Exploring the Effects of Bilingualism on Academic Performance in Higher Education: A Quantitative Study

Dr. Um E Rubab; Iqra Kanwal; Sadia Shafi; Ayesha Nadeem

doi:10.63056/

Authors

Dr. Um E Rubab Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi Author
Iqra Kanwal BS Student, Department of Education, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi Author
Sadia Shafi M.phil Scholar, Department of Education, Alhamd Islamic University, Quetta Campus Author
Ayesha Nadeem BS Student, Department of Education, Govt Viqar Un Nisa Graduate College for Women, Rawalpindi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63056/

Keywords:

Bilingualism, student performance, higher education, mother tongue, language proficiency, academic achievement, cognitive flexibility

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of bilingualism on students' academic performance at the tertiary level. Conducted at Government Viqar-un-Nisa Graduate College for Women in Rawalpindi, this descriptive quantitative study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of bilingualism and assess its effect on their academic outcomes. A sample of 60 undergraduate students from the departments of Education, English, and Psychology was selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, with a high reliability score (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.907). Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were employed to interpret the findings. Results reveal that bilingualism positively contributes to students' learning capacity, critical thinking, and academic engagement. The study recommends incorporating structured bilingual activities in classroom pedagogy to support cognitive and academic development.