What Are the Latest UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students?

mark jeck

June 12, 2025

Table of Content

The United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students due to its world-renowned universities, multicultural environment, and rich history. For those who aspire to study in UK for Pakistani students, understanding the latest student visa requirements is crucial for a successful application.

This guide from Global Education Gateway will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025 about obtaining a UK student visa from Pakistan.

Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?

The UK is home to prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and many others that consistently rank among the top in global rankings. Pakistani students choose the UK because of:

Quality education and globally recognized degrees
Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Multicultural student environment
Opportunities to work part-time during studies
Post-study work visa (Graduate Route)

Types of UK Student Visas

If you’re planning to study in the UK from Pakistan, the main visa you’ll need is the Student Visa (previously called Tier 4 Visa).

1. Student Visa (General)

This visa is for students aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor (a UK university or college).

2. Child Student Visa

This is for students aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.

Latest UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students (2025)

To apply for a UK Student Visa in 2025, Pakistani applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before applying, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed UK educational institution. The school will provide a CAS reference number, which you’ll use in your visa application.

2. Financial Requirements

You must prove that you can support yourself and pay for your course. The required funds include:

Course fees for the first year, as specified on your CAS
Living costs: £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London (£12,006), or £1,023 per month if studying outside London (£9,207)

Funds must be held in your (or your parent’s) bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date.

3. English Language Proficiency

You need to demonstrate English proficiency via one of the following:

IELTS for UKVI
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
TOEFL iBT (accepted by many institutions)

Your minimum score depends on the course level but generally includes:

Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5
Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5–7.0

4. Valid Passport and Other Documents

You’ll need:

Valid passport
CAS letter
Proof of funds (bank statements or official letters)
Proof of English proficiency
Tuberculosis (TB) test results (mandatory for Pakistani applicants)
Academic documents (transcripts, certificates)

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Pakistan

Step 1: Get Admission to a UK University

Choose a program and get an unconditional offer.

Step 2: Receive CAS from the University

The university issues a CAS number once you’ve met all academic and financial requirements.

Step 3: Complete Online Visa Application

Visit the UK Government’s visa website (gov.uk) and fill out the online application.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Visa fee: £490
IHS: £776 per year (subject to change)

Step 5: Book a Biometrics Appointment

Visit a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan (Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi) for biometrics.

Step 6: Attend Interview (if required)

Some students may be asked to attend a credibility interview.

Processing Time for UK Student Visa in Pakistan

Standard Processing: Usually within 3 weeks
Priority Visa: Available at an extra cost; processed in 5 working days

Can You Work While Studying in the UK?

Yes. With a Student Visa, you can:

Work up to 20 hours per week during term-time
Work full-time during vacations
Do internships or placements (if part of your course)

Post-Study Options: Graduate Route

One of the most exciting developments for those wanting to study in UK for Pakistani students is the Graduate Route Visa, which allows you to:

Stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 for PhD graduates) after completing your degree
Work or look for work at any skill level
Switch to a Skilled Worker visa later if you find a suitable job

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete financial documents
Not meeting the 28-day bank statement rule
Choosing unlicensed institutions
Ignoring the TB test requirement
Applying too close to your course start date

How Global Education Gateway Can Help

At Global Education Gateway, we specialize in helping Pakistani students fulfill their dreams of studying in the UK. Our services include:

Free academic counseling
Application assistance to top UK universities
Visa guidance and mock interviews
Scholarship information
Pre-departure briefings

With years of experience and partnerships with UK institutions, we simplify your journey from Pakistan to the UK.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the UK student visa process is the first step toward achieving your academic dreams. If you’re planning to study in the UK from Pakistan, make sure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. With the right guidance and preparation, studying in the UK is not just a dream—it’s an achievable goal.

Meta Title: Latest UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students (2025 Guide)
Meta Description: Discover the 2025 UK student visa requirements for Pakistani students. Learn how to apply, documents needed, financial proof, and more.
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