How many people from India go to Pakistan every year to study? This statistic will surprise you.

Millions of Indian students go abroad every year to study, but the number of those going to Pakistan is very low. Only a handful of students enroll in courses like medicine and humanities.

Educating abroad has become a common dream among Indian students. Millions of students annually go to countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia for higher education. But did you know that Indian students go to study not only in these Western countries but also in neighboring countries? Yes, Pakistan is also among the countries where Indian students enroll.

People are often puzzled by the question of why Indian students would go to Pakistan. A major reason for this is that its universities focus on medical and humanities streams. Many Pakistani universities offer courses that are affordable and accessible to Indian students. Admission fees and expenses, especially in the medical field, are significantly lower than in Western countries. This is why some Indian students with limited budgets choose Pakistan.

How many Indian students are there in Pakistan?

According to data released by the Indian government, the number of Indian students studying in Pakistan is very low compared to other Western countries. In comparison, while millions of Indians study in the US and Canada, the number in Pakistan is negligible each year. According to available data, fewer than a few hundred Indian students enroll in Pakistan each year, often hovering between 100 and 200.

Which courses are popular in Pakistan?

Medical courses are the most popular among Indian students in Pakistan. Medical colleges and universities offer courses like MBBS, BDS, and Pharmacy, all of which are accepted by Indian students. Some students also enroll in humanities, Islamic studies, and language-related subjects. However, for technical and engineering courses, Indian students generally prefer Western or Indian institutions.

The challenges are not insignificant.

However, Indian students studying in Pakistan face numerous challenges. The most significant concerns are visa and security. Indian students must obtain special permission to travel to Pakistan, which is difficult for everyone. Furthermore, the environment and the sensitive nature of relations there create additional pressure for students. According to media reports, approximately 1.3 million students worldwide are from India in 2024, of which approximately 13% have gone to Pakistan for studies.