Enhancing Access to Higher Education for Refugee Girls

Abstract

This study explores the significant obstacles Afghan female refugee students face in accessing higher education in Quetta, Pakistan.  There is a huge gap between local female citizen’s enrolment and refugee girls in tertiary-level education. Therefore, this study aims to address the barriers that hinder refugee student's access to higher education as well as provide suggestions for the reduction of these problems. The study is a mix of both qualitative and quantitative in nature and is based on primary data.  The researcher conducted this study in the main three universities of Quetta including Baluchistan, women’s (SBK), and BUITEMS University. Qualitative research was carried out with five female refugee students enrolled in targeted universities.  The survey was taken from forty FSC and enrolled female refugees and those who were recently applying for higher education in targeted universities. The findings shed light on several key challenges faced by these females during enrollment and in institutions during study along with suggestions for enhancing access to higher education. The most challenging barriers for these females are the unavailability of institutional required documents, financial constraints, and lack of appropriate educational facilities. Additionally, gender discrimination remains prevalent in Afghan refugee communities. However, UNHCR is the only organization working for the well-being of refugees through scholarships and financial support. There is also a need for Pakistan’s government to contribute to such coping strategies.