The Difference Between Pursuing a PhD in Pakistan vs EU

In many foreign countries, PhD programs are often designed in close collaboration with industry, with specific calls for research aligned to real-world challenges. This ensures that the work produced directly contributes to innovation and economic growth.

In Pakistan, however, such industry-driven PhD opportunities are rare. Students are typically required to propose their own research ideas, which often fail to address current industry needs. This gap stems from the lack of meaningful collaboration between academia and industry. Unfortunately, the greatest loss falls upon the researcher, after investing 4–5 years of their life, their work may have little to no real-world application without industry support.

Moreover, a PhD is far more than just writing tens of thousands of words. It involves publishing in reputable journals, presenting at conferences, and engaging with the global research community that demands significant financial resources. For many students, these costs, combined with tuition fees, are simply unaffordable.

Universities in Pakistan offer minimal, if any, support to their postgraduate students. At the very least, they could provide visiting lectureships or paid teaching assistantships to help scholars sustain themselves. If such basic support cannot be provided, perhaps these institutions should reconsider offering PhD programs altogether.

Ultimately, a strong administrative and support framework is the foundation of a thriving research culture. Without it, producing impactful and globally competitive research will remain a distant dream.
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