Daily Times

LAHORE: A number of Pakistanis studying in different universities in United Kingdom have become uncertain about their future after UK divorces European
Union (EU).

Students as well as their parents have raised serious concern over Brexit as they are uncertain of the future policies of the respective institutions. They said that they had contacted their respective schools, colleges and institutions several times, but no satisfactory replies were given.

Talking to Daily Times, Daim Ahmad, a student of A-levels said that he heard about Brexit and also read news about students of other countries studying inside UK might face problems post-Brexit. “It came into my mind that whether students attempting GCE examination may also face similar problem, but the institution did not respond satisfactory,” he added. Daim revealed that his institution told him that “all is well”, but he was still confused regarding his future.

Parents said that they were not clear about future of their children. “How UK as well as EU will respond to the degrees of UK in future,” they asked.

Imtiaz, father of a student ACCA said that his plan was to send his son abroad after higher education, but now he was confused that how EU would react to ACCA degree holders. “In Pakistan, no one is informing us that what will be the future of such degrees which are totally based on foreign system; no one is assuring that career of our children will be safe and they will not have any issue in getting jobs in EU,” he questioned.

However, ACCA Global on June 27, issued a press statement quoting its chief executive Helen as saying, “ACCA recognises that there is now a period of uncertainty while the full implications of today’s result are worked through and understood. However, I can reassure our members, affiliates and students in the UK, Europe and around the world that there is no reason to anticipate any change to the global recognition and portability of the ACCA qualification.”

Helen said professional accountants would play a critical and strategic role in bringing much needed stability to business and society. “As always, we are ready to support our members and students as they carry out this vital function going forward,” he said adding that over the coming weeks and months will see changes to the UK’s relationship with Europe, and indeed the rest of the world. “We are committed to ensuring our members and students are up to date on all the key developments as they occur,” he added.

When contacted, Uzma Yousuf, Pakistan Cambridge International Examinations country director told Daily Times, “UK’s relationship with the European Union does not impact Cambridge programmes and qualifications.” She said that Cambridge was providing international education for over 150 years, long before the European Union was established.

“We work with 10,000 schools in 160 countries. The global demand for international education and English language learning is increasing, and we will continue to meet this demand by providing world-class education that is recognised by universities and employers around the world,” she added.

“If parents and students have questions, we are very happy to answer them,” she replied to a question regarding parent’s confusion.