If you are a Pakistani student, you will need a student visa to study in the UK. This visa is created especially for students like you who are ready to start their study abroad adventure in the UK. Find out the best information on the student visa process to decide if studying abroad in the UK is right for you.
If you are a Pakistani looking to study in the UK, the first step is to apply for a student visa. Of course, the application process can seem daunting. But with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be that way. So, here are the steps you will need to take:
• Gather all the necessary documents, such as your passport and proof of qualifications.
• Check if you meet the entry requirements into the UK points-based system.
• Make sure you meet the English language requirements.
• Prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• Submit your application form and supporting documents to the relevant UK visa centre.
• Attend an interview if necessary.
• Receive a decision on your request.
Once you receive your decision, it is important to read the instructions carefully. That said, they will issue your visa within two weeks. Beyond that, you may be asked to provide more documents or attend another interview.
English language proficiency requirements for Pakistani students
For Pakistani students applying for a UK student visa, there are certain English language requirements that they need to meet depending on the type of study program they have applied for. You are only exempt from this requirement if you are a Canadian citizen or have demonstrated your English language proficiency with a previous UK visa. The standards for these levels of English are defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale and according to this scale, this is what you need for different types of study programs:
• Degree level or higher: CEFR level B2 or equivalent
• Below degree level: CEFR level B1
You must take an English language proficiency test at a recognized testing institute or hold a GCSE, A Level, Scottish National qualification at level 4 or 5.
How much will I have to pay for the student visa?
To apply for the British Student Visa, you will also have to pay a fee of GBP 348. Depending on your situation, the British authorities will allow you to pay this fee online, on site at a visa application center in Pakistan or by bank transfer.
Pakistani students will need to take out health insurance for the UK visa.
Main steps to take for the British student visa
Here’s what Pakistani students need to do to get a student visa that will allow them to study in the UK:
You can request and upload visa documents on the appropriate online platform; here you can also book an appointment for visa application center in Pakistan. To complete the application on the online platform, you will need to pay the visa and health surcharge, if applicable. Once you have paid your fees, you will be provided with a reference number starting with GWF. Please take note of this, as it will be helpful if you need to make any changes to your visa application or appointment. Once you have completed and paid for your visa application, you will be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at a Visa Application Center so that your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) can be captured.
Pakistani students will be required to provide biometric data during the visa application process. Your biometric data are, basically, additional identifications (e.g. fingerprints and images) that countries use for security purposes.
You may have to attend a visa interview during the application process.
The student visa from the UK is valid for the duration of the course + 1 month. In order to stay throughout your entire degree, you may need to renew your visa every year. If you want to stay in the UK once you finish your degree, you will need to apply for a different visa, or visa renewal, through Immigration.
Supporting documents required for a UK study visa application
The documents required for a Pakistani student to apply for a UK study visa are as follows:
• A valid passport
• A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the educational institution where you have been accepted
• Financial documents to show that you can cover your tuition fees and living expenses while living in the UK
• You can provide proof of funds through financial sponsorship, government sponsorship, grant, student loan documents, or your own money
• To live in London, you will be required to show sufficient funds to survive for 9 months (monthly expenses are £1,334) whilst to live outside the UK, you will be required to show funds for 9 months with monthly expenses of £1,023.
• If you are under 18, you will need written permission from both parents or guardians, as well as proof of your relationship with them
• The ATAS certificate is also required if you are studying a sensitive scientific subject (this is for master’s degrees and above)
• You will also need your tuberculosis test result if you have been to certain countries recently
• Written consent from your financial sponsor if they have supported your education and living costs in the last 12 months
Health insurance and other requirements for Pakistani students in the UK
You will also be required to pay an immigration health surcharge to access NHS (National Health Service) services, which is the world-class, safe and modern public healthcare system in the UK. Once you have achieved this, you will not need private healthcare for your medical needs during the course of your studies. It costs £470 per year so you need to prepare for these costs too if you plan to apply for the visa.
In addition to health insurance, you should also consider getting travel insurance to protect your belongings and be ready in the event of an airline breakdown. This way you can save money in case of interruptions in your flight schedule.
Common challenges faced by Pakistani students during the UK visa application process
Most student visa refusals in the UK happen for the following reasons. Make sure you don’t do any of these things so that your visa documentation is complete:
• Submission of photocopies of documents in place of the original documents
• Some documents are missing from the requirement list (most students also forget the ATAS certificate because it is not a requirement for all courses)
• Failed visa interview
• When showing proof of funds, it is important to keep the funds in your bank account for 28 days on your statement. The documents must also be in the correct format so that you can meet the financial requirements for Pakistani students applying for a UK study visa
• The letter or bank statement must be issued within 31 days before the visa application date
• Not having sufficient funds in your bank account (below the minimum requirement)
• Failure to respond to calls and emails from the Home Office
• Instead of the parents’ declaration, some students show their relative’s financial documents
Preparing to leave: what Pakistani students need to know before leaving for the UK
Before you travel to the UK, you need to book affordable accommodation. Choosing the right student accommodation in the UK as a Pakistani student requires some research as you can choose between on-campus accommodation or a separate apartment which could also be shared. Another important thing to do is to open a basic bank account because you will need it to pay your bills. You should double check whether you have the following documents with you on your flight:
• Your passport
• Your ID photos
• Academic CV and letters of recommendation
• CAS letter (Confirmation of acceptance to studies)
• University admission documents
• Proof of funds in the form of bank statements
• Your bank account details
• Your accommodation contract
You will need to obtain your BRP (biometric residence permit) upon arrival if you do not have digital immigration status). If you plan to work part-time, you will need a National Insurance number. You can work up to 20 hours a week on your UK student visa. Living expenses vary from city to city, but you should budget for at least a month so you aren’t shocked when you land.
FAQ
How can I get a UK study visa from Pakistan?
You can also apply for a study visa directly from the UK government. One way is to contact an immigration lawyer in Pakistan who can help you with your application. Another way is to go to the UK consulate in your country and apply there. To obtain a study visa you will need to apply and provide documentation that supports your case.
How to apply for a UK student visa?
First, you will need to collect all the required documentation. Includes passport, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You will need to provide your documents and answer any questions the embassy or consulate may have. Once you have collected all the necessary documents, you can start the application process online.
How much does the UK study visa cost?
You may be wondering how much it will cost to study in the UK. Well, the answer is that it will vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. However, most visas will cost between £348.
What are the new UK student visa rules?
The UK recently updated its visa regulations which now require students to be at least 18 years old to study in the country. The updated rule is aimed at preventing young people from using student visas as a way to stay in the UK illegally. It also aims to help prevent the migration of students from other countries.
How much is the statement for a British student visa from Pakistan?
A student visa from Pakistan to study in the UK typically costs £5400, although this figure can increase depending on your nationality and the type of visa you apply for. If you are applying for a student visa through a UK educational institution, you will need to provide evidence of your funding.
Can I get a UK visa without IELTS?
If you want to visit the UK and need a visa, you may be wondering if you can get one without taking the IELTS test. The short answer is yes, but it will likely require more time and effort than simply testing. If you can provide acceptable proof of English language proficiency, you may be able to obtain a visa without taking the IELTS test.
How much bank statement for a UK student visa from Pakistan?
The statement requirement is your remaining university tuition plus living expenses. A student must show £7,200 for London and £5,400 for elsewhere. Pakistani students must also undergo tuberculosis testing. This can be done in the meantime before applying for the visa.