The UK is one of the most preferred destinations for students from Pakistan due to its globally recognized education system, quality universities, and post-study opportunities. A UK student visa from Pakistan is mandatory for Pakistani students who have been accepted into a UK college or university and wish to live and study in the United Kingdom.
The UK Student Visa replaced the earlier Tier 4 visa system and is issued to students aged 16 years and above who plan to study full-time, and in limited cases part-time, at an institution holding a valid licensed student sponsor license issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authorities.
Pakistani students must apply for a UK student visa if they are enrolled in one of the following educational programs:
To study in the UK on a Student visa, applicants from Pakistan must be at least 16 years old.
The types of UK education visas available to Pakistani students are listed below:
The UK short-term student visa allows Pakistani students to stay in the UK for 6 to 11 months for the sole purpose of studying an English language course. Holders of this visa may remain in the UK for the full duration of their course and for a short period after completion, provided the total stay does not exceed 11 months.
The UK does not issue a standard 6-month student visa. Pakistani students who wish to study for six months or less usually apply under the UK Standard Visitor Visa, provided their course meets visitor study conditions.
The UK long-term student visa is the main route used by Pakistani students whose course duration is longer than six months and who have been sponsored by a licensed UK college or university. To obtain this visa, applicants must have confirmed accommodation plans, meet financial and English proficiency requirements, and receive a CAS from their institution. This visa also allows part-time work under UK rules.
The UK child student visa is issued to Pakistani students aged 4 to 17 who will attend a private school in the UK. Students aged 16 or 17 on this visa may work part-time in accordance with UK immigration conditions.
The basic requirements for a UK student visa from Pakistan are listed below:
A licensed student sponsor is a UK college or university authorized to sponsor international students. Pakistani students must be accepted by such an institution to qualify for a UK student visa. The sponsor issues the CAS and confirms that the course and student meet UK immigration requirements. Most public universities and many private institutions in the UK are licensed sponsors.
Pakistani students applying for a UK student visa must prepare the following documents:
All documents must be submitted in English, and additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances. For a comprehensive list of all the required documents and further details on the application process, check out this detailed guide on UK visa documents for Pakistani applicants.
The UK CAS certificate is an electronic acceptance document issued by the UK institution where the Pakistani student will study. It contains a unique CAS reference number and confirms sponsorship.
The CAS includes course details, tuition fees, payments made, accommodation fees (if any), and English language assessment details. A UK student visa application cannot be submitted without a CAS.
The UK student visa application form is completed online through the UK government website. Pakistani applicants may view the form in local language support, but all responses must be entered in English. The information provided must exactly match the CAS and passport details.
Pakistani students can prove English proficiency using tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Trinity College London exams, or other UK-approved tests. The accepted test and score are usually stated on the CAS, and the same evidence must be submitted with the visa application.
The bank statement requirement for a UK student visa from Pakistan includes tuition fees and living expenses. The tuition amount required is the fee listed on the CAS for one academic year or the full course, minus any amount already paid.
Living cost requirements are:
Proof of funds may be shown through personal bank statements, sponsor letters, government scholarships, education loans, or family support with relationship proof.
For detailed information on how to meet the UK student visa bank statement requirements and what documents are acceptable, refer to this guide on UK student visa bank statements
Applicants under 18 must submit additional documents, including:
Here is the standard process Pakistani students follow:
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UK student visa applications from Pakistan can be submitted up to six months before the course start date. Applicants must wait for the CAS before applying.
The visa fee for a short-term student visa (6-11 months) is £400, while a long-term UK student visa costs £771. These fees are paid online and are non-refundable. For more detailed information on the different UK visa fees and the application process, check out this comprehensive guide to UK visa fees to ensure you’re prepared for the cost and requirements of your application.
Pakistani students applying for courses longer than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This allows access to UK public healthcare services during the visa period. The amount depends on the duration of the visa and is paid during the online application process.
UK student visa interviews are conducted by UK immigration officers and are held in English. Applicants may be asked about their course, university choice, finances, accommodation, and future plans.
UK student visas from Pakistan are usually processed within three weeks after biometric submission, though processing times may vary.
The maximum stay depends on course level:
Students already in the UK may extend their visa to continue or start a higher-level course. A new CAS, proof of funds, and an online application are required before the current visa expires.
Obtaining a UK student visa from Pakistan is not difficult if all requirements are met. Most refusals occur due to missing documents, financial issues, or incorrect applications.
Common reasons include missing documents, unclear purpose of study, insufficient funds, incorrect visa category, and past immigration violations.
Yes. Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays, subject to visa conditions.
In eligible cases, spouses and children may apply as dependents, provided additional financial requirements are met.
Graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route, allowing them to stay and work in the UK for 2 years, or 3 years for PhD graduates.
