Punjab Universities Face Alarming 30% Drop in Student Admissions
Universities across Punjab’s public sector are seeing a notable decline in student admissions this year, a trend that is raising serious concerns among educators and policymakers about the future of higher education in the region.
According to data from the Punjab Higher Education Department, there’s been a 20% to 30% drop in enrollment for undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs at many institutions. Large universities, including Punjab University Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad, and Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, are reporting fewer new students than they expected. The situation is even more severe at smaller colleges in areas like Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Narowal, where institutions are having trouble filling seats even in their most sought-after programs.
Experts point to a combination of factors behind this decline. One major reason is the tough economic climate. With rising inflation, even public universities have become too expensive for many families. Costs like hostel fees, transportation, and books are a heavy burden, especially for those in rural and low-income urban areas. One parent, Shamsa Bibi from a village near Narowal, shared that her son, despite doing well in his exams, had to give up his dream of university and is now working in a factory to help the family.
Another key issue is the growing disconnect between what universities teach and what the job market needs. According to Professor Dr. Muhammad Arshad Ali, many degrees are based on curricula that haven’t been updated in two decades. He argues that since the job market has evolved, students don’t see the value in getting a degree that won’t lead to a good job. This has led many young people to choose skill-based diplomas, short professional courses, and online certifications instead, as these offer a faster and more direct path to employment, particularly in the growing gig economy.
While some universities have started to offer new programs in fields like IT and data science, these efforts aren’t widespread or consistent across the province. Additionally, career counseling and partnerships with industries are often lacking, making it difficult for graduates to find relevant work.
The drop in MPhil and PhD admissions is particularly alarming, as it could have a negative impact on academic research and development in the province.
Experts are now calling for the government to step in with solutions such as subsidized transportation, more scholarships for low-income families, and a complete update of the curriculum to better match the demands of today’s job market.
