Last Updated: 27 October 2026
Source: GOV.UK Student visa pages (gov.uk/student-visa — £558 application fee from outside the UK; gov.uk/student-visa/money — £1,529/month London, £1,171/month outside London for up to 9 months, held 28 days) — checked 27 October 2026.
Table of contents (8)
- UK Student visa fee 2026 — what it actually costs
- Maintenance funds requirement for Pakistani students in 2026
- IELTS and English language requirements for the UK Student visa
- Documents required for the UK Student visa from Pakistan
- Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a UK Student visa from Pakistan
- Common reasons UK study visa applications from Pakistan get refused
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
The UK study visa Pakistan process in 2026 requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution, proof of English proficiency, and financial evidence covering both tuition and living costs — with the Student visa application fee now at £558 plus a mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year. The surcharge depends on the length of your visa (not just your course), so calculate it with the official IHS calculator on GOV.UK. This guide walks Pakistani students through every requirement, current 2026 fees, and the most common reasons UK study visa applications from Pakistan get refused.
UK Student visa fee 2026 — what it actually costs
GOV.UK lists the fee as £558 for a Student visa application submitted from outside the UK (checked October 2026). On top of this, every applicant must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which for students is £776 per year, or £388 for a period of one to six months. Because your visa usually runs a few months longer than your course, the surcharge is calculated on the full visa length — use the GOV.UK IHS calculator for your exact amount. This is separate from tuition fees and the maintenance funds you must show.
Maintenance funds requirement for Pakistani students in 2026
Pakistani students must show maintenance funds of £1,529 per month if studying in London, or £1,171 per month if studying outside London, in addition to any tuition fees already shown on the CAS. For a standard 9-month course, this works out to £13,761 total for London-based institutions or £10,539 for institutions outside London. A student is classified as studying in London if the institution is located in the City of London or any of the 32 London boroughs — always check your specific university’s location before calculating your required funds.
IELTS and English language requirements for the UK Student visa
For degree-level courses, the UK Home Office requires a minimum CEFR B2 level, roughly equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.0, though most UK universities set their own higher entry requirement of IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on the course. IELTS for UKVI is offered by British Council and IDP centres in Pakistan; check the current fee on their websites, and check whether your university accepts standard IELTS Academic or requires the UKVI version.
Also readNew Zealand Study Visa Pakistan 2026 – Complete Guide to Requirements, Fees & ApprovalDocuments required for the UK Student visa from Pakistan
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your licensed UK institution |
| English proficiency | IELTS for UKVI or equivalent, meeting your university’s required band score |
| Financial evidence | 28 consecutive days of bank statements showing tuition + maintenance funds |
| Passport | Valid Pakistani passport with at least one blank page |
| Academic documents | Previous degree transcripts and certificates matching your CAS |
| TB test certificate | Required for Pakistani applicants under UK immigration health rules |
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a UK Student visa from Pakistan
- Secure university admission and receive your CAS. Your UK institution issues a CAS number only after you accept your offer and (usually) pay a deposit.
- Meet the English language requirement. Book IELTS for UKVI at a British Council or IDP center in Pakistan well ahead of your application, since slots fill up during peak intake seasons.
- Arrange your maintenance funds. Hold the required amount (£1,529/month London or £1,171/month outside London) in your account for a full 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Pay the visa fee and IHS. Both must be paid online before you submit your application — the IHS cannot be paid later or in installments.
- Complete your online application and biometrics. Submit the application on the UK government website, then book a biometric appointment at a visa application center in Pakistan.
Common reasons UK study visa applications from Pakistan get refused
The most frequent refusal reasons include maintenance funds not held for the full required 28-day period, bank statements showing unexplained large deposits shortly before application, a CAS that doesn’t match the course or institution stated in the application, and English test certificates that don’t meet the UKVI-approved format. Applying with a clean, well-documented financial history and double-checking that every document matches your CAS exactly significantly reduces refusal risk. For Pakistani students, being able to clearly explain the source of any large deposits — such as property sale proceeds or family savings — with supporting documents is especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK study visa cost for Pakistani students in 2026?
The Student visa application fee is £558, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) adds £776 per year of study, or £388 for stays of one to six months. The surcharge is based on the full length of your visa — use the GOV.UK calculator. Tuition fees and maintenance funds are separate.
What IELTS score do I need for a UK study visa from Pakistan?
The UK Home Office requires a minimum of CEFR B2, roughly IELTS 5.5-6.0, for the visa itself, but most UK universities set their own higher requirement of IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on the course and level of study. Always confirm the specific band score required by your chosen university and department, since it can be higher than the minimum visa requirement.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Pakistani students need £1,529 per month if studying in London or £1,171 per month outside London, held for 28 consecutive days before applying, in addition to any tuition fees already shown on the CAS. For a 9-month course this totals £13,761 in London or £10,539 outside London.
Do I need a TB test for a UK study visa from Pakistan?
Yes. Pakistan is on the UK’s list of countries where applicants must provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic as part of their Student visa application. The test must be taken at a clinic officially approved by the UK visa authorities, and results are typically valid for six months.
What is a CAS and how do I get one?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique reference number issued by your UK institution once you have accepted your offer and met any conditions such as a deposit payment. It confirms details like your course, tuition fees, and institution to the Home Office, and you cannot submit a Student visa application without it.
Can I work while studying in the UK on a student visa?
Most Student visa holders at degree level can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled vacations, though this varies by course level and institution — always check the specific work conditions listed on your visa decision letter and eVisa before starting any job.
Why do UK study visa applications from Pakistan get refused most often?
The most common refusal reasons are maintenance funds not held for the full 28-day period, unexplained large deposits in bank statements shortly before applying, and documents that don’t precisely match the details on the CAS. Preparing a clean financial history well in advance and keeping every document consistent with your CAS is the best way to avoid refusal.
Conclusion
The UK study visa Pakistan process in 2026 comes down to three pillars: a valid CAS from your institution, English proficiency evidence meeting your university’s requirement, and maintenance funds held correctly for 28 days. Budget for the £558 visa fee plus the health surcharge for your full visa length, on top of tuition and living costs. Start your IELTS and financial documentation early so you can submit a complete application.
Related guides: see our Australia study visa Pakistan guide, IELTS fee in Pakistan 2026, IELTS preparation guide, and scholarships without IELTS for students exploring alternate funding routes.
