Blocked accounts, blocked dreams: Pakistani students face mounting European hurdles

For quite some time, universities all over Europe have promoted themselves as providing diversity, reasonable costs, and simple entry processes. Places like France, Hungary, Italy, and Germany have promised Pakistani students excellent education options that are much cheaper than those in America or the United Kingdom.

However, factors like trouble getting visas, difficulties in meeting financial requirements, and issues with fitting in are causing many students to look into other choices.

Often, students face hurdles right from the beginning. Getting appointments at embassies for student visas for countries like Germany, Hungary, or Spain can take from three to six months. This delay can make students with strict school schedules have to put off their education for a whole year.

Ali, a student from Lahore accepted into a master’s program in Germany, said: “I had my acceptance letter. My classes had already started by the time the embassy gave me an appointment. I had to apply again.”

Even after getting past the appointment problem, it can be a big challenge for students to meet the financial requirements for certain countries. The amount needed in a blocked account in Germany, now set at €11,208 (more than 3.4 million PKR), is very difficult for middle-class families to reach, especially with Pakistan’s currency constantly losing value. Similar rules in other European countries make people think that the region, despite its reputation for affordability, might not be as cheap as it seems.

Finding student housing is very competitive in cities like Amsterdam, Milan, and Berlin, and people new to the area – such as international students – are more likely to face high rents or scams

When students get to Europe, they can have trouble fitting in. Even though many courses are taught in English, knowing the local language is often needed for everyday things, like finding a place to live and getting internships. This creates language stress, where students have to constantly translate in social situations, paperwork, and lessons.

The stress is made worse by lack of accommodation. Finding student housing is very competitive in cities like Amsterdam, Milan, and Berlin, and people new to the area – such as international students – are more likely to face high rents or scams. Many Pakistani students have to work long hours because of rising costs for food, energy, and transportation, which puts their school success and mental health at risk.

Embassies and universities must take action if Europe really wants to attract and keep talented people. Giving advice before students leave for their study destination, making visa processing faster, offering more help with fitting in on campus, and having flexible financial requirement options are essential, not just helpful.

Pakistani students add to global networks, cultural variety, and academic excellence. Forcing them to choose destinations with easier processes is a loss not only for the students themselves but also for Europe’s internationalisation goals.

The hope of studying in Europe is still possible, but unless systemic problems are fixed, many people will see their dreams fail even before they arrive.

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