UK Student Visa Requirements For Pakistani students | Process, Fee, Documents
Applying for a UK student visa can feel overwhelming, especially for Pakistani students eager to pursue their studies in one of the world’s leading educational destinations. In this blog, I will break down the essential requirements, the step-by-step process, and the updated estimated costs for obtaining a Tier 4 student visa in 2025.
I will start by outlining the necessary documents, including the all-important unconditional offer letter and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Then, I will guide you through the financial requirements and other key steps to ensure you’re well-prepared for your journey. Whether you’re just beginning your application or looking for clarity on specific aspects, this guide is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
UK Study Visa Requirements 2025
Fulfilling visa requirements can be a daunting and time taking task. Especially if you are unaware of the requirements and how to obtain them. Following is the information on all the documents you need, how to obtain them, and their updated cost for the year 2025.
Unconditional Offer Letter
First, you need an unconditional offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor (UK university or College). A tier 4 sponsor is any UK university or college that is registered with the UK government education system.
- An unconditional offer is obtained when you apply for the UK university or college and get selected.
- In certain cases, you may have to deposit the initial amount of the fees and clear a credibility interview (the amount of fees depends on the institute accepting you).
- Don’t worry, if you have a conditional offer – reach out to Pakistan’s expert advisors to help you meet the conditions as soon as possible.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is provided to you by your university or college.
- Check the requirements for the CAS
- Email the official representative of the university
- Attach all the necessary documents
CAS requirements:
You typically need the following documents to obtain the CAS from your university. The table has listed the documents, the process of obtaining them and the estimated cost.
| CAS requirements | How to obtain | Estimated amount (2025) |
| Initial deposit payment receipt | Check the university’s preferred payment method | Depends on the institute Generally £1,000 to £5,000 |
| TB test clearance certificate (valid for 6 months till the time of travel) | Visit the nearest UK approved clinic and get a clearance certificate | Rs. 7,000 to 15,000 |
| Bank Statement & Account maintenance certificate (28 days mature) | Show that you can fund your fees and 9 months of cost of living. Obtain from your bank. | £1,483 per month for London £1,136 per month outside London Add your university’s study cost (course/tuition fee) |
Additional Documents if Sponsored by Family
| CAS additional requirements | How to obtain them |
| Affidavit of support (if sponsored by parents) | Form provided by university or official UK government site |
| Birth Certificate & Family registration certificate (evidence of relationship to sponsor) | Obtain from the Local Union Council and NADRA |
CAS is necessary for the UK student visa because it contains a unique reference number and the details of the duration of your course.
You will need the CAS reference number while applying for the UK student visa.
Financial Requirements:
For a UK student visa you need to show that you have enough money for living in the UK and supporting your studies.
The table of the total estimated cost of UK student visa for Pakistani students in 2025 coming below.
Course fee for the first year
You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fee. This excludes the initial deposit that you make for obtaining the CAS.
For example: if your course fee is a total of £17,000 and you paid £4,000 for the initial deposit. Then you have to show the remaining amount of £13,000.
Living costs
You need to show that you can cover your living cost in the UK for a maximum of 9 months.
According to the Government of the UK, the cost of living for the year 2025 is estimated as follows.
- £1,483 per month if studying in London
- £1,136 per month if studying outside London
Total cost of living (if studying in London) = £13,347
Total cost of living (Outside London) = £10,224
Partner or children’s living cost (if applicable):
For each dependent you bring to the UK – you need to show the following amount for a maximum of 9 months.
- £845 for each month of your visa if studying in London.
- £640 for each month of your visa if studying outside London.
Documents required for Visa:
The following documents are mostly required in the UK student visa process.
- Current passport (valid till the end of the course)
- CAS reference number and supporting documents (as mentioned above)
- Financial documents (Bank statement, Sponsor letters, etc.)
- English language proficiency as required (IELTS, TOEFL, University letter etc.)
- Document showing relationship to sponsor (Family registration certificate, birth certificate etc.)
- Tuberculosis clearance certificate | TB test (Must for Pakistanis)
- Academic qualification documents as mentioned on CAS
- Immigration health surcharge (IHS) payment receipt
Cost of Immigration health surcharge (IHS):
The immigration health surcharge (IHS) provides you access to the national health service (NHS) in the UK. The cost of IHS depends on the length of your visa. The amounts mentioned here are retrieved from the official website of the government of the UK for the year 2025.
Cost of IHS for a 1 year visa = £776 for students
Note: If your visa length is more than 6 months and less than a year, you still have to pay the cost of a year. If your visa duration is less than 6 months – you do not need to pay if applying from Pakistan. Your visa duration could be longer or shorter than the course duration.
Complete Online Visa Application Process:
You need to apply for the visa online with the help of an education consultancy agent.
Here are the steps:
- Visit UK visas and immigration website
- Create an account and apply for the tier 4 (General) student visa
- Provide documents and pay the Visa fee (£490 for 2025)
Biometric Appointment (Fingerprints):
After submitting your visa application – you’ll be required to provide biometric (fingerprints) verification and photographs at the nearest visa application centre (VAS).
You can book your appointment online at the VAC website after payment and submission of your visa application. Go for the appointment with your documents and relevant information.
Note: You may submit your documents online or physically with your biometric verification at the VAC (as instructed).
Interview (if applicable)
You may be called for a credibility interview – where you would answer questions about your study plans, course you applied to, and future plans.
At this point you are done with your visa application process. The decision of your visa is announced in 3 weeks.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP):
Within 3 weeks you will be informed on the decision of your visa. If your visa application is accepted – you’ll receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport. This sticker allows you to enter the UK.
After arriving in the UK, you must collect your Biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days from the specified post office.
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Estimated Student Visa Cost for Pakistani Students in 2025:
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa | Cost (GBP/£) | Details |
Student Visa fee | £490 | When applying from outside the UK. |
Immigration health surcharge (IHS) fee | £776 for a 1 year student visa | The fee depends on the duration of your visa. |
Monthly living cost | £13,347/year (London) £10,224/year (outside London) | 9 months of living cost excluding the cost of dependents |
Course fee | Varies | The course fee for each university and college is different – please visit official institute website |
TB test fee | Varies | Make sure to get your TB clearance test from UK verified clinics |
5 Common Reasons of Visa Refusal for Pakistani Students:
The visa refusal for Pakistani students is very low between 3%-5%. However, it’s necessary to be aware of the most common rejection reasons.
Insufficient Financial Proof
Remember to show a 9 month living cost and course fee of the university and college offering you a position. The cost is always available on the UK government website.
Add 9 months living cost of your spouse or children if applicable. Your bank statement and account maintenance certificate must be 28 days mature.
Incorrect or Incomplete Documents:
Documents that are not in the English language, should be certified with a legally verified translation (notarized translation). Make sure to read the document’s requirements and submit all necessary documents.
Incorrect Visa Category:
Your purpose of stay must match the visa type. If the officers perceive that your intentions do not match with the visa type – they might reject your visa immediately.
Poor Criminal Record:
Your criminal record in Pakistan plays an important role in your visa acceptance. A poor criminal record within your home country could pose a threat to the national security of the UK and may lead to rejection.
The interview:
The officials accepting your visa interview guess your intentions from the interview as well. Make sure you show genuine good intentions of studying in the UK.
Following questions are commonly asked in the Interview:
- What is the purpose of your visit to the UK?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- How will you fund your stay?
- Why did you choose to study in the UK?
- What are your plans after completing your studies?
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually takes 3 weeks from the date of your biometric verification.
According to the official website of the UK government – the student visa fee for year 2025 from Pakistan is “£490”.
You can apply for a UK student visa 6 months before the start date of your course.
- Unconditional offer from UK university or college sponsoring you
- Confirmation of acceptance for study (CAS) from the institute
- English proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL/university letter)
- Bank statement (9 months living cost and course fee)
- TB test clearance certificate (must for Pakistanis)
- Showing genuine intentions of studying in the UK only
It depends on the length of your course.
For a 6 months course you can stay an additional 7 days.
For courses longer than 6 months you can stay an additional 4 months.
£10,224 to £13,347 living cost
£9,000 to £18,000 course fee
£490 Visa application cost
£776 IHS 1 year cost
TB test and other little expenses
You can extend your visa if you are eligible. The eligibility mostly requires the need to extend a visa for studies.
Yes, you can legally stay in the UK after your studies if eligible. The eligibility may be for post-study visa, skilled work visa, or others.
International students in the UK are allowed to work 20 hours per week during university term-times and full-time during holidays. The average pay rate for students is £10/hr. You can earn around £200 weekly in the UK depending on your skills.
