How to Get a UK Student Visa from Pakistan in 2026: Requirements, Costs and Steps

Applying for a UK Student visa from Pakistan requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed university, CEFR B2 English, a TB test certificate and funds held for 28 days. Approval has become harder, so this guide explains each requirement, the full cost in rupees and how to avoid a refusal.

Key Takeaways

• Visa fee: £558 (about PKR 204,800), plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
  
  
• Living costs: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to 9 months, plus unpaid tuition. For applications made from 30 November 2026, the monthly amounts rise to £1,570 and £1,203.
  
  
• English: CEFR B2 for degree-level courses, which means at least 5.5 in each IELTS for UKVI skill.
  
  
• Decision time: UKVI usually decides within 3 weeks, and you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
  
  
• Refusal risk: 39% of Pakistani applications were refused in January to March 2026, compared with 13% across all nationalities.
  
  
• Post-study work: 2 years on the Graduate visa if you apply by 31 December 2026, or 18 months from 1 January 2027 (3 years after a PhD).
  
  

What Are the UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students?

Pakistani applicants must meet seven requirements:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): a reference number issued by a licensed student sponsor once you accept an unconditional offer.
  
  
• English language: CEFR B2 for degree-level courses, or B1 below degree level.
  
  
• Financial evidence: enough money to cover unpaid first-year tuition and up to 9 months of living costs, held in your account for 28 consecutive days. Pakistani applicants must submit this evidence with their application.
  
  
• TB test certificate: from a Home Office approved clinic in Pakistan.
  
  
• Passport and academic documents: a valid passport and evidence of the qualifications listed on your CAS, with certified English translations where needed.
  
  
• ATAS certificate: required only for certain postgraduate subjects in science, engineering and technology.
  
  
• Parental consent: for applicants aged 16 or 17.

You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Some universities require a tuition deposit or a pre-CAS interview before issuing a CAS. For eligible courses lasting 6 months or less, a Standard Visitor visa may be more suitable. Our guide to UK visit visa requirements explains this option.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a UK Student Visa?

You must show enough money to cover your unpaid first-year tuition and living costs for up to 9 months. For applications made from 30 November 2026, the monthly living-cost requirement rises to £1,570 in London and £1,203 elsewhere.

Sources: GOV.UK money you need and Statement of Changes HC 584.

The amount that applies depends on your application date, not your CAS date. Any tuition you have already paid to your university reduces the total, as do university accommodation fees, up to £1,529 (£1,570 from 30 November 2026). Each eligible dependant currently needs an extra £845 a month in London or £680 elsewhere, for up to 9 months.

Bank Statement Requirements

The funds must stay in your account for 28 consecutive days, with that period ending within 31 days of your application. If the balance falls below the required amount on any day, your application can be refused. For rupee accounts, UKVI uses the OANDA exchange rate on your application date, so keep a margin above the minimum.

• Personal savings: in your own account, or in a parent’s account with proof of relationship and their signed consent letter.
  
  
• Education loan: a loan letter dated within 6 months of applying.
  
  
• Official sponsorship: a letter from an official financial sponsor.
  
  
• Not accepted: overdrafts, cryptocurrency, shares, pensions and accounts without electronic records.

Keep evidence of the source of any large recent deposit, such as a property sale deed or salary slips. If a scholarship covers your costs, its sponsor letter can replace bank statements. See our guide to foreign scholarships for Pakistani students.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from Pakistan: Step by Step

You apply online on GOV.UK and then prove your identity in Pakistan. The process has eight steps:

1. Choose your university and get your CAS: confirm the university is still recruiting from Pakistan, accept an unconditional offer and pay any required deposit. If your course requires an ATAS certificate, obtain it before you apply.
   
   
2. Book your TB test: choose IOM in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi or Mirpur, or AMC in Islamabad or Lahore. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your X-ray.
   
   
3. Maintain your funds: keep the full amount in your account for 28 consecutive days, with that period ending within 31 days of your application.
   
   
4. Apply online: submit your application on GOV.UK no earlier than 6 months before your course starts, and pay the visa fee and health surcharge.
   
   
5. Prove your identity: give your fingerprints and photo at a UK visa application centre in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi or Mirpur, or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if you are eligible.
   
   
6. Attend a credibility interview: UKVI may invite you to an interview about your course, university and future plans.
   
   
7. Receive your decision: UKVI usually decides within 3 weeks. If approved, you receive an eVisa instead of a visa sticker or BRP, which you can view through a UKVI account.
   
   
8. Travel to the UK: you can arrive up to 1 month before your course starts if it lasts more than 6 months, or up to 1 week before for shorter courses.