r/pkmigrate

Is 31 too late to start a PhD abroad?

Hi, I am 31(F) and considering applying for PhD programs abroad, including both the US and Europe/UK, mainly in biosciences, biotechnology, computational biology, or related fields. I have a BS in Biosciences, an MS in Biotechnology, 9 research publications, previous experience as a Research Officer, and more than 3 years of experience in data analytics after transitioning away from research. I am now interested in moving back toward research, particularly computational biology/bioinformatics. Academically, I believe I meet the basic requirements for the programs I am looking at, but I am wondering whether my profile is actually competitive enough for funded PhD positions, especially in the US where the application process can be quite different. By the time I potentially start, I could be 32–33. Does that matter much in practice, and would my transition from research into data analytics be seen as a disadvantage or could it actually work in my favor for computational fields?

I’d also really appreciate honest advice from women who have gone through something similar. As a single woman from Pakistan, how difficult is it realistically to go through the entire process, from applications and interviews to visas and eventually moving abroad alone? I am not asking whether it’s possible, but more about what the process is actually like emotionally, financially, socially, and practically. I’d love to hear from people who have made a similar move, particularly those who started their PhD in their early 30s.

TIA!

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u/Acuteintrovert27 — 9 hours ago

Urgently Looking for a Job in Riyadh for My Uncle

Hi everyone,

My uncle is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and he urgently needs a job. He is looking for an opportunity with a company that can provide or transfer a work visa/Iqama sponsorship.

He is hardworking, reliable, and willing to do almost any kind of honest work, including:

  • General labour/helper work
  • Factory or warehouse work
  • Shop/store work
  • Packing or loading/unloading
  • Cleaning or maintenance work
  • Any other suitable position available

He is ready to start immediately and is flexible regarding the type of work.

If anyone knows of a company hiring in Riyadh, or can connect us with someone who may be able to help, I would really appreciate it. He genuinely needs employment urgently.

Please DM me if you have any leads or contacts.

Thank you in advance. 🙏

#Riyadh #SaudiArabia #Jobs #RiyadhJobs #Hiring #JobSearch #UrgentHiring #SaudiJobs #LabourJobs #WarehouseJobs #FactoryJobs

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u/RudeSquirrel3362 — 15 hours ago

Birth Certificate guidance needed. Pls help

I have applied for german student visa. There’s some difference in my dad‘s name on his nic and my passport .
If i align fathers name on birth certificate as per my passport then they are removing his nic number.
If i keep it consistent with his id, then nic number is mentioned.
Which is the better and safer option?

Currently, it’s like this:(names aren’t real)
Father name on my passport: Abdullah Hassan
Father name On birth certificate: Abdullah
Grandfather name: Hassan.

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u/cheesecream7 — 19 hours ago

PhD Marketing

I am a 34 years old woman with a M.Phil in Marketing. I worked for 2 years after my degree and then couldn't continue due to personal reasons. Basically, I am stuck in a bad marriage with 2 kids and earning for them and myself is the only option now. There is no job in Pakistan than can provide for us alongside helping me with rebuilding my career.

I had a good thesis on consumer behavior but it was back in 2016. I do have a flair for research and would like to restart my research journey. I am trying to go through recent research and develop a research proposal. I am also going through Professor's profile in European Universities.

Majorly, I need hope. Is this something possible? Should I spend more time on this? Has anybody like me done it already? Any suggestions pointing me in the right direction.

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u/Emotional_Two_3700 — 1 day ago

Planning to move to Europe after completing my studies in Pakistan

Guys, I’m planning to move abroad to Europe in the future, and I’m currently doing my Intermediate in Commerce. Can anyone suggest which degree, certificate, or skills I should pursue that are in demand in European countries? I want to complete my studies and develop useful skills before moving to Europe. Also, is it easy to apply for a visa, or does it usually take several months to get one? How difficult is it to find a job and build a stable life in Europe? Are qualifications from Pakistan generally recognized and valued there, and which fields have better job opportunities for international applicants?

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u/Historical-Stock7847 — 23 hours ago

Depressed asf after Irish refusals

Please leave it if you're not empathetic

so hello y'all where to start idk but everything seems to end now so a bit about myself I had the worst consultant anyone ever could have I know it was my fault but yk he completely ruined my whole profile, I didn't had any sources nd that was my first time so got blindfold by him

I was so immature at those times nd got so impatient for Ireland , my bachelor's was ongoing but somehow my consultant Convinced us to hide it and applied on HSSC base for bachelor's in Ireland and showed gap of 5 years with an justification that I was doing job at that period and showed investor's finances , nd got rejected due to financial documents,it sounds so stupid even while writing it so I've had an refusal in early 2026 now I've just completed my bachelor's in biotechnology with an cgpa 3.3 , but it seems like I don't hv any chance to apply for abroad after this messed up profile is there's any hope left?

Guys I'm really it's so difficult to accept the reality now but sometimes life teaches you the hardest way :(

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u/OwlInevitable2474 — 1 day ago

is germany out of reach?

moving abroad has always been a dream for me, and lately ive been wanting to go to germany for undergrad. with how pakistanis are treated internationally, visa rejections, state of the job market etc, it all feels a little hopeless. i got 10 As and A*s in my o levels and three bs in a level (physics, chem, math). not very exceptional grades i know. i've been learning german too and have done a few internships and extracurriculars here and there. i have only researched a bit about how to apply and stuff. but it all feels overwhelming and frankly impossible. kiya in grades, extracurriculars, aur general haalat ko dekhte hue germany jaana mumkin hai? ya should i just drop this dream and be realistic and just cus on the nust entry test?

its just so sad man, i love my country, but i dont like living in it.

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u/Tough_Ad5097 — 1 day ago

29 M, 8 million PKR budget: What are my options?

I did my BBA 5 years ago and graduated with a 3.3 CGPA.

I have been working in Sales for the past 5 years.

I want to do a masters in Finance or Business Analytics with a chance for PR, eventually.

I initially considered going to Australia and that was what I was working towards but the way they constantly keep changing rules and requirements not only for masters but also for PR has confused the hell out of me. I still think it’s a great option but I don’t understand how to go about it.

Of course it’s much more costlier than the amount I have but I think I can make it work because I’ll have two summers and winter breaks to work full time.

But I know there’s a lot uncertainty around this plan.

I am now considering Europe with this budget.

Germany is what I’ve been thinking about but I am confused about the whole timeline. I would like to go as soon as possible but with the visa process and September intake being closed, I don’t know what my options are and what my next steps should be.

I am also really intrigued by Spain because I really like the language and am already practicing it. I think I can learn it far quicker than german. But I understand that Germany is the best economy in Europe and the chances of finding a job there might be better than at least Spain. Still, I might be wrong. I’d really appreciate the insight of those who have experience with either.

UK doesn’t attract me much because of their constant anti-immigrant policies and slowing economy but at least their Education is widely recognised and accepted.

Finally, I would just like to have an understanding from you guys about how to go about this. I am extremely confused about my options because of so much uncertainty globally right now.

I am open to any options as long as it fulfills my requirement of a good education with good job prospects and an eventual PR.

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u/khanspeare — 1 day ago

Is Russia a good option right now?

I'm thinking about applying for open door scholarship but I was wondering if it's worth it considering the fact there is a war going on over there. I have also heard that it's very difficult to go to other countries from Russia.

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u/PzychoDarren — 1 day ago

Australia after 12th

i am planning to apply to Australia after my inter (ICS) with 60%. what are your suggestions?
or
should i try for germany or france etc??

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u/Zubair8484 — 2 days ago

Erasmus Cybersecurity — Chances with a Non-CS Background?

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply for an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Cybersecurity, but I’m a little concerned about my academic background.
I have around 3 years of professional experience as a Cybersecurity Analyst at a top company in Saudi Arabia, working in cybersecurity/GRC-related areas. However, my bachelor’s degree is in Media and Communication, with a 3.7 CGPA.
The Cybersecurity master’s programs I’m interested in generally mention that applicants should have a background in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a closely related field.
Given my professional cybersecurity experience but unrelated bachelor’s degree:
Do I still have a realistic chance of getting admitted?
How strictly do Erasmus programs enforce the academic background requirement?
Would my 3 years of cybersecurity experience help compensate for my degree?
Has anyone here been admitted to an Erasmus cybersecurity program with a non-CS/IT bachelor’s degree?
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through a similar situation or has experience with Erasmus Cybersecurity admissions. Thank you!

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u/iamnotsomean — 1 day ago

Is it possible??

Hey everyone. I am currently doing A levels in commerce. However, i want to do my Bachelors in nursing. I was a sciences student in my O levels. Ive heard that abroad its not necessary to have a medical background to opt for medical field. Anyone who was in a similar boat can who can help out. Also pakistan is not an option for nursing. So please list down the countries whos willing to offer fully funded scholarship or countries i can apply to. Thankss

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u/itsshaa11 — 1 day ago

Which University to choose for my first F1 attempt? International Student

Hey guys,

So, I've been applying to US as an international student from Pakistan for my MS program in IT, and after considering various factors such as COA, living costs, safety, and overall OPT opportunities, I've decided to choose these 2 universities to go with:

  1. Saint Louis University - Missouri
  2. Southern New Hampshire University - NH

So, my concern is which one would make the visa interview or holds reputation with officers for international students.

It's gonna be my first F1 attempt s I wanna maximize my chances along with preparation, I want you to share your thoughts overall: what do you think of these institutions?

Thanks!

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u/ehsaanshah303 — 2 days ago

Opportunity Card for germany

this is Chatgpt-ed so bare with me please

Hey everyone,

I'm from Pakistan and I'm trying to understand how Anabin and ZAB work for the German Opportunity Card. I have an Associate Degree of Science (ADS) from Shah Abdul Latif University. The university is listed as H+ in Anabin, and when I searched my qualification, the Pakistani Associate Degree was shown as "conditionally comparable" to a German bachelor's degree.

What I'm confused about is whether this actually helps with the Opportunity Card points system. Does having a degree listed in Anabin as conditionally comparable give any points, or do I still need to get a ZAB Statement of Comparability? I've seen different answers online and I'm not sure which one is correct.

I'm 24 years old, have about 4 years of HR/Admin experience, and currently have A1 German but plan to continue to A2 or B1.

Has anyone here applied for the Opportunity Card with a Pakistani ADS or a similar qualification? Did you use only Anabin, or did you have to get a ZAB evaluation as well? Also, how many points were you able to claim?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process themselves. Thanks.

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u/Grand-Bathroom5967 — 2 days ago

Suggest a degree which has good scope in abroad

Need some genuine advice

I’m at a crossroads with my degree and looking for your opinion.

I am considering of getting in BBA or Business Analytics fintech instead.

on the other hand, my family feels these fields don’t have much scope and keeps pushing me toward Engineering. The problem is I find Engineering just as tough and honestly can’t see myself getting through it either.

My uncle is in Saudi working as Electrical engineer for 15 years that’s why my family wants me to pursue engineering.
Please tell me an easy degree that has good scope both in Pakistan and abroad

My main goal is to build a career abroad eventually so I want to make a choice that actually sets me up for that not just engineering.
I’d genuinely appreciate your guidance.
Thanks in advance

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u/SlashArslan — 3 days ago
▲ 0 r/pkmigrate+2 crossposts

Planning to transfer from Bahria University BSCS to TUM after 1 year — need advice

Assalamualaikum!

I’ve recently been admitted to Bahria University for BS Computer Science, but my goal is to move to Germany after completing my first year. I'm still waiting for NUST's merit lists to see if I get admission there on which case I'll ditch this plan entirely, but I'd like to have some information before hand.

From what I understand, Pakistani students generally have two routes: either complete a foundation/Studienkolleg route in Germany, or complete one year (two semesters) at a recognised university in Pakistan and then apply to a German university using that academic record.

My main target is the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through a similar route, especially regarding:

  • Is the one-year university in Pakistan to Germany route still valid?

- What GPA should I realistically target during my first year at Bahria?

- Does TUM consider extracurriculars, projects or a portfolio, or is admission mainly academic?

- What German/English language requirements should I prepare for?

- What are the current tuition fees and other major costs at TUM?

- How does the German student visa and appointment process work from Pakistan?

-Does TUM even offer Computer science? If not then I still have options to pursue Electrical engineering or computer engineering? Will those make it easier for me to get admitted?

- Most importantly, what should I focus on during this entire first year to maximise my chances of getting into TUM?

If anyone has personally transferred/applied to TUM or another German university after studying one year in Pakistan, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience and the process you followed.

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u/EarlyBike5721 — 3 days ago

Malta Bachelor Study Visa – Complete Documents?

Hi everyone, I’m planning to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Malta from Pakistan.

Can someone please tell me the complete list of documents required for the university admission and Malta study visa application?

Especially, I want to know about:

Educational documents/attestation

Bank statement and financial proof

Sponsor documents

Police clearance

Medical/health insurance

Accommodation documents

SOP/personal statement

Any other documents required for the visa

If anyone has recently applied for a Malta Bachelor study visa from Pakistan, please share your experience and the complete document checklist.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Aggressive_Bilal_10 — 3 days ago

australia visa process

can someone kindly guide me about australia visa process?

do they have a unified portal for sending university applications or we have to secure independently?

also how much does average yearly fee cost there?

and what are the part time opportunities there?

would be thankful for any insights.

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u/Budget_Button1695 — 4 days ago

is it possible for me to make it??

hey guys I'm a Pakistani Student, I've got 1102/1200 in matric and 512/555 in Fsc Part 1(11th grade) part 2's result is yet to come out In September

I really Want to do my bachelor's from US but can't afford more then 10 lac Pkr(approximately 3.5k$)

Is it realistically possible for me to achieve fully funded scholarship here without SAT or (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo) given

I hope y'all help me out on ts ✌️

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u/CollectionChoice89 — 4 days ago

Do BBA graduates even get job offers from abroad?

As the title says, do BBA graduates even get job offers from abroad? Because I usually only hear about computer science and people in the tech sector or medical sector getting job offers from abroad.

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u/Pogchumpinnitbruv — 4 days ago