The UK is one of the most popular study destinations for Pakistani students, offering one-year master's degrees, the Graduate Route for post-study work, and strong alumni networks. Applications run through the Student Route visa. Here is the current 2026 process for applying from Pakistan.
Step 1: Get an offer and your CAS
Apply to a UK institution that is a licensed student sponsor. Once you accept an unconditional offer and meet the conditions, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — a reference number you need for your visa application. Check every detail on the CAS carefully before you apply.
Step 2: Meet the maintenance (funds) requirement
You must show you can cover tuition plus living costs. The living-cost (maintenance) amounts for 2026 are:
- London: £1,529 per month, for up to nine months — a maximum of £13,761.
- Outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to nine months — a maximum of £10,539.
Crucially, the money must be held in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days, and the closing balance on your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your application. Dipping below the required amount on any of the 28 days can cause a refusal — this "28-day rule" trips up many applicants.
Step 3: English language and other documents
You will normally need an approved English test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT, where required by your sponsor), your passport, academic documents, and the CAS. Applicants from Pakistan are also generally required to take a tuberculosis (TB) test at an approved clinic and include the certificate.
Step 4: Pay the fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge
Budget for the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is paid upfront for the length of your visa and gives you access to the NHS. The IHS is a significant cost, so include it in your planning.
Step 5: Understand the Graduate Route — and its deadline
The Graduate Route lets eligible graduates stay and work after their studies. The duration depends on when you apply for the Graduate visa:
- Apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 years (bachelor's/master's).
- Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months.
- PhD or doctoral graduates: 3 years, regardless of application date.
If post-study work is important to you, factor this timeline into your intake and course-length planning.
Typical costs
Tuition varies by university and course, and living costs are higher in London than elsewhere. Use our cost of studying abroad calculator to model your budget and the compare destinations tool to weigh the UK against alternatives.
Choosing a consultancy in Pakistan
The UK route attracts many agents, and quality varies. Protect yourself:
- Read independent reviews rather than a consultancy's own testimonials — compare Pakistan consultancies on ConsultancyCheck.
- Never pay for a "guaranteed" CAS, offer, or visa — legitimate offers and CAS come directly from the university.
- Be wary of anyone offering to edit bank statements or documents; this is fraud.
- Get all fees and services in writing.
See our guide to student visa agent fraud in Pakistan and our list of the best consultancies in Lahore for the UK.
Next steps
Prepare with our UK student visa document checklist, read the full UK student visa guide and the Graduate Route guide, and browse Pakistan → UK consultancies.
*Maintenance amounts, fees, and Graduate Route rules change. Always confirm the latest figures on the official UK Government (GOV.UK) website before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do Pakistani students need for a UK student visa in 2026?
You must show tuition plus living costs: £1,529/month for up to nine months in London (max £13,761), or £1,171/month outside London (max £10,539). The funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
What is the 28-day rule for UK maintenance funds?
The required money must sit in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the threshold, and the statement's closing balance must be dated within 31 days of your visa application.
How long is the UK Graduate Route in 2026?
It is 2 years for bachelor's/master's graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years regardless of date.
Do Pakistani students need a TB test for the UK student visa?
Yes. Applicants from Pakistan are generally required to take a tuberculosis test at a UK-approved clinic and include the certificate with the application.
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