Moving to study in the UK from Pakistan is a dream of many. From navigating halal food options in campus towns to finding cricket clubs that feel like home, the UK offers a unique blend of familiarity and discovery. The good thing about dreams is that they come true. This article will help you with a relocation plan and give you a quick glance at life in the UK for Pakistani students, universities, scholarships, and visa requirements.
About studying in the UK
Scholarships
Visa requirements
Everyday tips
FAQ — Going to study in the UK from Pakistan
About studying in the UK
Great news for you, there are many opportunities to study in the UK for Pakistani students.
Why study in the UK
- You won’t feel lonely. In 2024, over 35,500 Pakistani students were granted a visa. The local diaspora is strong and growing.
- The 6th largest economy in the world. Your personal financial success is not guaranteed, but all the tools and opportunities are there. Take the most out of them, and your efforts will pay off.
- Professional growth. Many Pakistani students in the UK have fulfilled their potential in the finance sector, business, and other fields.
Universities in the UK for Pakistani students
For those who don’t have a dream school in mind, we prepared a list of great universities in the UK for Pakistani students:
- Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Glasgow
- University of Bristol
- University of Birmingham
- University of Warwick
They are expensive, but the price is an investment in your future. A CV that contains ‘Oxford graduate’ is stronger than a CV of a student from a small regional school. You don’t have to be a genius to enrol there, actually, many people give up early and miss one-of-a-kind opportunities. Don’t be among them.
Tips: UK health insurance: a complete guide for expats
Cheap universities in the UK for Pakistani students
Low prices don’t automatically mean low quality. The average tuition fee in these universities stays below 20,000 GBP per year, with a legit education quality:
- University of Chester
- Ulster University
- University of Bolton
There are many cheap universities in the UK for Pakistani students. When choosing one, check that the school is accredited, read real stories of students and ask for opinions on Reddit or other social platforms. Make your decision wisely.
Pakistani students in the UK often send money back home once they start working. To do it quickly and beneficially, they use Profee. Register and make smooth and stress-free GBP to PKR transfers.
Scholarships
Moving to study in the UK from Pakistan is expensive, so some funding from a university or the government won’t hurt.
Ellison Scholars (Oxford University)
Eligibility
- Meeting language proficiency level and average grade criteria for your chosen course.
- Achievements and experience in health/agriculture/clean energy/AI.
- Participation in team projects.
- Academic excellence.
- Innovation: patent/award/startup.
Read more here.
What’s covered
- Full tuition fee — a lucky ticket for Pakistani students in the UK.
- Partial coverage of living costs;
- Payments for working on a project;
- Refund for your technology set-up;
- Flights;
- Visa charges;
- Healthcare.
Chevening Scholarship
Eligibility
2,800 hours of work experience after completing an undergraduate degree. Holding an undergraduate degree. Applying to three courses. Studying in the UK for the first time.
Read more here.
What’s covered
- Full tuition fee;
- Payments to cover accommodation and living costs;
- Arrival and departure allowance;
- Visa application;
- Flight tickets.
In short, this is a fully-funded scholarship which allows you to concentrate on your studies, projects and daily life in the UK for Pakistani students.
GREAT Scholarship
Eligibility
- Proven project/work experience in your academic area.
- Holding an undergraduate degree.
- Academic excellence.
- English proficiency.
Read more here.
What’s covered
£10,000 for a tuition fee
All three scholarships accept applications from people planning to go to study in the UK from Pakistan.
Visa requirements
Life in the UK for Pakistani students starts with the visa application.
Requirements
- Acceptance letter from a university. It proves you’re moving to study in the UK from Pakistan.
- Sufficient funds.
- B2+ English certificate.
- Tuberculosis test results.
The list of documents is wider and can change, so always verify with the embassy.
Costs
In 2025, the application cost for the UK student visa is 524 GBP. You'll also need to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS). For more details, head here.
Read more: Cost of living in the UK in 2025
Everyday tips
Entertainment and study in the UK for Pakistani students go hand in hand. You’ll never be this young again, getting a degree in another country, so let’s make the time pleasant:
People are everything. Pakistani students in the UK face plenty of challenges. Stick with your groupmates and overcome them together — when professors don’t help, international students will.
Control expenses. Living abroad teaches you how to manage your budget wisely. Learn its lessons.
Explore beyond campus. Museums, libraries, and cultural festivals in the UK are often free — take advantage to broaden your perspective.
Plan for your future. Use your university’s career services early. Attend workshops, polish your CV, and look for internships.
FAQ — Going to study in the UK from Pakistan
How much does it cost to study in the UK from Pakistan?
Fees vary between universities, usually starting from 10,000 GBP per year.
Can Pakistani students study in the UK?
Yes, Pakistani students are accepted to the UK universities.
Can I work on a student visa in the UK?
You may be able to work part-time, but it depends on your university, scholarship and visa requirements.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
Approximately 1,500 GBP for monthly expenses + proof of sufficient funds for tuition fee.
How to send money from the UK to Pakistan?
To transfer money from the UK to Pakistan, use Profee:
- Register.
- Select countries.
- Add transfer amount.
- Choose a payment method.
- Enter the recipient details.
- Confirm.
Advice: Money transfers from the UK to Pakistan: 5 mistakes to avoid
