamped into your passport
that allows you to pursue full-time studies at an accredited educational
institution in Saudi Arabia.
Safety And Security In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
Students heading off to universities worldwide will
often be surprised by just how different things can be compared with their home
country. One of these differences is generally high safety and
security – but there are some exceptions. In recent years, universities in
cities like London have suffered from numerous gang-related attacks on
campuses. However, this isn't common; most countries have strict
laws against public disorder and crime, and it's rare for student accommodation
not to feel completely safe throughout an entire university course. It may be a surprise that one of these safe locations is Saudi Arabia; if you
are interested in higher education abroad, why not head over there?
Cultural Adaptation
Studying abroad can be a great experience. For most of us,
it marks an important rite of passage, and we often look back fondly on the time we spent learning about a new culture. That said, culture shock is standard for
those studying abroad in foreign countries, and there is always an adjustment
period when you move from one place to another. To make your transition as
smooth as possible, here are four cultural tips to help you better
assimilate into your new environment.
