The literacy rate in Pakistan is relatively lower than other nations, ranking between 150 and 160 among around 190 countries. It is also worth noting that the literacy rate among women is significantly lower than that of men. It is primarily because Pakistan has a patriarchal society and many traditional families still consider it unnecessary for female members to get educated.
Nonetheless, the overall literacy rate of Pakistanis, men and women alike has significantly risen over the past two decades. This increase is due to the nation’s gradual opening to the world and the introduction of increasingly equal gender norms.
As Pakistan becomes more open globally, the world can see extensive improvements in the education system in the country. Higher education has become more accessible to most people, and the quality is improving year after year. Some top universities in Pakistan have also established partnerships with prestigious universities in the US, Europe, the UK, Australia, and Canada, providing students with opportunities to study abroad.
This article walks you through some of the best subjects to study in Pakistan.
Is Pakistan Good for International Students?
Pakistan is a great study destination for international students, thanks to its wide network of top universities, known for offering the best degrees in vocational training and military studies. Apart from the friendly environment and vibrant culture, the cost of living in Pakistan is very low, making it an affordable destination for international students.
See Also: Cheap Universities in Pakistan
Top Subjects to Study in Pakistan
1. Accountancy
Incoming students in Pakistan aiming for an in-demand lucrative job in the future might as well consider pursuing a degree in Accountancy, which is among the best subjects to study in Pakistan. A typical Accountancy program in the country usually takes at least three years to complete. Many graduates then tend to work on getting a Chartered Accountant (CA) certification for the next two to three years.
There are three accrediting bodies for professional accountants in Pakistan: the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP), the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), and the Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants. Possessing a qualification in any of these three organizations can guarantee you a promising career in local or multinational banks or companies.
The Professionals Academy of Commerce (PAC) offers the best Chartered Accountancy program in Pakistan. It boasts the highest number of merits and gold medals in the ICAP examinations. The CA program at PAC lasts five years and includes a one-year training. Earning the degree guarantees graduates opportunities to work at large companies or government offices or start their own accounting firms.
Click Here to See: The Best Business Schools in Pakistan
2. Mechanical Engineering
Pakistan is still developing with a growing industrial sector, making Mechanical Engineering one of the best subjects to study. While the country suffered massive economic losses due to restrictions brought about by the global pandemic in 2020 until 2021, Pakistan has since started to take measures to improve the manufacturing and exportation of its rich natural resources.
A degree in Mechanical Engineering offers promising future careers in various sectors with a high demand for skilled professionals. The automotive, manufacturing, and aviation industries present the highest market and most lucrative offer for qualified mechanical engineers. Even government agencies or departments also offer employment to degree holders.
The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) is considered the best engineering institution in Pakistan. Its engineering programs also rank among the top 325 worldwide. It offers an undergraduate program in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. It also has various graduate programs relevant to the field, including Robotics & Intelligent Machines Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering.
See Also: The Best Universities for Computer Science in Pakistan
3. Fashion Design
Although it may seem like an unusual career and not many people are inclined to pursue it, fashion design is a high-paying and reputable job in Pakistan. For people who possess a passion for the craft and determination to compete with outstanding designers, Fashion Design is one of the best subjects to study in Pakistan.
The textile industry in Pakistan is booming with significant growth in exports. Add this to the cultural and climate influences, Pakistani fabric quality and design make for attractive products in the international market. For instance, the lightweight, breathable suits and dresses common in the country can appeal to the foreign market in the summer.
While most people would think that fashion design is more on passion and skills, substantial amounts of theoretical knowledge and training are still necessary to gain the upper hand in the industry. The Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) offers a program that provides students with fundamental knowledge and practical experiences in the field. Many fashion labels and designers in Pakistan hail from this institution.
4. Medicine
Medical doctors in Pakistan are highly respected professionals. Although this profession was mainly male-dominated in the past, the shortage of medical practitioners in the country and the Western influence of gender equality have made universities and hospitals more open to welcoming female students and professionals.
It takes six years to complete the medical program and earn a degree, including a one-year hospital internship. With this in mind, incoming students should consider a medical course in the university. As discussed, the shortage of medical doctors brings forth a strong demand for more professionals, making Medicine one of the best subjects to study in Pakistan.
The Aga Khan University’s Medical College offers a five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, which utilizes the problem-based learning approach. After which, graduates can do a post-graduate internship for a year to acquire a license to practice. The King Edward Medical University in Lahore also offers an excellent MBBS program.
Check Also: Cheap Medical Schools in Pakistan
5. Agriculture
The slow progress of education and the low literacy rate among Pakistanis in the past weighed down the agricultural developments in the country. As a result, farmers in Pakistan do not earn well even though the agricultural sector greatly contributes to the country’s economy. There is also a lack of rural development initiatives that could help improve the agricultural production process.
Pakistan has great potential to be an agricultural giant with its high production of staple crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and more. Despite its relatively laid-back approach to farming, the country managed to become one of the top ten producers of the crops mentioned. Given this, having more agriculture professionals can help modernize farming infrastructures and techniques, optimize natural resources, and boost productivity and revenue in the country. This is what makes agriculture among the top subjects international students can study in Pakistan.
There are several agricultural colleges in Pakistan, making an agriculture degree accessible to most students interested in pursuing it. The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) offers numerous undergraduate programs relevant to the field, including Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Science, and Agriculture & Resource Economics.
Click Here to See: The Best Universities in Pakistan
From Agriculture and Medicine to Fashion and Engineering, international students can hone their knowledge and skills in these fields from the various universities across Pakistan. Thanks to the scholarship opportunities in Pakistan listed on our page, you can actualize your dream of studying in Pakistan. Additionally, you can take advantage of the currently open scholarships on our website to help fund your studies in Pakistan.
We hope that you found this article on the best subjects to study in Pakistan informative and helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
