Analyzing the challenges encountered by Pakistani students during the application process for PhD programs in Europe

Abstract

This study assesses the challenges faced by Pakistani students in accessing the Ph.D. programs of the European universities. Still those students who desires to shift to Europe from different countries like Pakistan then experience various problems through which a candidate cannot get admission in some of the more accredited universities in Europe. Some of the challenges as they are; structures for one, constrains financially second and last but not the least; stress and or limited- or no adequate counseling. Research quantitative results of descriptive and inferential analysis are used in the study in addition to quantitative and qualitative data gathered from the bilateral scholarship and financial aid donors from Pakistan and from Pakistani students who have applied for the scholarships. This study also reveal that major issues of Pakistan student population related to them which really hinder their performance are absence of better research programs and facilities inadequate academic support, problem with data and the scholarships as the biggest barriers. The study also seeks to establish some of these barriers in order to promote internationalization of higher education and in order to popularize the European culture, values of openness and equity. It concludes that in order to overcome these challenges European universities can improve more the recruitment and the enrolment of the international students and change positively the perception about Europe in general and universities in particular. They may also improve the equal opportunities of admission to higher learning to Pakistani candidates and promote educational relations between Pakistan and Europe.