UK Student Visa for Pakistani Students
Pakistan is a major source country for UK international students. This guide covers financial evidence in PKR, TB testing, English language options, popular universities, and practical application advice for Pakistani students.
- Section
- Student & Graduate
- Reading time
- 10 min
- Last checked
- 11 March 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- TB test is mandatory from an approved IOM clinic in Pakistan.
- Financial evidence in PKR must cover tuition plus maintenance.
- Pakistan is not classified as a majority English-speaking country.
- VFS centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi handle applications.
- Priority processing (5 working days) is available.
Pakistani students represent a significant portion of UK international students, particularly in postgraduate programmes. This guide covers the specific requirements including financial evidence in Pakistani Rupees, mandatory TB testing, English language requirements, and how to navigate the application process from Pakistan.
Popular Universities and Courses
Pakistani students study at a wide range of UK institutions. Popular choices include:
- Russell Group: University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, UCL
- Other popular choices: Coventry University, University of Hertfordshire, University of Bedfordshire, Oxford Brookes University
- Popular courses: Business and management, engineering, computer science, law, medicine, and pharmacy
Financial Evidence in PKR
The financial requirements are converted from GBP at the prevailing exchange rate. At approximately 375 PKR to £1:
- London maintenance (9 months): £13,761 = approximately PKR 51.6 lakh
- Outside London (9 months): £10,539 = approximately PKR 39.5 lakh
- Plus outstanding tuition fees
Pakistani students commonly fund their studies through family savings, education loans from banks such as HBL, MCB, or Meezan Bank, or sponsorship from employers or government scholarships. See our financial documents guide for preparation tips.
TB Test
Pakistan is on the TB-testing list. Approved IOM panel clinics are in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The test involves a chest X-ray and costs approximately PKR 15,000-20,000. Book early during peak season.
English Language
Pakistan is not on the majority English-speaking country list. You need to prove your English through a SELT or your university's assessment. IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic are widely available in Pakistan.
Processing Times from Pakistan
- Standard: 3-4 weeks (may extend to 6 weeks during peak season)
- Priority: 5 working days
Apply online on GOV.UK and book biometrics at a VFS centre. For timing advice, see our processing times guide.
After Your Studies
Pakistani graduates can use the Graduate route (2 years, or 3 for PhD; 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, with PhD graduates keeping 3 years) to work after completing their degree, or switch to a Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship.
Next Steps
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How much money do Pakistani students need for a UK Student visa?
You need outstanding tuition fees plus living costs of £1,529 a month (London) or £1,171 a month (outside London) for up to 9 months. At approximately 375 PKR to £1, the maintenance alone is around PKR 51.6 lakh (London) or PKR 39.5 lakh (outside London), plus tuition.
Do Pakistani students need a TB test?
Yes. Pakistan is on the TB-testing list. You must get tested at an approved IOM clinic in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi before applying. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
How long does a UK Student visa take from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes approximately 3-4 weeks from the biometric appointment. Priority service (5 working days) is available at VFS centres. During peak season, standard processing may take 6 weeks.
Can Pakistani students bring dependants?
Only if you are studying a postgraduate course of 9 months or more. Undergraduate students from Pakistan cannot bring dependants. Each dependant pays their own fees and must show additional maintenance funds.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.