An Analysis of the Demand for Higher Education in Pakistan with Special Reference to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors which affect demand for higher education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). Primary data was collected for this purpose from 100 students enrolled in different universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The results showed that age of student, marital status, access to higher education institutions, parent’s education, family income and awareness of the benefits of higher education are the major determinants of demand for higher education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Interestingly, 93% of respondents suggested that socio-economic problems prevailed in the society can be solved with increase in higher education while 80% of the surveyed students considered that poverty eradication is possible with higher education. It is therefore, suggested on the basis of the results of the study to increase public expenditure on higher education and launch a massive campaign for awareness of higher education. The linkage of higher education with the market demand will increase employment which will motivate students to higher education.