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Study in the UK: visa, costs, universities and Graduate Route for Pakistani students

A researched guide with 2026 figures from official and industry sources. Last verified 29 September 2026.

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£558Student visa fee, from 8 April 2026
£776Health surcharge (IHS) per year of visa
£1,171–£1,529Monthly maintenance funds (outside / inside London)
18 monthsGraduate Route length, for those applying from 1 Jan 2027

Why Pakistani students choose the UK

  • Globally recognised universities, with one-year master’s degrees that cut total cost and time.
  • Strong industry links, placements and internships built into many courses.
  • Graduate Route lets eligible graduates work or look for work after study, with no job offer needed.
  • Large Pakistani community in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds.

Step by step: from offer to visa

  1. Get an offerApply through the university or UCAS and receive an unconditional offer.
  2. Pay deposit and get your CASA Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is needed before you can apply.
  3. Prove your fundsCourse fee balance plus living costs, held for 28 days in a row.
  4. Book TB test and biometricsPakistan is on the UK TB-test list, so an approved clinic test is needed for stays over six months.
  5. Apply online and pay IHSPay the visa fee and health surcharge, then submit documents and biometrics.
Common refusal reasons: funds not held for the full 28 days, unexplained study gaps, weak reasons for choosing the course, and documents that do not match. Some subjects also need an ATAS certificate.

What it costs (2026)

ItemAmountNotes
Student visa fee£558Same fee inside or outside the UK since 8 April 2026.
Immigration Health Surcharge£776 per yearCharged for the full visa length. A 3-year visa is £2,328.
Maintenance funds£1,171 per month outside London, £1,529 inside LondonFor up to 9 months, on top of unpaid tuition on your CAS.
Graduate visa£937 plus IHSApplied from inside the UK after you finish.
TuitionSet by each universityWe give a course-specific quote at counselling.

Fees change often. Always confirm on the official government page before you pay.

Popular universities in the UK

UniversityKnown for
Imperial College LondonEngineering, science and business
University of OxfordResearch and humanities to sciences
University of CambridgeSciences, engineering and mathematics
UCLWide range, strong in London industry links
University of EdinburghResearch, computing and medicine
University of ManchesterEngineering, business and large student community
King’s College LondonHealth, law and social sciences
LSEEconomics, finance and social sciences

Check the latest QS or THE rankings and subject rankings for your course.

Work rights, English and after graduation

  • Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours per week in term time. Check your visa vignette.
  • Graduate Route: currently 2 years for bachelor’s and master’s, shortening to 18 months from 1 January 2027. Confirm where your dates fall.
  • Skilled Worker route is the next step for many graduates and needs a sponsoring employer.
  • English: most degrees ask for IELTS 6.0 to 7.0. Some visa routes need a UKVI-approved test, so check your CAS conditions.

Scholarships and funding

  • Chevening scholarships (fully funded, one-year master’s).
  • Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible countries.
  • University awards, often 10 to 50 percent of tuition.
  • Deadlines are often 6 to 12 months before the intake, so apply early.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a UK student visa cost?

The visa fee is £558 from 8 April 2026. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year of visa length, at the time of applying.

How much money must I show?

Unpaid tuition plus £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. Funds must normally stay in the account for 28 consecutive days.

Can I work while studying?

Usually up to 20 hours per week in term time at degree level, and full time in official holidays. Your visa states the exact limit.

What is the Graduate Route?

A post-study visa for eligible graduates of UK degrees. It is 2 years now and is due to be 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. Fee £937 plus IHS.

Do Pakistani students need a TB test?

Yes. Applicants from Pakistan planning to stay over six months need a TB test from an approved clinic, and the certificate goes with the visa application.

When should I apply?

Start 8 to 10 months before the September intake. January intake is available on many courses, and CAS can be issued up to 6 months before the course starts.

Sources and how we verify

Figures checked on 29 September 2026 against these pages. This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official authority before you apply.

Study in UK with BlueZone Consultants

BlueZone Consultants guides students from Abbottabad, Mansehra, Hazara and across Pakistan through every stage of a UK application: choosing the course and university, checking documents and attestation, preparing the offer and visa file, then planning money, housing and arrival.

Your first counselling session is free. Bring your transcripts, passport and English test result if you have one, and we will tell you honestly whether the UK fits your grades and budget.

Check your options for UK

Talk to a counsellor, then use the guides below to prepare.