How to Apply for a UK Student Visa for Pakistani Students

• Learn about the UK student visa process for Pakistani students. Discover the necessary documents, visa fees, and practical tips for a seamless process.
• Financial proof is crucial, with strict requirements for holding funds for 28 days. Careful planning and accurate documentation are essential for success.
• Read this guide to learn how to use local support, such as British Council services and authorised agents, to make the process easier. 

Planning to study in the UK from Pakistan? You might wonder how the UK visa process works for you and if there are any special considerations. The good news is that the UK warmly welcomes students from Pakistan. According to Migration Observatory UK, Pakistan is now one of the top countries sending students to UK universities.

If you are from Pakistan, you’ve reached the right place. This guide will walk you through the UK student visa process – highlighting what might be easier for you, where you could face extra steps, and how to tackle it all confidently. We’ll cover everything from documents and financial proof to visa timelines, local support, TB tests, and costs (in GBP/PKR).

• Start by exploring available UK study programmes on Mastersportal, Bachelorsportal and Phdportal.

Student visa requirements for Pakistani Students

Many Pakistani students have already successfully studied in the UK, so UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and universities are quite familiar with Pakistani education. This makes the process smoother since the visa and admissions officers know what to expect from Pakistani applicants.

When applying for a UK student visa, you’ll need many documents. This checklist is the same worldwide, but since Pakistan isn’t on the “low-risk” exemption list, you’ll need to present these documents (not just have them). Here’s what you need for your UK student visa:

• Passport: A valid Pakistani passport with at least one blank page covering your study duration.
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies): An electronic document/number from your UK university after admission.
• Academic Documents: Proof of your previous qualifications (like HSSC/FSc, A-levels, or bachelor’s degree).
• English Proficiency Proof: Include IELTS/TOEFL results if required (make sure it’s UKVI-approved).
• Financial Evidence: You must prove you have enough funds for tuition and living expenses (around £13,300 for London or £10,200 for outside London). The money must be in your or your parents' account for at least 28 days before applying.
• ATAS Certificate (if required): Only for some sensitive research fields (like engineering).
• TB Test Certificate: A medical certificate showing you are TB-free, as Pakistan is on the TB testing list.

Because Pakistan is not on the low-risk list, you must submit all the above documents with your application – especially financial proof. (Low-risk nationals don’t have to submit finance docs upfront, but UKVI can still ask later. For you, it’s straightforward: get all your papers in order and upload them in the online application or bring them to your visa appointment.

• One relief: If you have all these documents, the application is mostly about filling out the online form and paying fees—there’s no separate “interview” or additional test by default (interviews happen only in some cases—we’ll talk about that in the FAQ). 

How long does it take to get a UK student visa in Pakistan?

The UK student visa is relatively quick by global standards. You can apply as early as 6 months before your course starts (and we recommend you do so). After you submit your application and provide biometrics, you’ll usually receive a decision within three weeks, according to the UK government website. Many Pakistani students report receiving visas within 2-3 weeks.

Where to apply for a UK student visa in Pakistan

In Pakistan, you don’t go directly to an embassy; instead, you’ll go to a UK Visa Application Centre, which is run by VFS Global, the company responsible for handling UK visa processing in many countries. The major UK VACs in Pakistan are in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Mirpur.

Select the one nearest to you when applying online. In your online application, you’ll schedule an appointment at one of these centres to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and, if you haven’t uploaded documents online, to submit your documents.

• Islamabad VAC is good for students from Islamabad/Rawalpindi and surrounding areas (KPK, northern Punjab, etc.).
• Lahore VAC: Convenient for Punjab (Lahore, Faisalabad, etc.)
• Karachi VAC: Primarily for students from Sindh and Balochistan.
• Mirpur VAC: This is in AJK. It’s smaller and has an additional fee (~£75 extra), but it's helpful if you live nearby and want to avoid travelling to Islamabad. Many from Mirpur or the surrounding area use this centre.

Priority service

If you’re in a rush, Pakistan VACs do offer Priority Visa (decision after 5 working days) and sometimes Super Priority (next working day). These cost extra (Priority ~£500, Super Priority ~£800 on top of base fee).

After your appointment, you’ll wait for an email about the decision. If you got a physical vignette, you’ll have to collect your passport (with the visa sticker) from the VAC or get it couriered. Otherwise, you’ll get an electronic visa grant notice by email.

Local Support: Agents and British Council services in Pakistan

You don’t have to navigate the process alone. There are plenty of local resources in Pakistan to help you with UK applications and visas:

• Authorized Education Agents: Many UK universities have official representatives or agents in Pakistan. The British Council has a database of certified education agents and counsellors who have completed UK training.
• British Council Pakistan: The British Council isn’t just about IELTS exams! They actively support students wanting to study in the UK. They host education fairs, sessions on visas, and pre-departure briefings.
• Pre-departure Events: Often, in July/August, the British Council or even the UK High Commission organize pre-departure orientations in major cities for students leaving in the fall.
• IELTS Support: Since IELTS is commonly needed, note that British Council and AEO in Pakistan conduct IELTS tests. British Council also offers preparation resources and has offices where you can ask questions about the test or get Test Result Forms, etc.

TB Testing: UK-Approved Clinics in Major Pakistani Cities

Because Pakistan is on the list of countries with higher tuberculosis incidence, UKVI requires a TB test certificate from Pakistani student visa applicants. This is a medical test (chest X-ray, and possibly a sputum test if needed) to show you don’t have active TB, ensuring public health safety in the UK.

• You must schedule a meeting at a UK-approved clinic in Pakistan – the UK embassy will not accept results from just any lab or doctor.
• When you go for your TB test, bring your passport, national ID (CNIC), and passport-sized photos as required. The clinic will do a chest X-ray and possibly a quick physical check.
• The TB test isn’t free – it usually costs around PKR 7,000 to 10,000 at approved clinics.
• The TB certificate is valid for 6 months.

Important: You must include the TB test certificate with your visa application (you can scan and upload it or submit it with your documents).

Costs and Fees: UK Student Visa Process in GBP & PKR

Let’s talk money! Knowing the various costs involved in the visa process is important so you (and your parents/sponsors) can budget. Here is a table summarising the UK student visa process costs for Pakistani students.

Item	Cost (GBP)	Cost (PKR)	Covered by Scholarship?	Paid to
UK Student Visa Application Fee	£490	170,000 - 180,000	Sometimes	UK (online)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£776 per year / £388 per 6 months	420,000 for 1 year, 970,000 for 3 years	Sometimes	UK (online)
Tuberculosis Test Fee	£20-£25	7,000 - 10,000	No	Pakistan (clinic)
IELTS/English Test	£100-£150	40,000 - 50,000	Rarely	Pakistan (test centre)
Translation/Notary Charges	£10-£20	2,000 - 5,000 per document	No	Pakistan (notary)
Visa Application Centre Services	N/A	SMS: 250, Courier: 700-1,000, Premium: Few thousand	No	Pakistan (VAC)
Travel for Visa Process	N/A	Varies (transport, accommodation)	No	Pakistan (local travel)
Flight Tickets to the UK	N/A	Varies (season, airline)	No	Airline (Pakistan to UK)

Check out available scholarships for either Bachelors, Masters or PhDs for Pakistani students in the UK

(* Make sure you select the right nationality and currency from the top of the list)

Tips for a Smooth UK Visa Application

1. Start Early: Sorting out your finances can take time. Start arranging funds 2-3 months before applying. Make sure the money stays in your account for 28 days without sudden large deposits, as that could raise questions.
2. Follow Guidelines: Check the UK government website and your university for the list of required documents. Double-check everything, especially financial documents, to avoid mistakes.
3. Notarise Your Documents (if needed): If you use photocopies or translations, get them notarised or stamped by the issuing bank. This shows the documents are official and reliable.
4. Be Ready for an Interview: You might be asked to do a short interview to confirm you’re a genuine student. They may ask why you chose your course and how you’ll pay for it. Just be honest and clear about your plans.
5. Choose the Right Visa Centre: Pick a visa application centre (VAC) that’s easy to reach and has appointment slots available. Sometimes travelling a bit further is worth it if you get an earlier slot.
6. Keep Copies: Make both digital and physical copies of all your documents (passport, visa, CAS, bank statements, etc.). Carry these with you when travelling.
7. Stay Connected: Join online groups for Pakistani students going to the UK. They can share helpful tips and updates, but always double-check any advice with official sources.
8. Prepare for Travel: Get your TB test done, take any necessary vaccines, and book a flexible flight ticket in case your visa gets delayed.
9. Have a Backup Plan: If your visa is delayed, inform your university right away. They might allow late enrollment or offer other solutions.

Additional Resources

• How to Get a Student Visa for the UK in 2025
• How is the UK student visa process different for Indian students?

Final thoughts…

The UK student visa process might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and organisation, you can handle it without too much stress. Start early, follow the guidelines, and make sure your documents are accurate and complete. Remember, thousands of Pakistani students make this journey every year – and you can too!

• Explore available UK study programmes on Mastersportal, Bachelorsportal and Phdportal.

Sources for the information provided in this article

• UK Student Visa Financial Requirements for Indian Students
• UK Government – Student Visas
• British Council – Student Visas
• Studyportals – Guide On How to Get a Student Visa for the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Will I have to attend a visa interview?

Not always. Some students are randomly selected for a credibility interview, usually a casual chat about your study plans. Just be honest and prepared to explain why you chose your course and how you’ll fund it.

2. How early can I arrive in the UK before my course starts?

You can arrive up to 1 month before your course if it’s over 6 months long. For shorter courses, it’s up to 7 days before. Arriving early helps you settle in, but don’t arrive too soon, as your health insurance starts from the day you enter.

3. Can I stay in the UK after graduation?

Yes, through the Graduate Route visa. You can work for 2 years after a Bachelor’s/Master’s or 3 years after a PhD without sponsorship. You’ll need to apply and pay a fee.

4. What if my visa is delayed?

Stay calm and contact UKVI if it’s been more than 3 weeks. Inform your university if delays affect your start date. Some universities allow late arrivals or deferrals.