Breaking barriers: Exploring ways to increase Afghan refugee students’ enrollment and decrease their dropouts in higher education

Abstract

Afghan refugee students face various challenges when pursuing higher education in Pakistan. This study investigated the challenges affecting the Afghan refugee students' pursuit of higher education within Pakistan's diverse socio-cultural landscape, with a particular emphasis on Quetta, Balochistan. Using a mixed methods approach that includes quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the study explored the opportunities and obstacles these students confronted including documentation problems, language barriers, and socioeconomic limitations. The study revealed both congruencies and discrepancies concerning obstacles and opportunities providing insights into the particular contextual factors affecting the education paths of Afghan refugee students in Balochistan. Recommendations are offered to relevant stakeholders, including the UNHCR, academic institutions, and government agencies such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad for improving education opportunities and overall social well-being of this vulnerable group.  The study suggests workable strategies including the development of an innovative online dashboard.