Choosing the right destination is very important when applying for study abroad, especially for Pakistani students, due to unstable political conditions and frequent changes in rules and regulations. Tuition fee, scholarship availability, visa acceptance ratio, opportunities to work part-time, and overall living costs are prime factors to consider. In this article, we will discuss the best countries for Pakistani students, including the budget, pros, and cons.
How We Evaluated These Countries
- Scholarship availability (national + university + external)
- Tuition levels (public/private; bachelor’s and master’s)
- Visa acceptance ratio for Pakistani students
- Part-time work opportunities are allowed under a student visa
- Overall cost of living & study budget (first year estimates)
- Post-study/work options where applicable
USA (United States of America)
For Pakistani students, the USA continues to offer some of the most generous scholarship opportunities (Fulbright, university-specific aid, merit awards). Our students mostly secure a scholarship of 90 to 120%. The tuition fee is high. For bachelors, it ranges from 20,000 to 40,000 USD per year. The visa ratio is good if the student’s profile is strong. For work, only on-campus work is allowed. Application through the Common App is recommended.
Quick Facts for USA:
- Scholarships: Fulbright, university grants, and merit aid
- Tuition: USD 20,000–40,000 per year (undergraduate)
- Visa Ratio: Good for strong applicants (Overall 40 to 60% approval rate)
- Part-time Work: Up to 20 hours/week on campus
- Estimated First-Year Budget: USD 35,000–60,000 (without scholarship)
Pros:
- World-class universities
- Diverse programs
- Post-study work options
- World’s largest scholarship provider
Cons:
- High costs
- complex visa/immigration process
- A stable and high bank statement is required.
If you’d like us to manage your application, our expert team is ready to assist you. We only recommend students who have strong academic and financial profiles for study in the USA. Additionally, we specialize in scholarship applications, with 90% of our students securing good scholarships. Click Here to Contact Us.
UK (United Kingdom)
The UK has many international scholarships (Chevening, Commonwealth, and university bursaries). Tuition for international undergraduates is usually USD 15,000–30,000/year, with a high living cost, especially in London. Visa policies are stable with a ratio of around 100%, and part-time work (20 h/week) is allowed.. Overall, the UK is expensive for many Pakistani students, and due to saturation, finding part-time work can be difficult.
Quick Facts for the UK:
- Scholarships: Chevening, Commonwealth, university-specific aid
- Tuition: £10,000–£25,000/year
- Visa Ratio: High acceptance
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week allowed
- Budget: £10,000–£35,000 first year
Pros:
- Prestigious universities
- Large Pakistani and Indian community
- High visa ratio
Cons:
- High cost (Tuition Fee)
- Recent policy changes in work post-graduation
- High living costs
Lithuania
Lithuania is a part of the European and Schengen states and a Baltic country. It offers a low tuition fee with a large number of English-taught programs in every field. Undergrad fee ranges from 4000 to 8000 USD per year. The visa ratio is good. Part-time work is allowed and easy to find due to low saturation. Their living costs are also low compared to many other EU states.
Quick Facts for Lithuania:
- Scholarships: Lithuanian Government Scholarships, Erasmus+
- Tuition: €3,000–€6,000/year
- Visa Ratio: High acceptance rate for Pakistani students
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week allowed
- Budget: €4,000–€8,000 first year
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Good quality education
- Good visa ratio
- Gateway to Europe
Cons:
- English is not widely spoken
- Fewer high-ranked universities
- One major intake
- No embassy in Pakistan
Latvia
Latvia is also a part of the European and Schengen states and a Baltic country. It offers slightly higher tuition fees than Lithuania; however, eligibility requirements are easier. Programs in English are increasing, and the visa ratio is very good for Pakistani students. Part-time work is also easy to find. Students can manage their expenses while studying.
Quick Facts for Latvia:
- Scholarships: Latvian State Scholarships, Erasmus+
- Tuition: €3,000–€6,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Good
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week allowed
- Budget: €5,000–€9,000 first year
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Friendly campuses
- Very good visa ratio
- Gateway to Europe
Cons:
- Fewer universities are known globally
- Very cold weather
- Fewer program choices outside specific domains
- No embassy in Pakistan
Sweden
Swedish universities are good, highly ranked, especially in research, engineering, and social sciences. The tuition fee is a little higher for non-EU international students. For bachelor’s, it ranges from 6000 to 25000 USD. However, students can manage their expenses with part-time work. Sweden also offers scholarships via universities and different institutes. Moreover, Sweden also allows a spouse on a study visa.
Quick Facts for Sweden:
- Scholarships: Swedish Institute Scholarships, university aid
- Tuition: SEK 60,000–140,000/year (€5,000–13,000)
- Visa Ratio: Strong for qualified applicants
- Part-time Work: Unlimited hours during studies
- Budget: €6,000–15,000 first year
Pros:
- Quality of life
- Schengen state
- Settlement options
- Spouse allowed
Cons:
- Cold climate
- Higher living costs
Estonia
Estonia is also a part of the European and Schengen countries. It is known for its digital advancement in the world, making it the most digitalized country in the world. Estonia is the hometown of many world-class companies like Skype, Bolt, and many more. The offered programs are limited. The admission and visa procedure is easy. The tuition is affordable, ranging from 5000 to 10,000 USD per year for bachelor’s. Part-time jobs are easy to find, and if you have any computer-related skills, you can also work with any company along with your studies.
Quick Facts for Estonia:
- Scholarships: Dora Plus, university-specific scholarships
- Tuition: €4,000–€8,500/year
- Visa Ratio: Good
- Part-time Work: Easy to find
- Budget: €5,000–€10,000 first year
Pros:
- Modern education infrastructure
- Innovation and tech scene (Like the e-residency concept)
- Digital services are strong (One-click banking and other facilities)
- Good opportunities for white-hat jobs after graduation
Cons:
- Language outside coursework can be a barrier
- Courses are limited in the non-tech field
Cyprus
Cyprus is also on the list of best countries for Pakistani students. It is a European country, not a Schengen state. It offers a low tuition fee, easy admission requirements, and a very good visa ratio. The cost of living is also low compared to other European countries. Programs are available in English, and part-time work is allowed.
Quick Facts for Cyprus:
- Scholarships: Up to 50% tuition exemption at major universities
- Tuition: €3,000–7,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Very strong for Pakistani students
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week
- Budget: €4,500–€10,000 first year
Pros:
- Good weather
- Tourist friendly
- English is widely spoken among young people
Cons:
- Fewer universities overall
- Not included in the Schengen states
Germany
Germany is very well known for its no or very low tuition fees in almost all public universities. The private institutes also offer mostly low tuition fees. For bachelors, the tuition fee ranges from 0 to 3000 USD. Living costs are affordable due to no tuition fees. Part-time work options are available and enough to manage one’s expenses while studying. Programs are available in English; however, English-taught master’s programs are more common than bachelor’s. Visa ration is good, but visa appointment is a concern for many students, which is improving.
Quick Facts for Germany:
- Scholarships: DAAD, Erasmus+, university-specific grants
- Tuition: Mostly free at public universities
- Visa Ratio: Very strong for academically eligible Pakistani students
- Part-time Work: 120 full days or 240 half-days per year allowed
- Budget: €6,000–11,000 first year (living costs mainly)
Pros:
- Free or low tuition
- High-quality education
- Strong engineering/technical fields
- Settlement options
- World’s 3rd largest economy
Cons:
- Need to learn German (For long-term stay)
- Blocked account requirements
Malta
Malta is a small country and perhaps very suitable for Pakistani students. It’s a part of the EU and the Schengen states. English is the official language of this country. You will not find a language barrier in your daily life routine. The country is beautiful with moderate climatic conditions and offers affordable fees. The visa ratio is very good for Pakistani students. You can work part-time along with your studies.
Quick Facts for Malta:
- Scholarships: Malta Arts & Science Scholarships, Erasmus+
- Tuition: €4,000–€9,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Good
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week
- Budget: €6,000–€12,000 first year
Pros:
- Warm weather
- English environment
- Many student services
- Gateway to all EU and Schengen states
Cons:
- Island cost
- Few university choices
- Small industrial sectors
Georgia
Georgia is also a good choice for Pakistani students. If you have a tight budget, no bank statement, and you are unable to pass English exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and others, Georgia is the right place for you. It offers a low tuition fee. A wide range of programs is taught in English. Living costs are very low, ranging from 250 to 400 USD per month. Eligibility requirements are also very low. You can get admission with at least 40 to 45% marks in many fields. The country is not part of Europe; however, the educational and security standards are equal to those of the EU, which makes it a candidate state of Europe. According to the latest news, it will be part of Europe very soon. The visa ratio is almost 100% for Pakistani students.
Quick Facts for Georgia:
- Scholarships: Limited, mostly university discounts
- Tuition: USD 3,000–6,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Almost 100%
- Part-time Work: No hours limit
- Budget: USD 4,000–7,000 first year
Pros:
- Very low cost
- Friendly environment
- Many English-taught programs
- No bank statement required
- No English test score required (like IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.)
Cons:
- Less global recognition in some fields
- Fewer scholarship opportunities
- Universities are not highly ranked
Turkey
Turkey offers many scholarships for Pakistani students. The tuition fee is low. The country is one of the famous destinations among tourists due to its rich cultural history. The living cost is also low, but working part-time is an issue for most of the Pakistani students. Mostly students prefer turkey when they are financed by someone else. The quality of education is high with good-ranking universities.
Quick Facts for Turkey:
- Scholarships: Türkiye Bursları (full funding), university aid
- Tuition: USD 2,000–8,000/year
- Visa Ratio: High acceptance
- Part-time Work: Allowed, mostly off-campus jobs (A little difficult to find)
- Budget: USD 2,000–7,000 first year
Pros:
- Affordable
- High number of English courses
- Vibrant culture
Cons:
- Sometimes variable quality
- Larger class sizes in public universities
- Earning part-time can be difficult
Netherlands
The Netherlands is also one of the best countries for Pakistani students to study abroad. English is spoken widely in the country. Part-time work opportunities are available. The tuition fee is high, but students can afford and manage their expenses easily. The country is beautiful, and salaries compete with those in the USA and Germany, which are large economies. Settlement options are also available for international students.
Quick Facts for the Netherlands:
- Scholarships: Holland Scholarship, Erasmus+, university aid
- Tuition: €6,000–15,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Strong if documents are complete
- Part-time Work: 16 hrs/week or full-time in summer
- Budget: €8,000–15,000 first year
Pros:
- Highly international
- Strong academic quality
- Good student support
- English is spoken widely
Cons:
- High cost of living
- Some programs are very competitive
Slovakia
Slovakia is also a good option for Pakistani students. It’s a part of Europe, the Schengen area, and the Baltic states. The universities offer most English programs in medicine, engineering, and the sciences. Tuition fee ranges from 4000 to 7500 USD per annum. The living cost is low, and part-time work is allowed. Students can manage expenses easily.
- Scholarships: Slovak Government Scholarships, Erasmus+
- Tuition: €3,000–€6,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Very good
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week
- Budget: €4,500–€8,000 first year
Pros:
- Affordable
- Relatively easy admission
- Proximity to central Europe
Cons:
- Less global recognition
- Fewer scholarships for international students
France
France offers world-class universities, a rich culture, and very affordable tuition fees in public universities. However, taking admission in public universities is a little challenging. Many programs are taught in English, especially for master’s. Living costs are affordable, but living in Pris can be expensive. France also provides scholarships for international students. Mostly, students secure scholarships after their 1st semester.
Quick Facts for France:
- Scholarships: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, Erasmus+, university scholarships
- Tuition: €2,000–€4,000/year (public) | €8,000–€15,000/year (private)
- Visa Ratio: Good
- Part-time Work: 20 hrs/week
- Budget: €4,000–12,000 first year (higher in Paris)
Pros:
- Low tuition at public universities
- Globally recognized degrees
- Wide range of English-taught programs
- Strong scholarships like Eiffel and Erasmus+
Cons:
- The French language is necessary for jobs
- The cost of living in Paris is very high
- Limited scholarships at the undergraduate level
China
The accessible and student-friendly policies offered by China have turned this country into a top choice for Pakistani students. For many students, China’s low tuition rates and several government-funded scholarships make studies more affordable. China offers many fully funded scholarships with a stipend to increase and support international students. China has developed advanced universities, especially in the areas of medicine, engineering, and business. Many of the offered programs are in English, but students are encouraged to also learn Mandarin, which is a plus for potential job opportunities. For students wanting to save money, China is a great choice as the cost of living is a lot more affordable than in Europe and North America.
Quick Facts for China:
- Scholarships: CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship), provincial and university scholarships
- Tuition: USD 2,000–6,000/year
- Visa Ratio: Almost 100% for Pakistani students
- Part-time Work: Allowed with permission
- Budget: USD 1,000–8,000 first year
Pros:
- Very affordable tuition and living costs
- Many fully-funded scholarship opportunities (CSC, local, university-specific)
- High visa approval rate
- Modern infrastructure and quality education
Cons:
- Language barrier
- Limited part-time job opportunities for English speakers
Best countries for Pakistani students – How do you select one?
Read the key points of the countries from this guide and decide which country suits your budget and other preferences. We are a well-recognized consultant company in Pakistan, and we also help students to choose the right destination for their study abroad journey. We are currently dealing with almost all countries from the guide, and we have an expert team to research & check requirements, visa policies, and ongoing conditions of various countries. Contact Us Now!
—Click Here to read the complete guide on How to Choose the Best Country to Study Abroad.
Take Your Next Step
If you’re serious about studying abroad in 2026 and want a clear plan—not generic advice—then let us help. We offer:
- A free on-call guide to match countries based on your budget, field, and visa eligibility
- SOP review and scholarship matching support
Book Your Free Study Abroad Strategy Session — Call Us Now!
FAQs
Can Pakistani students work while studying abroad?
Yes, in most cases, students may take up employment part-time (for about 16-20 hours/week) with student visas in most countries. The rules differ for individual countries; please verify for your country.
Which country is generous in providing scholarships to Pakistani students?
USA, UK, Germany, China, and Turkey; these countries are famous for granting large scholarships (Fulbright, Chevening, Türkiye Burslari, DAAD) to international students from Pakistan.
What costs are typically assessed during planning for the 1st year of study abroad?
In the first year of abroad education, keep a minimum budget of tuition + living + books + visa + health insurance, depending on the country. For example, in Turkey or Georgia, this could vary from around USD 4000-7000, while in the USA or UK, it could vary widely between USD 20000-60000.
How early should one apply for scholarships and visas?
At least one year before enrollment is expected. Scholarship deadlines are generally one calendar year ahead; visa processing and document gathering can last a few months.
Do we need an SOP or a motivational Letter for a Scholarship?
Yes, a good statement of purpose or a motivational statement is very necessary in a scholarship application. It is the base of your application. Here are some guides on how to write the SOP and how to write a motivational letter for a scholarship.