Social and Educational Challenges impacting the Quality of Higher Education in Pakistan: Perception of University Students

Purpose: Higher education plays vital role in socioeconomic development and innovation, providing individuals with opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and career prospects. In Pakistan the quality of higher education remains a persistent concern due to a range of social and educational challenges that limit its accessibility and effectiveness. Despite efforts to improve the higher education sector, many university students in Pakistan continue to face barriers that effect their learning atmosphere, engagement and academic performance. Understanding these challenges from students’ perspective is crucial to identify gaps and meaningful reforms. The purpose of the study was to investigate the educational challenges and social challenges impacting the quality of higher education in Pakistan Design/Methodology/Approach: This was quantitative research which employed descriptive research design. Findings: The results revealed that educational challenges perceived by students were: outdated curriculum, teacher behavior, and traditional methods of teaching, lack of student support services and research work. They perceived nepotism, political interference, access, equity and socio-cultural norms as social challenges that impact the quality of higher education in Pakistan. Implications/Originality/Value: So it is recommended that regular training of teachers, availability of students’ support services, revision of curriculum, provision of funds for research work, and ensuring equity and access of higher education may contribute in raising quality of higher education in Pakistan.