Exploring the Influence of Brain Drain on Generation Alpha Students’ University Enrollment and Academic Development in Pakistan
Keywords:
Brain Drain, Generation Alpha, Higher Education Policy, University Enrollment, Academic DevelopmentAbstract
This research examines the impact of brain drain on the university enrolment and academic career development of Generation Alpha students in Pakistan. Brain drain with outward migration of its professionals and talented young people has serious implications for the quality of higher education, institutional capacity, and talent build up in a nation. The aim of this paper is to realize how brain drain perceptions influence Generation Alpha scholars’ enrollment decisions towards Pakistani universities and their implications for academic development in the country. Qualitative research method was used for which a purposive sample of Generation Alpha Geer students were drawn from different urban and semi-urban areas in Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews explored students’ perceptions about the educational experiences of domestic versus international study, financial implications, career opportunities and skilled professional emigration and the influence on their academic life. Thematic analysis techniques were used to determine recurring patterns of interest, governing themes and sub-themes. Generation Alpha learners are particularly interested in the scholarships granted by foreign universities, employment opportunities and research facilities. Declining push factors such as lack of funding, inadequate infrastructure and shortage of the local staff were said to be determining their decisions to enroll. Brain drain is having a negative impact on quality of academic guidance, research and motivation in Pakistani universities. Some recommended that scholarships, better infrastructure, career counseling and policy interventions would motivate students to study within the country and boost the nation’s academic growth. This study provides insights into the generational aspects on brain drain, particularly in regard to student perceptions and enrolment decisions and addresses its wider impact on the academic progress of Pakistan. The study offers recommendations for policy makers, universities and interested parties to formulate policies aimed at retaining talent, improving academic quality and the sustainable development of higher education.
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