This detailed guide will provide you a step-by-step process on how to get a Uk study visa for Pakistan.
It will not only prepare you for a visa interview but will also share tips & techniques related to documentation.
Applying for and Getting a UK study visa could be a time-consuming and challenging task.
I hope this guide solve all your queries.
Many Pakistani students prefer UK universities despite the high tuition fee, This is because of the quality of education at their universities.
The UK has a limitless number of institutions and Pakistani students can find any course they want to enroll in.
The UK has now started offering 2 years post-study work visas. This opportunity also attracts talented and bright students from Pakistan who prefer the UK over other destinations like Germany and Canada.
At the end of the guide, Pakistani students will find FAQs and a summary of the whole guide.
Check the Australia and Italy study visa guide for Pakistan.
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UK study visa for Pakistan
1. Types of UK visa for Pakistani Students
2. UK Student Visa Fee for Pakistani Students
3. UK Student Visa process time for Pakistani Students
4. Office Responsible for UK study visas to Pakistani students
5. Documents required to obtain a UK Study visa from Pakistan
6. Interview Questions for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
Check UK study visa guide for international students.
1. Types of UK visa for Pakistani Students
1.1 Short-term Study Visa
Those Pakistani students who want to study short courses can apply for short-term study visas.
You can study for 6 months in the UK, or 11 months if interested in an English short-term course.
The costs for a short-term visa of 6 months are £93 and for 11 months are £179.
Students don’t have permission to bring family members or do jobs on short-term visas.
1.2 Student Visa (Student Route)
Pakistani students must apply for a student visa (under the Student Route) if they are starting full-time study courses.
A study visa for the UK is mandatory for starting a course in the UK.
Before October 2020, Tier 4 (General) was replaced by the “student route” and Tier 4 (Child) by Child Student routes.
All the students come under the category of Student or Child Student route.
This system is also for Pakistani students.
Student visa grants for some specific courses. If the course is existing, the educational provider will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Pakistani students will show CAS letters along with student visa applications.
This information is in the Immigration Rules and on the Home Office’s Student and Child Student guidance.
Want to study in Uk for free? here is the ultimate guide for the Chevening & Commonwealth scholarship.
2. UK Student Visa Fee for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students should apply for a student visa for the UK 3 months before the start of the course.
Applicants will receive a decision within 3 weeks of applying.
The costs of a visa application are 80,882 PKR.
For more dependents, an extra 80,882 PKR will cost.
Any update in Uk study visa for Pakistan can be checked here.
If a Pakistani student wants to extend or switch to a Student Visa, they need to pay 114,700 PKR for the visa cost.
Pakistani students will pay an extra visa fee for each extra family member.
Pakistani students can apply for a visa outside of the UK and can do so online.
3. UK Student Visa process time for Pakistani Students
Pakistani students will get a response to their visa application within 3 weeks. This is the case if they are applying outside of the UK.
Pakistani students will get a decision on their application within 8 weeks if they are applying inside of the UK.
It is important to note that students should arrive in the UK 1 month before the start of the course.
Details about Germany, Hungary, and Canada study visa guide from Pakistan.
4. Office Responsible for UK study visas to Pakistani students
VFS Global is the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). VFS Global has regional offices in Pakistan. The details of the offices are here:
Islamabad
Address of the Visa Application Centre: Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
Here is the link.
Karachi
Address of the Visa Application Centre: Bahria Complex IV, 4th Floor, Main Chaudhary Khaliq UZ Zaman Road, Gizri Clifton, Karachi
Here is the link.
Lahore
Address of the Visa Application Centre: 20 Ex American Centre Building, Opposite Ganga Ram Hospital, Queens Road, Lahore
Here is the link.
If You have any questions related to your UK study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
5. UK Student Visa Requirements for Pakistan
6. English Language proficiency
8. Statement of Purpose for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
9. Family registration certificate (FRC)
11. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
12. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
13. Receipt of UK Study Visa for Pakistan Fee
14. Medical Test Results for Tuberculosis
16. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) Fee
17. Written Documents from financial sponsors
18. Police registration Certificate for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
19. Copy of the Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
22. Marriage certificate & childbirth certificate
23. Copies of all the documents
24. Polio & Corona Vaccination Certificates
1) Valid passport
The passport of the Pakistani applicant must contain one full blank page on both sides.
The study visa in the UK doesn’t have such conditions that a passport should be valid for a specific period.
Though It must be valid at the time of visa application and on arrival to the UK.
If a Pakistani student’s passport expires after arrival to the UK, it is better to renew it.
Complete this process before applying for a student visa in the UK.
If someone’s passport expires during the time of study in the UK, the student should check it.
The applicant should contact the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan for issuing a passport.
2) Visa application form
Complete the application form for a study visa in the UK.
Submit the application and visa fee as an international student.
Upload Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and other documents.
3) Passport-sized photograph
Attach two color photos of 35×45 mm size.
The photos will be on a white background of the last 6 months old.
Attach one photo to the application form for a UK study visa and the other to the documents.
4) CNIC
National ID Card and birth certificate from NADRA.
5) Academic documents for UK Study Visas for Pakistan
Academic documents include all the degrees and certificates like
Bachelor’s certificate & transcript (for students applying for master’s)
Master’s certificate & transcript (for students applying for Ph.D.)
Metric & FSC certificate (10-12th Grade) (DMCs) and Transcript (for students applying for bachelor’s degree)
Receive an English proficiency certificate from the university. Sometimes, it is also important for a student visa in the UK.
Course Summary (To explain courses & some explanation about previous courses. Explain how your future studies related to your applying course)
Three Recommendation Letters from the university including Referee Details
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
6) English Language proficiency
Pakistani Students need to prove their English skills by passing a secure English language test (SELT).
The student visa in the UK and Immigration Authority (UKVI) demands the least level of English language.
Students must prove that they can write, speak, and read English to some level.
This level is under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
This is mandatory for granting a visa under Student Route (formerly called Tier 4 Visa).
Students can take different English language tests like PTE and TOEFL. The results must be equal to the B2 level.
Without getting that many scores, a UK study visa will become hard to get. This is necessary for undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The provider will test English language skills based on this result.
|
Study level |
English language skill level (CEFR) |
|
Below degree level |
B1 |
|
Degree level or Above Degree level |
B2 |
7) CV
CV is compulsory at the time of university admission.
It is optional for interviews for a student visa for the UK at the embassy.
A CV contains contact details and academic information.
8) Statement of Purpose for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
A statement of purpose is required for the study visa in the UK.
This document comprises information about a student:
Previous academic studies
Immigration history
Economic conditions of the student
All this is necessary to show that the student is moving to the UK to study.
9) FRC for the UK study visa Pakistan
Family registration certificate (FRC) issued by NADRA offices in Pakistan.
A family registration certificate means that your record is related to the NADRA database. NADRA offices are present in all cities of Pakistan.
note that a family registration certificate is mostly required in embassies. The applicant can also apply for it online.
This document specifically contains the names & information of your siblings & parents. (or spouse in some cases).
This information is also needed sometimes in scholarships & visas, so it’s better to make the certificate.
10) Financial Proof
It could be a bank statement or a letter from a financial sponsor. It is proof that a Pakistani student can cover the tuition fees, living costs, and accommodation for the first year or at least the first 9 months.
A student visa in the UK demands that the applicant must have £1,015 per month as a living cost.
So technically Pakistani students must show a bank statement of 9000 £ for UK study visa if their courses are outside London.
If a student is living in London, then they will show a bank statement of 11,385 £.
Because the living costs according to UK immigration calculation will be £1,265 per month (in London).
Remember, The bank statement must be at least one month old at the time of visa application, plus the student can provide evidence in case of a “student loan” or “scholarship” or any other “financial sponsorship”.
11) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is for researchers, who want to study certain postgraduate-level programs.
ATAS certificate could also be needed for certain undergraduate courses which may later integrate into a master’s.
Remember, It is exempted for a few nationalities but Pakistani students will need it if they want to study or research at the postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.
12) Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A CAS letter is an electronic document issued by a college or university. It is an unconditional offer letter.
Pakistani Students need a CAS letter before applying for a UK study visa. The Home Office sees it on its database.
The CAS letter comprises all information about the course and sponsor.
It also includes financial proof.
The information present on the institution-generated CAS letter and application form should be the same.
UK visa applications may decline if the information on the CAS letter and application are not the same.
Students can apply and receive many CAS letters from different institutions. You will select one CAS letter from a specific institution at the time of application.
All other CAS letters become invalid and can’t be used for student applications.
After granting a visa, a student will study at an institute that provides a CAS letter.
13) Receipt of UK Study Visa Fee
The Pakistani student will pay a non-refundable fee and fill out the form. Fee receipt of UK study visa application is necessary to show at the time of the interview.
A study visa for the UK is easy to get, and one needs to submit a visa fee.
The costs of a visa application are 80,882 PKR.
Any update in Uk study visa for pakistan can be checked here.
14) Medical Test Results for Tuberculosis
Pakistani students need to do tuberculosis (TB) tests if they are planning to study for a visa for the UK.
They will provide a test chest x-ray for checking TB results. They can also ask to produce a sputum sample (for the lungs).
If there are no symptoms of TB in a student, they will provide a certificate to the student and valid for 6 months.
Pakistani students should include this certificate in their study visa for UK application.
15) Biometrics Appointments for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
If Pakistani students feel a delay in their UK study visa applications, they should contact the education provider.
It is not possible to move to the UK on a Visitor Visa and then switch to Student immigration.
Check visa application centers in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Mirpur.
16) Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) Fee
For those study visas in the UK applicants who need over 6 months’ stay need an Immigration Health Surcharge. Its cost depends on the application of visa duration.
The cost of immigration health surcharge is £470 per year. If the visa includes a year that is over six months, students will pay the full charges for this period.
A 12-month master’s program cost charges of £710 for the immigration health surcharges.
You can check Immigration Health Surcharge Tool.
This is available on the website of the Home Office.
This will clarify how many students will pay for the immigration health surcharge.
In the study visa of the UK application form, the student will calculate the needed amount to pay.
Pakistani students will pay that amount before completing the application. After completing this process, students will receive their IHS reference number by email.
It will also include this number on the application form.
If a Pakistani student is receiving funding from Commonwealth or Chevening, he doesn’t need to pay for the IHS.
The student will fill in the IHS section of the application form and the IHS payment shows as £0.00.
17) Financial sponsors for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
If the university is the sponsor, then it is necessary to show financial details on the CAS letter.
If the government is the sponsor body, then they should send you a sponsor letter. Produce a printed copy of this letter and it will work as evidence of sponsorship.
Yet, the visa officer can still ask for an original letter.
Ask the government sponsor to provide you with a paper copy of the sponsorship.
In case of no sponsorship, students must provide a bank statement.
If your sponsor is not covering all the expenses, then you have to provide proof that you will cover the rest of the money.
You can provide all these details in a documented form.
18) Police Registration Certificate
Police registration is necessary for those people who have plans to move and stay on a study visa in the UK for over six months.
This role applies to certain immigration categories including student routes.
Currently, The Home Office ended the police registration page.
They will publish all the Information about this update on the UK government website.
19) Copy of the Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
The booking details confirm the date of arrival in a particular country.
The reservation of the hotel shows the student has all the hotel booking details.
20) Proof of Legal Fees
It is the receipt’s proof of paid university fees.
The fee could be for the whole year or a fee for the first semester. It depends from university to university.
21) Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for Pakistani students who want to travel to the UK.
It is proof that a student can support his medical insurance in case of injury.
22) Marriage certificate & childbirth certificate
The married applicants should provide their children’s birth certificates & marriage certificates.
23) Copies of all the documents for the UK Study Visa for Pakistan
Pakistani students should carry photocopies of their documents. This becomes important for study visas in the UK for Pakistani students.
The embassy may ask for more documents.
The passport will remain with the embassy until the final decision.
24) Polio & Corona Vaccination Certificates
(Entirely depend on individual cases) The polio vaccine certificate could be still important in some cases.
There is no need to quarantine or do the PCR test anymore, but the vaccination record is important.
6. Interview Questions for UK Study Visa for Pakistan
There are common questions Pakistani students face during their visa interviews.
Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
Where is the university in the UK?
What is your course structure?
What is your previous educational qualification?
Why did you apply to this university?
What was the reason for the selection of this course?
What are your career goals after completing this course?
How will you manage the higher cost of this program in the UK?
Why are you pursuing your studies in the UK again after such a long break?
Are you planning to work in the UK on a post-study work visa?
7. FAQs About UK Study Visa for Pakistan
As a Pakistani student, when can I enter Uk, after getting a student visa?
After issuing a visa, a Pakistani student can enter within 90 days into the UK.
Some other countries like Australia have also increased the limit to 90 days. This is to provide flexibility to students.
Can a Pakistani student get benefits from Graduate Immigration and Post-Study Work rules?
YES. The UK government has allowed Pakistani students to get the Graduate Immigration Route and PSW (Post Study Work) for 2 years.
What is the CAS document for a UK Study Visa in Pakistan?
CAS means “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies”. The document is given by the educational provider.
Students will show CAS letters along with their student visa applications.
It comprises a 14-digit reference number
SLN (Sponsor License Number) of the university
Course starting and ending date
Title of the Course
Tuition Fees
English Language Test Score
Details of the paid tuition fee of the university
Is a Biometric Residence Permit Card necessary after a UK study visa?
YES. Students who are planning to stay for over 6 months must collect BRP cards within 10 days of arrival.
Biometric Residence Permit Card is required for pakistani students.
This is also for those applicants who are on dependent visas, like visitor visas, short-term study visas, and student visitor visas etc.
What is the Validity of the UK study visa?
It depends on the duration of the course. If a student enrolled in a 4-years degree program, a visa grant for five years. For other degree programs, a visa grant for two years.
Can Pakistani students extend their UK Study visas?
YES. If they have got admission to a different course, then they can extend their UK visa as a student.
You can extend Tier 4 (General) visa to a student visa. Technically, You should apply for a student visa three months before starting classes.
Can a Pakistani student stay in the UK after completing his studies?
YES. Pakistani students who complete undergraduate studies can apply for a graduate UK study visa. The Graduate visa enables students to stay in the UK for two years.
The stay can be prolonged for two more years after graduation, while for three years after completing a Ph.D.
If a student can find a job, he/she can switch to another immigration category like a
Work Visa.
Will a Pakistani student be able to work on a UK Student Visa?
YES. Pakistani students can work in the UK under specific conditions. The type of work a student can do depends on the studying course.
Some students also work during their break time or term break.
Some jobs offered for Pakistani students on UK work visas have limited options.
8. UK study visa for Pakistani students (SUMMARY):
1. Take a visa appointment at the UK embassy & choose the student visa category.
2. Pay the application fee for a UK study Visa & provide bank statement details.
3. Prepare the list of documents discussed above.
4. Do the visa interview & wait for the result.
If You have any questions related to your UK study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
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