The British Council commissioned research into the home province / territory and city origin of international students from Pakistan in the UK, and how the geographical distribution of demand for study abroad is evolving and changing. The research provides market insight into the main locations with growth potential for international student demand and the main drivers.

Demand for tertiary education in Pakistan is continuing to drive overseas study, with the country’s second-tier cities emerging as major sources of outbound students, a new report has found.
Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad will continue to provide the bulk of outbound students due to their population size. Second-tier cities, however, like Faisalabad and Peshawar, have begun to emerge as major cities for outbound students.

Punjab, the largest and most populated region in Pakistan, is the largest contributor to student mobility to the UK, accounting for around 60 per cent of issued visas and CAS according to the available data. The UK has consistently been the top study destination, mainly through strong family connections with many fourth-generation families having well-established businesses in UK cities. Many political and business leaders of Pakistan from the region have also studied in the UK.

Pakistan's university-age population is the third largest in the world, after India and China, but a British Council report has found there is limited education provision at the tertiary level, with Pakistan's participation rates significantly below the world average.

The report found that the top three factors influencing where students from Pakistan study are enhanced career prospects, quality education, and availability of funding.
Studying overseas means attending universities and courses recognised worldwide. Students see this as their passport to a successful future career. Post-study work opportunities are critically important because students see international work experience to build their CVs as essential to enhancing their career prospects. Different countries' visa regulations are, therefore, an important decision-making factor. Agents reported that most students they deal with are extremely well informed about visas.

The UK's biggest competitor in Pakistan over the past ten years has been Australia, due to students being able to apply for a two-year work visa after two years study. The report suggests that Canada will soon become a major competitor for Pakistan’s internationally mobile student population due to the inclusion of Pakistan in their streamlined visa system.
Funding is also an important factor for students. Pakistan is a highly price sensitive market and overseas study is subject to economic fluctuations. The research found that families are the main source of funding for overseas study.

Extended families in the UK are a very strong pull factor for Pakistani students. They are often an important source of financial help, providing free or low-cost accommodation and subsistence. Many have established businesses and are able to offer work to students, during or after study.