The United States hosted nearly 1.2 million international students in the 2024-25 academic year, but new international enrolment declined by 7%, driven largely by a 15% drop in graduate enrolments.
Despite this slowdown, Pakistani students continued to increase their presence in US higher education, particularly in STEM fields.
More than 55% of Pakistani students in the United States pursued STEM programs in 2024-25. Among them, 21% enrolled in mathematics and computer science, while nearly 20% chose engineering programs.
These figures underline a sustained and strong preference for science and technology pathways among Pakistani students.
Undergraduate enrolment from Pakistan saw significant growth, rising 26% year-over-year in 2024-25. Postgraduate enrolment also increased by 18% during the same period, even as overall graduate enrolment from international students declined across the US system.
Interest in post-study employment options is also rising. Growing participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) reflects Pakistani students’ increasing focus on gaining US work experience after graduation. This trend aligns with broader shifts in student priorities toward employability and career outcomes.
According to ApplyBoard’s Fall 2025 Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey, post-study work opportunities are now nearly as important to students as the cost of studying, with 88% prioritizing work opportunities compared to 91% who prioritize affordability.
The data suggests that Pakistani students are making more outcomes-driven decisions, favoring destinations and programs that offer clear links between education, employment, and long-term career growth.`
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest education news, admissions updates, and scholarship alerts wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
I’m interested