Islamabad: A recent survey by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan reveals that 65% of Pakistani parents would prefer their children to pursue higher education abroad, highlighting a strong inclination towards overseas educational opportunities. The survey indicates a slightly higher preference among parents with FA+ educational backgrounds, at 69%.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the survey is part of an ongoing series titled ‘Understanding the School Landscape in Pakistan.’ It involved a nationally representative sample of 1,415 married men and women, from both urban and rural areas across Pakistan’s provinces. Conducted between March 18, 2026, and March 31, 2026, the survey used telephonic interviews with a margin of error estimated at ± 2-3% at the 95% confidence level.

In response to the question, “If given the opportunity, would you want your child to go abroad for higher education?” 65% affirmed their interest, while 31% disagreed, and 4% were unsure. The findings suggest that a substantial majority of parents see overseas higher education as a desirable opportunity for their children. The minimal variation in responses between different educational backgrounds of parents indicates a broadly shared aspiration across the country.