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United Kingdom · Student visa

UK Student Visa from Pakistan

To study a full-time course in the UK you need a Student visa, sponsored by a university or college that holds a student sponsor licence. Your sponsor issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and you apply online with proof of money, proof of English and, as an applicant from Pakistan, a TB test certificate from an approved clinic.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026

At a glance

Who issues it
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office
Apply from
Online, then prove your identity at a UK visa application centre in Pakistan
Main document
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor
Can family join
Only for postgraduate research students (such as PhD) and some government-sponsored students
Work while studying
Limited hours in term time for most degree students, as shown on your visa

Who this is for

  • Students with an offer from a licensed UK student sponsor
  • School leavers with A levels or FSc/ICS heading for a degree, including foundation years
  • Graduates going on to a taught master's or a research degree
  • Applicants funded by their own or their parents' money, a regulated loan or an official sponsor

When another route fits better

  • For a short course, the Standard Visitor visa allows limited study; a stand-alone English course may suit the Short-term study visa.
  • Children under 16 at a UK independent school need the Child Student visa instead.
  • If your real aim is to work in the UK, look at the Skilled Worker visa instead.

Documents to prepare

Everyone

  • Valid passport
  • CAS reference number from your university or college
  • The academic documents listed on your CAS, such as transcripts and HSSC or A level results
  • Proof of English: a Secure English Language Test, or the university's own assessment where it is allowed for degree-level study
  • TB test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic in Pakistan
  • Bank statements or a bank letter showing the required money held for at least 28 consecutive days
  • Certified English translations of any document not in English

If parents or a sponsor pay

  • Your birth certificate or another official document naming your parents
  • A signed letter from your parents agreeing to the use of their money
  • An official financial sponsor letter if a government, university or scholarship body pays
  • A loan letter from a regulated lender, if you use an education loan

Sometimes needed

  • ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate science and technology courses
  • Parental consent and evidence of it if you are 16 or 17

Step by step

  1. 1

    Get an unconditional offer

    Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Many interview applicants before issuing a CAS, so be ready to explain your course choice, funding and plans.

  2. 2

    Book your TB test early

    Use a Home Office approved clinic in Pakistan. The certificate must still be valid when you apply.

  3. 3

    Prepare your money

    Keep the money for unpaid first-year fees and living costs in an account, untouched, for at least 28 consecutive days. The statement must also meet the date rules on GOV.UK.

  4. 4

    Receive and check your CAS

    Your sponsor issues the CAS once you meet the offer conditions. Check your name, passport number, course dates and fees paid before you use it.

  5. 5

    Apply online and pay

    Apply on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Then attend a visa application centre to give biometrics and submit documents.

  6. 6

    Get your decision and eVisa

    If approved, view your eVisa through a UKVI account. Do not travel before the start date on your visa.

Costs to plan for

  • The visa application fee, set by the Home Office and updated from time to time
  • The Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for the length of your visa
  • The TB test at an approved clinic
  • An English language test, if your university needs one
  • The money you must show for fees and living costs, which is higher for study in London
  • Optional priority services, translations and travel to the visa centre

Why applications get refused

  • Money not held for the full 28-day period, or dipping below the required level on any day
  • Bank statements that are too old or from a financial institution UKVI cannot verify
  • Using a parent's account without proof of the relationship and a consent letter
  • CAS details that do not match the passport or the documents submitted
  • A missing TB certificate, or one from a clinic that is not approved
  • Weak answers at a credibility interview about the course or your plans
  • False or altered documents, which can also lead to a ban on future applications

Tips before you apply

  • Keep the money in one account and do not move it until you have your decision.
  • Read your CAS line by line as soon as it arrives; errors are far easier to fix before you apply.
  • Keep your story consistent: what you say at interview should match your personal statement and your application.

Questions people ask

Only if you are on a postgraduate research course, such as a PhD, or you are a government-sponsored student on a course of more than six months. Students on taught master's courses can no longer bring dependants.

Not always. For degree-level courses and above, the university can assess your English itself. Below degree level you normally need a Secure English Language Test.

Yes. You need an official document naming them as your parents, such as your birth certificate, and their letter agreeing to the use of the money. Their account must meet the same holding rules.

The Graduate route lets eligible graduates stay and work for a period after a UK degree. The rules have been under review, so check the current length and conditions on GOV.UK.

Official sources

Fees, fund requirements and processing times change. Check the current figures on the official site before you apply.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. VisaWala is not affiliated with any embassy or government, and only the issuing authority decides a visa application.