International Outreach and Engagement

The association serves as a representative body for private sector universities in Pakistan at the international level. It actively participates in global forums, conferences, and collaborations to showcase the achievements, innovations, and contributions of private universities in Pakistan. By representing the interests and perspectives of member institutions on the international stage, the association strengthens global recognition, fosters international collaborations, and facilitates the exchange of best practices and experiences with universities worldwide. This representation at the international level helps raise the profile of private sector universities in Pakistan and promotes the country as a destination for quality higher education, research collaboration, and academic partnerships.

The structure and dynamics of knowledge economy in the modern era have spurred the need for internationalization of higher education across the globe. Globalization as a force of market economy as well as that of cultural integration has led to transnational outlook of knowledge- based sectors. Changes in regional and international demographics has further fueled the demand and subsequent absorption of human resource in globalized markets.

In this context, we witness a surge in efforts of internationalization of higher education. Number of universities offering degrees with focus on internalization of multiple sectors has multiplied many times over the past few years. Percentage of international students at a local university and ratio of international faculty have become important instruments as indicators of different international rankings. The confluence of ranking and internationalization of higher education on one hand denotes the incremental significance of regional and international outlook of human resource requirement, and on the other hand calls for examining impact of globalization on local markets. The opportunities created by such confluence are endless for all the stakeholders of this equation, be it universities, technical institutes, industry, communities, students, parents or even public sector entities. Pakistan stands at the cusp of internationalization of higher education where despite the issues of governance of higher education, students and forward-looking universities have realized the significance of human resource needs at the regional and international levels. Association of the Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) is one such platform that acknowledges and attaches great value to the internationalization of higher education. The year 2022-23 marks transformational progress in internationalization of higher education sector of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s First-Ever Pavilion At EURIE 2023:
APSUP Leads Delegation To Showcase National Higher Education Strength

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

For the first time, a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion was established at EURIE 2023 in Istanbul, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by APSUP. The pavilion was set up by The University of Lahore, Superior University, The University of Faisalabad, The University of Sialkot, Institute of Business and Management Karachi, and University of Management and Technology.

The 32-member delegation comprised education leaders from these universities, as well as 18 others, marking a significant milestone in the internationalization of higher education. EURIE (Eurasia Higher Education Summit) is a premier platform for fostering global collaboration between higher education institutions.

As the sole representative body for private sector institutions in Pakistan, APSUP led the effort to forge strategic partnerships and enhance international presence. Recognizing the crucial role of private sector universities, APSUP extended invitations to leading private institutions and provided technical assistance to ensure their effective participation.

The delegation’s efforts resulted in the establishment of the first-ever Pakistani Pavilion at EURIE, where more than 100 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with international institutions.

This extensive engagement significantly enhanced the image of Pakistan’s higher education sector on the global stage. Additionally, APSUP facilitated three major group level collaborations with the Brazil Universities Congress, EU Association, and EURAS Association, focusing on advancing knowledge economy streams and developing 21st-centuryready human resources.

The pavilion not only showcased the academic programs offered by Pakistani universities but also explored opportunities for student and faculty exchanges and joint academic programs, marking a significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s global educational collaboration and elevating its international profile.

Participation in EAIE Conference 2024

FRANCE

APSUP leads Pakistani university delegation to showcase academic excellence at EAIE Conference. This prestigious event offers a platform to build global partnerships and attract international students.

A delegation of leading Pakistani universities, including Superior University, Green International University, University of Lahore, and University of Sialkot, will proudly represent Pakistan at the upcoming European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference in Toulouse, France.

This participation, facilitated by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), signifies a significant step in promoting Pakistani higher education on a global stage. The EAIE Conference, as Europe’s largest gathering for international education, offers an invaluable platform for Pakistani universities to showcase their academic offerings and research initiatives to a diverse international audience.

This event presents a unique opportunity to forge strategic partnerships, facilitate student and faculty exchange programs, and gain insights into global best practices. By participating in this prestigious conference, APSUP aims to enhance the international visibility of Pakistani universities and contribute to a more vibrant global educational landscape.