Economic Survey 2024-25 Reveals 13% Decline in University Enrollment

News Desk

Islamabad: University enrollment in Pakistan has witnessed a sharp decline, falling by 13% in FY 2023, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released ahead of the federal budget. The number of students enrolled in higher education institutions dropped to 1.94 million, despite the presence of 269 universities nationwide.

The survey links the decline to multiple factors, including prevailing economic hardships and changing demographic patterns. The downturn in university enrollment contrasts with modest growth seen at other educational levels, underscoring ongoing challenges in access to and retention in higher education.

While the drop is concerning, a slight recovery is anticipated. Enrollment is projected to increase by 0.8% in FY 2024, reaching an estimated 1.95 million students.

Education experts and policymakers have raised alarms over the trend, calling for sustained investment and targeted reforms to make higher education more accessible and to prevent long-term setbacks in the country’s human capital development.