UK Student Visa for Pakistanis 2026: Fees, Funds & Graduate Route Changes
The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after study destinations for Pakistani students, but 2026 brings higher costs and a shorter post-study work window. Here is what applicants from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and across Pakistan should understand before they apply.
What has changed for 2026
From 8 April 2026 the Student visa application fee rises to £558, up from £524. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) remains £776 for each year of your visa; because a one-year master's is usually granted for about 16 months, you typically pay for two full years — roughly £1,552. The most significant change comes later: from 1 January 2027 the Graduate Route (post-study work) will be cut to 18 months for bachelor's and taught master's graduates, while PhD graduates keep three years.
Maintenance funds you must show
You must prove your first year's tuition fee plus living costs, held in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. For 2026 the living-cost figures are £1,483 per month for up to nine months in London (£13,347) and £1,136 per month for up to nine months outside London (£10,224). The 28-day rule is strict — your closing balance must not drop below the required total on any single day in that window.
Documents you will need
Prepare a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from a licensed UK university, a valid passport, financial evidence that meets the 28-day rule, academic transcripts and the qualifications listed on your CAS, approved English-language proof, and a TB test certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in Pakistan. If your documents are in Urdu, you may also need certified English translations, and some universities ask for attested degrees. Every figure must match your CAS exactly.
English language requirement
Most students meet their university's English requirement through an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI. Note that a higher B2 English standard already applies from 8 January 2026 to certain work routes (Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual); students should confirm the exact level their course and provider require rather than assume the minimum.
How to apply from Pakistan
- Secure an unconditional offer and a CAS from your UK institution.
- Apply online at gov.uk and pay the visa fee (in PKR) plus the IHS.
- Book and attend a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi or Mirpur.
- Submit your supporting documents and TB certificate.
- Wait for the decision — standard processing is about three weeks after biometrics.
Processing times and priority options
Standard decisions take up to three weeks after your biometric appointment. A Priority Service (around £500 extra) targets five working days, and Super Priority aims for the next working day — both subject to availability and a straightforward application. Apply early for the busy September intake. If you also plan family visits, see our guide to the UK visit visa fees for 2026, and explore all our visa services for study and work.
Hijrat handles HEC, IBCC, MOFA and embassy attestation from our Aabpara office in Islamabad — serving Rawalpindi and overseas Pakistanis. Fees always itemised before you pay.
Visa fees, funds and rules change frequently and every decision rests with UK Visas and Immigration. The figures here are general guidance as of July 2026 — always confirm current requirements on gov.uk and with your chosen university before you apply.