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Relocation to a novel locality and its subsequent adjustment phase can be a source of stress for international students studying overseas. A quantitative study was conducted to examine the role of social support in alleviating the acculturative stress level of Pakistani University students. The sample consisted of 300 international Pakistani students (251 men, 49 women) with an age range of 22 to 45 years. All participants were studying in varying host nations globally. Data was collected online via the administration of a demographic questionnaire, the Acculturative stress scale for Pakistani Muslim international students (Bashir & Khalid, 2020), and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al., 1988). The Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) showed that social support (from family and friends) had a significant negative effect on acculturative stress. This study contributes to the dearth of literature on acculturation literature regarding Pakistani international students, their adjustment patterns, and social support. The results are particularly meaningful keeping in view Pakistani collectivistic culture and background. Results hold great importance for the Higher Education Commission, foreign institutions that host Pakistani students, and educational policymakers to facilitate Pakistani international students in their academic, social, and psychological adjustment. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Keywords: Pakistani International Students, Acculturative Stress, Perceived Social Support, Support from Friends and Family.