Enrolment in universities decreases by 13% in 2023 – Survey

University enrolment in Pakistan has seen a significant decline, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released just ahead of the federal budget, writes Sher Alam for ProPakistani.

The report reveals that the total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions fell by 13%, dropping to 1.94 million in the 2023 financial year (FY). This decrease comes despite the presence of 269 universities across the country. The survey attributes this drop to a range of factors, including economic challenges and shifting demographics. However, there is a slight silver lining: enrolment is projected to rise modestly by 0.8% in FY 2024, reaching an estimated 1.95 million students.

The downward trend in university enrolment stands in contrast to modest increases at other education levels, highlighting ongoing challenges in access to and retention in higher education. Policy-makers and education experts have expressed concern, noting that sustained investment and targeted reforms are needed to reverse the decline and ensure that more young Pakistanis can pursue university degrees.
Full report on the ProPakistani site