UK Student Visa from Pakistan — 2026 Guide

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Every year thousands of Pakistani students head to the UK for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes — and the student visa route, while document-heavy, is one of the more predictable UK applications if you meet the financial rules precisely. This guide covers CAS, the 28-day fund rule, fees (including the big one everyone forgets: IHS), and the application steps.

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**Honest note:** The UK student visa is points-based and largely mechanical — meet the requirements exactly and refusals are rare; miss a technicality (like the 28-day rule) and even genuine students get refused. Precision matters more than persuasion here.

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Step 1 — Get Your CAS

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Before anything else, you need an unconditional offer from a licensed UK university/sponsor and your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — a unique reference number, not a paper document. No CAS = no application. Your CAS states your course, fees, and the funds you’ll need to show.

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The Financial Requirements (Read This Twice)

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This is where most Pakistani applications fail. You must show:

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  1. Tuition fees for the first year (as stated on your CAS), minus any amount already paid

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  2. Living costs — the official monthly amount × 9 months (higher for London, lower outside London)

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  3. The 28-day rule — the full amount must have been held in your (or your parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application date

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Common fatal mistakes:

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  • Funds dropping below the required total on *any single day* of the 28 days — even by Rs. 100

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  • Using a bank the Home Office doesn’t accept (check the approved list)

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  • Parent’s funds without a proper birth certificate + consent letter

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  • Fixed deposits that can’t be accessed immediately — the money must be *available*

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Get a consultant to verify your statements day-by-day before you apply. We do this routinely.

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Documents Checklist

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  • Valid passport + previous travel history

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  • CAS reference number

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  • 28-day bank statements meeting the financial requirement

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  • Educational documents (degrees, transcripts) as listed on your CAS

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  • TB test certificate (from a Home Office-approved clinic in Pakistan — mandatory)

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  • Birth certificate + parent consent (if using parent’s funds)

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  • ATAS certificate (for certain science/engineering courses — check your offer letter)

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The Real Cost: Visa Fee + IHS

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Two separate payments, both in GBP:

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  1. Visa application fee — set by the Home Office, paid online

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  2. IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) — this is the big one students forget. It’s charged per year of the visa and runs into hundreds of pounds annually. For a 3-year bachelor’s, IHS alone is a major cost — budget for it from day one.

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Both are non-refundable if refused. Because of exchange rates, message us on WhatsApp at +92 321 5107411 for today’s exact PKR total before you apply.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

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  1. Secure your CAS from the university

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  2. Hold the required funds for 28 consecutive days

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  3. Get your TB test from an approved clinic

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  4. Apply online on GOV.UK, pay the fee + IHS

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  5. Book and attend biometrics (Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi)

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  6. Wait for the decision — typically around 3 weeks; priority options exist

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  7. Collect your passport with the vignette, then collect your BRP in the UK

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After the Visa — Don’t Forget

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  • Arrange accommodation *before* flying (university halls fill fast)

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  • Carry your CAS, financial documents and TB certificate in hand luggage — Border Force can ask

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  • Register with a GP and collect your BRP within the deadline

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  • Know your work rights: 20 hours/week during term for degree-level students

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How Bonita Travel & Tours Helps

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  • 28-day fund verification — day-by-day statement checking before you apply

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  • Complete document preparation and review

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  • TB test clinic guidance, fee/IHS calculation in PKR

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  • Flight booking for students + travel insurance

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  • Pre-departure briefing: what to carry, what to expect

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WhatsApp +92 321 5107411 — Suite No 7A, Mezzanine Floor, Mushtaq Mansion, A.K. Fazl-e-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How much bank statement is required for a UK student visa from Pakistan?

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First-year tuition (per your CAS) + 9 months of official living costs, held for 28 consecutive days. The exact figure depends on your university and course.

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What is the UK student visa fee from Pakistan?

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Two GBP payments: the Home Office application fee + the Immigration Health Surcharge (per visa year). Message us for today’s PKR total.

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Is the TB test mandatory for Pakistani students?

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Yes — from a Home Office-approved clinic, no exceptions.

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Can I work in the UK on a student visa?

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Yes — up to 20 hours per week during term time (degree level), full-time in vacations.

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What if my visa is refused?

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Both payments are non-refundable. You can reapply after fixing the issue — most refusals are financial-technicality cases, which are fixable.

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Related: UK Student Visa Consultancy · How to Apply for UK Visit Visa · UK Visit Visa Fee Guide

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