So, you’re planning to study in the United Kingdom from Pakistan? That’s exciting! Pursuing education in the UK opens up amazing opportunities. But first, you need the right visa. For students like you, this means applying for the UK Student Route visa.
Understanding the UK study visa requirements from Pakistan can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance. Lots of documents, rules about money, health checks – it might seem complicated. But don’t worry! Thousands of Pakistani students successfully get their visas every year.
We at Atlas Apply are here to help you understand exactly what you need. Let’s break down the requirements step-by-step in simple terms.
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The Starting Point: Your CAS and Passport
Before you even think about the visa application form, there are two things you absolutely must have:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
This is super important! Once a UK university or college (that’s approved by the UK government) gives you an unconditional offer for a course, they will give you a CAS reference number. Think of the CAS as your official electronic invitation from the university, confirming they want you as a student. You need this number for your visa application. It proves you have a genuine place to study.
Valid Passport
You need a current passport or other valid travel document. Make sure it has enough blank pages for your visa and will be valid for your stay.
Without a CAS from a licensed sponsor university and a valid passport, you can’t apply for the Student Route visa.
Related Reading: How to Start Studying in the UK?
Showing You Understand English
The UK government needs to know you can understand English well enough to study and live there. For your visa application from Pakistan, you usually need to prove this by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
Common tests include:
- IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
- PTE Academic UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
The score you need depends on the level of the course you plan to study (degree level or below).
Important Note
Sometimes, your university might assess your English level itself and state on your CAS that you meet the requirement without needing a separate SELT test (this is sometimes possible if you studied in English before, for example). However, you must check what your specific university requires and what it says on your CAS.
Proof of Money: The Financial Requirement
This is a really crucial part of the UK study visa requirements from Pakistan, and you need to get it right. You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course fees and cover your living costs while you study. This is called ‘maintenance’.
Tuition Fees
You need to show you have money for your first year’s tuition fees. Your CAS statement will show the total fee and how much you might have already paid. You need proof that you have the remaining amount.
Living Costs (Maintenance)
You also need money for living expenses (food, accommodation, travel, etc.). The amount is fixed by the UK government:
- £1,483 per month if studying in London.
- £1,136 per month if studying outside London. You need to show you have enough money for up to 9 months. So, that’s £13,347 for London (£1,1483 x 9) or £10,224 outside London (£1,136 x 9).
Read More: Costs of Study in the UK
The 28-Day Rule
You must prove that you have held the total required amount (tuition fee balance + living costs) in your bank account (or your parent’s account with proof of relationship and consent) for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.
How to Prove (Bank Statement)
Usually, this means providing official bank statements that meet specific UKVI requirements. Getting the financial proof correct is vital for Pakistani applicants.
Key Documents & Steps for Pakistani Applicants
Besides the CAS, passport, English proof, and financial documents, here are other key things Pakistani students need for their UK visa application:
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
This is mandatory for people applying from Pakistan. You must get tested for TB at a clinic approved by the UK Home Office in Pakistan before you apply for your visa. You’ll need to include the valid TB test certificate with your application.
Online Application Form
You need to fill out the visa application form on the official UK Government (GOV.UK) website.
Visa Application Fee
You have to pay the visa application fee online when you submit your form.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You also need to pay the IHS. This fee allows you to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while you are studying there. The amount depends on how long your visa will be.
Biometric Appointment
After submitting your online application and paying the fees, you’ll need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) in Pakistan. Here, they will take your fingerprints and photograph (this is your biometric information). You’ll also submit your passport and supporting documents here (unless uploaded online).
Other Documents
You might also need things like your previous academic transcripts and certificates (the ones the university used to give you your CAS), and if you’re under 18, proof of parental consent.
How Atlas Apply Makes Your Visa Process Smoother
Feeling like that’s a lot to remember? It can be! Getting everything perfect for the UK study visa requirements from Pakistan takes careful planning. That’s exactly where Atlas Apply can step in to help.
We specialize in helping Pakistani students navigate the entire process smoothly:
Document Checklist & Review
We provide a clear checklist based on your situation and review your documents (like financial proof and TB certificate) to make sure they meet the strict UKVI standards.
Understanding Funds
We help you understand exactly how much money you need to show and ensure your bank statements are in the correct format, explaining the 28-day rule clearly.
Application Form Assistance
We guide you through filling out the online application form accurately, avoiding common mistakes.
Booking Appointments
We can assist in booking your TB test and biometric appointments at the right time.
Interview Preparation
If you’re asked for a credibility interview, we can help you prepare so you feel confident.
Peace of Mind
We take the stress out of the process, letting you focus on preparing for your studies.
Need help with your UK student visa from Pakistan? WhatsApp Atlas Apply on +44 7498 782831. We’re ready to assist!
Conclusion: Prepare Well for Success!
Getting your UK Student Route visa from Pakistan is achievable with careful preparation. The main things to focus on are securing your CAS, proving your English ability, meeting the financial requirements (especially the 28-day rule), getting your mandatory TB test certificate, and gathering all your documents correctly.
Start early, read the guidance carefully, and double-check everything. Remember, the rules can sometimes change, so always refer to the latest information from the official GOV.UK website or reliable advisors like Atlas Apply.
Ready to start your visa application? Contact Atlas Apply today! WhatsApp us at +44 7498 782831.
FAQs: Quick Answers for Pakistani Students
It’s called the Student Route visa.
Yes, a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a UK Home Office-approved clinic in Pakistan is mandatory for your visa application.
You need enough funds to cover your first year’s remaining tuition fees PLUS living costs (£1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London, for up to 9 months). This total amount must be held for 28 consecutive days.
Usually, yes (an approved SELT like IELTS for UKVI is needed). However, if your university assesses your English and confirms it on your CAS, you might not need a separate test for the visa. Always check university requirements.
Processing times vary, but it often takes around 3-4 weeks after your biometric appointment. However, it can take longer during busy periods, so apply well in advance!
