21st Dawn Education Expo Connects Over 80 Universities with Aspiring Students

The two-day 21st Dawn Education Expo kicked off on Saturday at the Pearl-Continental Hotel, drawing in students from across Karachi with its promise of career guidance, scholarship information, and study-abroad opportunities. The expo, which runs until Sunday, brought together more than 80 universities and colleges from around the world, offering students the chance to explore a wide range of academic options.

The event featured universities from North America, the UK, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Pakistan, Russia, Switzerland, Turkiye, and the UAE, all under one roof. Students looking to study abroad or explore various courses found detailed information about scholarships, student visas, and admissions, as well as personalized career counselling. Many attendees left with goody bags full of brochures and flyers, and many were accompanied by parents or friends.

Exploring Global Education Options

Among the attendees were Saeed Mumtaz and Shaukat Ali, two intermediate science students interested in studying abroad. “This is a great opportunity to learn about scholarship programs we can apply for,” said Ali, excited about the options available.

Other visitors, like Ramis Fawad and cousins Arhan and Ziad Jawad, along with their mother Qudsia Munir, were focused on studying in Germany. “I studied locally at IBA, but I want my son and nephews to explore international options. Ideally, I want them to apply to the same universities in the same country,” shared Qudsia Munir, emphasizing the importance of international exposure for her family.

Insights and Advice from Consultants

At the Striveny Consultancy stall, Savera Aslam shared that most students were particularly interested in studying in Germany, Italy, or Turkiye. However, she recommended Malaysia as another option, noting that universities there often don’t require English proficiency exam scores and have more relaxed visa requirements. She also highlighted Striveny’s portal-based system, which helps students find suitable programs based on their profiles.

The British Council stall also attracted a lot of interest, with Sara Sulaiman providing detailed information on study options in the UK, including undergraduate, postgraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs, along with available scholarships. Sara guided students on how to navigate through the wide range of choices using a QR code or the website study-uk.britishcouncil.org.

Local Options and Practical Advice

While many students were initially uncertain about their options, after speaking with the university representatives, most felt that completing their undergraduate studies locally and then pursuing postgraduate degrees abroad would be a good approach. Local university stalls provided guidance on the benefits of starting with a strong education foundation in Pakistan before looking to study abroad for higher education.

Interactive Sessions and Workshops

In addition to the university stalls, the expo also featured interactive workshops, panel discussions, and talks by education experts. These sessions, held in a spacious conference area inside the hotel marquee, gave students practical advice on everything from selecting the right university to understanding visa processes.

At the Digital Micro School stall, Sadia Faisal was facilitating learning for children from Malir, using tablets and educational applications in English, Urdu, and Mathematics. “I don’t teach directly; I guide the students to learn on their own using gamified applications,” Faisal explained, highlighting a modern approach to education.

Upcoming Expos in Islamabad and Lahore

The Dawn Education Expo in Karachi will conclude on Sunday, but the event will continue with a day-long expo in Islamabad on November 20 at the Serena Hotel, followed by a two-day expo in Lahore at the Nishat Hotel (Emporium) in Johar Town.

Additionally, Dawn is offering students the chance to win a laptop through a raffle draw at each of the expos in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

The Dawn Education Expo has become a key event for students seeking global opportunities, and this year’s expo continues to provide valuable resources and guidance for those looking to further their education, whether locally or abroad.