Study in UK for Pakistani Students 2026–27 | Affordable Fees & Scholarships

The UK remains a top destination for Pakistani students, and with the help of top educational consultants in Pakistan, you can easily cross the application process, secure the best scholarships, and prepare for a successful study journey. With over 35,500 study visas issued in 2024 alone, a significant rise over the past 5 years. The UK offers world-class universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL), studying in the UK offers academic and cultural opportunities. However, for the 2026–27 academic year, new changes to visa requirements, including higher bank statements (up to £1,529/month for London), stricter rules for dependents, and adjustments to the Graduate Route (post-study work visa), will affect the application process. Key requirements include IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency, and scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT offer valuable financial support. This guide covers the latest UK study visa requirements, tuition fees (ranging from £11,400 to £30,000), cost of living in the UK (£900 to £1,400/month), and the best affordable universities, making it easier for Pakistani students to plan their study journey to the UK.

Quick Facts: Study in UK for Pakistani Students (2026–27)

Language of Instruction	English
Intakes for Admissions	September, October
Visa Ratio	Student Visa: 98% Dependent Visa: 86% Visitor Visas: 77%
Degree Duration	Bachelor’s: 3 years Master’s: 1 year (most) PhD: 3–4 years
Top UK Universities	University of Oxford University of Cambridge Imperial College London University College London (UCL) University of Edinburgh University of Manchester
Top Courses for Pakistani Students	Business Engineering Computer Science Data Science Medicine Nursing Finance
Average Tuition (per year)	Bachelor’s: £11,000–£22,000 Master’s: £12,000–£26,000
Scholarships	Chevening Commonwealth GREAT University-specific merit-based scholarships
IELTS/English Language Requirement	IELTS Academic (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80–100)
Living Cost	Approx £900–£1,300/month outside London, £1,300–£1,800/month in London
UKVI Maintenance (visa calculation, from 11 Nov 2025)	£1,529/month in London, £1,171/month outside London, up to 9 months, plus tuition for the first year, held for 28 days.
UK student working hours	Up to 20 hours/week in term time, full-time in vacations, for degree-level Student visa holders.
Minimum Wage (2025 baseline)	Around £10–£12.21/hour depending on age
Post-Study Work (Graduate Route)	Upto 2 years for most degrees
Visa Processing Time	Commonly around 3 weeks (via UK Student Visa) .
Visa Fee	£348 (standard) + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for healthcare coverage
Bank Statement	Minimum £3,000 at least 28 days before the visa application date

Why Pakistani Students Choose the UK

The UK offers:

1-year Master’s and 3-year Bachelor’s – fast return on investment
Degrees recognised worldwide in IT, business, engineering, health and finance
A large Pakistani community in cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow
Part-time work rights: most degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week in term-time and full-time in vacations

For 2026–27, the UK is still a strong option – but rules and costs have changed, so planning correctly is very important.

Top UK Universities for International Students

The UK is home to several prestigious and affordable universities offering a wide range of programs for international students. If you’re looking for affordable universities in the UK, here are some excellent choices:

University Name	Top Programs Offered	Annual Tuition (Est.)
University of Oxford	Law, Humanities, Medicine	£25,000 – £38,000
University of Cambridge	Engineering, Mathematics, Business	£22,000 – £30,000
Imperial College London	Science, Technology, Engineering	£28,000 – £38,000
University College London (UCL)	Arts, Architecture, Social Sciences	£20,000 – £30,000
University of Edinburgh	Business, Arts, Education	£18,000 – £25,000
Leeds Beckett University	Business, Media, Sports	£12,000 – £16,000
University of Sunderland	Business, Nursing, Computing	£14,000 – £17,000
Teesside University	Engineering, Games, Animation, Business	£13,000 – £16,000
University of Chester	Business, Health, Computing	£13,000 – £16,000
University of Bolton	Engineering, Business, Health	£12,000 – £16,000

These universities not only offer competitive tuition fees but also provide high-quality education and good career prospects for international students.

Scholarships for Pakistani Students in the UK

Studying in the UK can be costly, but several scholarships can help fund your education. Here are some popular options:

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Eligibility
Chevening Scholarships	Tuition, living costs, and airfare	Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries
Commonwealth Scholarships	Tuition, living costs, and airfare	For students from Commonwealth countries
University-Specific Scholarships	Varying coverage, merit-based	Offered by individual UK universities
British Council Scholarships	Tuition, living, and travel costs	Open to students in various fields, based on nationality and program

Tip: Apply early to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, as funds are often limited.

UK Admission Process for Pakistani Students

Applying to study in the UK is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. To make your journey to the UK smoother, you can seek guidance from top educational consultants in Pakistan. They offer a range of services to ensure your application and visa process go smoothly. These student support services include:

Here’s an easy guide to help you through the admission process:

Research and Choose a Program

The first step is to choose a university and program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals. Take your time to research universities and their offerings.

Prepare Application Documents

You’ll need the following documents to complete your application:

Academic transcripts
English proficiency test scores (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
Passport-sized photos

Submit Your Application

Undergraduate Programs: Apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Postgraduate Programs: Apply directly through the university’s website.

Await the Offer

Once you receive your offer letter, confirm your enrollment by paying the tuition deposit. After confirmation, start preparing for your UK Student Visa application.

UK Student Visa Process

Once you’ve received your admission offer, follow these steps to apply for your UK Student Visa:

Gather Required Documents

Before applying for your visa, ensure you have the following documents ready:

Official admission letter from your university
Valid passport
English language proof (IELTS marks)
Financial proof (bank statement showing £1,171/month for living costs outside London or £1,529/month for London)
Health insurance coverage
Proof of accommodation in the UK
Passport-sized photos

Submit Your Visa Application

Apply online through the UK Government’s visa portal and pay the visa fee and biometric fee (if applicable). Ensure all documents are submitted correctly to avoid delays.

Visa Decision

Visa processing typically takes around 3 weeks. You will be notified via email about the decision.

Prepare for Travel

Once your visa is granted, make your travel arrangements to the UK. You’ll be allowed to enter the UK up to a month before your course starts.

Tip: Always apply for your visa well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in the UK

The Graduate Visa offers a fantastic opportunity to stay and work in the UK after completing your degree:

Graduate Visa: This visa allows international students to stay for 2 years after completing their degree to work or look for a job.
For PhD Graduates: The post-study work period is extended to 3 years.

This visa gives graduates the chance to gain valuable work experience in the UK, enhancing their global career prospects.

Faqs

Can I go to the UK without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in the UK without IELTS. Some universities accept alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution may also be accepted. However, you will need to pass the IELTS test for your UK student visa interview.

Can you get a 100% scholarship in the UK?

While 100% scholarships are rare, you can receive university-specific scholarships that may cover tuition fees. StudyWes consultants can help you find the best opportunities based on your qualifications.

How much is the 1-hour salary in the UK for international students?

The minimum wage in the UK for students is typically between £10 to £12.21/hour depending on age and type of job. Many international students work part-time in retail, hospitality, or on-campus jobs to support their living expenses.

Can I bring my family on a UK student visa?

You can bring your family (spouse and children) as dependents if you’re studying at a postgraduate level (Master’s or PhD) for a course lasting more than 12 months. They will need to apply for a separate visa and meet the financial requirements.

Which course is highly demanded in the UK?

The UK has a strong demand for graduates in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), particularly in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Nursing. These sectors offer excellent career prospects and post-study work opportunities.

Can I get UK PR in 2 years?

It is not possible to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK within 2 years. However, after completing a Skilled Worker Visa or a Graduate Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of living and working in the UK.

What is the easiest scholarship to get?

The easiest scholarship to get depends on your qualifications and the university. University-specific scholarships are often easier to obtain as they are merit-based and vary in value.

What are the reasons for UK visa rejection?

Common reasons for UK visa rejection include:

Insufficient financial proof
Incomplete or incorrect application
Lack of evidence for genuine study intent
Failure to meet English language requirements
Previous visa violations or immigration history

Is IELTS necessary for a UK visa?

Yes, IELTS is a standard requirement for the UK Student Visa. It proves your English proficiency and is used by most universities in the UK for admission

Which course is cheaper in the UK?

Business, social sciences, and humanities courses are generally more affordable compared to medicine, engineering, and science programs. Choosing a university outside London can also lower your tuition and living costs.

How much are average UK rent prices?

The Outside London: £350 – £700/month for shared accommodation and Inside London: £800 – £1,500/month for shared accommodation or student halls

Do you help provide classes for IELTS preparation?

Yes, top educational consultants in Pakistan offer IELTS preparation classes to help you achieve the required scores for UK study visas. These classes focus on improving your English skills (listening, reading and writing) exam strategies to ensure you pass with the best score.

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