Study in United Kingdom

Study in United Kingdom

As a global hub for higher education, the United Kingdom continues to attract students worldwide. With a legacy of excellence and innovation, UK universities offer unique opportunities for students to excel academically and professionally. In 2025, the UK remains one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its strong academic programs, cultural diversity, and favorable work-study options.

Why study in United Kingdom

If you’re looking to study at a university in the United Kingdom, you will find a multitude of higher education opportunities, providing diverse academic programs and vibrant city experiences. Universities in the UK are well known in the world for their top-quality education. Critical thinking, creative methods of teaching and quality-control merge successfully in British higher education. Here are the top reasons why the UK is the best place to study:

  • The highest number of ranked universities. The UK has the highest number of ranked universities in relation to the size of the country: 111 ranked universities. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London constantly feature in the world’s Top10.
  • Quality of teaching regulated by the government. The UK is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. This doesn’t happen by chance. Bodies such as the Office for Students (OFS) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) make sure that universities meet national standards for academic quality.
  • Big focus on independent learning and creative thinking. As a student in the UK you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and develop critical thinking skills. This is different from other countries where lecture-based learning is considered more important. This approach encourages you to take an active role in your learning, rather than simply listening to lectures and memorizing information, which can help you develop a deeper understanding of your subject matter.
  • Nightlife for many tastes and interests. Big cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have a well-established nightlife scene with many clubs, bars, and music venues that cater to different tastes and interests. However, smaller cities and towns may have a more limited nightlife scene, but will still offer a range of student-friendly places like museums, cinemas, and live music venues.

The country offers some of the best and most comprehensive support systems for international students, both as part of the university and through government or independent bodies and organizations. It’s no wonder why so many international students choose to study in the UK.

UK Student Visa Requirements

Applying for a UK student visa from Pakistan involves several detailed steps. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

  1. Choose Your Course and University

Before you apply for a student visa, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor (a university or college approved by the UK government). Here’s what you need to do:

  • Select a course and University with the help of SAM Associates(Pvt) Ltd
  • Application to the university or college is submitted via SAM Associates(Pvt) Ltd
  • Secure an unconditional offer after clearing the conditions of conditional offer letter
  • You may be asked to clear interview and pay the initial deposit to the university
  1. Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once you have an unconditional offer, you will share with your university the following documents to obtain your CAS

  • Initial deposit payment Receipt
  • TB Test Report (6 months valid till the time of travel)
  • Bank Statement and Account Maintenance Certificate (28 days mature)
  • Affidavit of Support (If being sponsored by parents)
  • Birth Certificate and Family Registration Certificate (FRC) as evidence of relationship to the sponsor

After assessing the provided documents, the university will send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is a crucial document for your visa application.
The CAS includes a unique reference number and information about your course and study duration.

  1. Financial Requirements

You must show that you have enough money to cover your course fees and living costs. This includes:

  • Remaining course fees for the first year of study
  • Living costs for up to nine months (depending on the length of your course and where you will be living). As of 2024, the required amount is:
  • £12,006 per year for courses in London
  • £9,207 per year for courses outside London

(If you apply on or after 2 January 2025, you’ll need £1,483 per month to support yourself on a course in London and £1,136 per month outside London.)

  1. Prepare Your Documents

Prepare all the necessary documents for your visa application. This typically includes:

  • A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
  • CAS reference number and supporting documents.
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsor letters, etc.).
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
  • Proof of relationship to sponsor (Birth Certificate, FRC).
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (required for Pakistani applicants).
  • Academic qualifications mentioned on your CAS.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment confirmation.
  1. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Students from Pakistan need to be tested for tuberculosis if they are coming to the UK for more than six months.

  • Schedule an appointment at an approved clinic.
  • Take your TB test and obtain a certificate showing you are free from TB.
  1. Complete the Online Application

You need to complete the visa application online with the help of your agent i.e., SAM Associates (Pvt) Ltd via the official UK government website:

  • Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
  • Create an account and fill out the Tier 4 (General) student visa application form.
  • Pay the visa application fee (£490 as of 2024).
  1. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

As part of your application, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This provides you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

  1. Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your online application, you will be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Book an appointment at your nearest VAC. Attend the appointment with your documents and biometric information.

  1. Submit Supporting Documents

Submit your supporting documents as instructed, either at the VAC during your biometrics appointment or online, depending on the instructions given.

  1. Attend an Interview (if required)

You may be asked to attend a credibility interview where you will need to answer questions about your study plans, course, and intentions.

  1. Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application and attending your biometrics appointment, you will need to wait for a decision. The decision can take up to 3 weeks.

  1. Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If your application is successful, you will receive a visa (sticker) in your passport that allows you to enter the UK. After arriving in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the specified Post Office within 10 days of your arrival.

  1. Travel to the UK

With your visa vignette and all other preparations in place, you can travel to the UK to start your studies.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Start your application process well in advance.
  • Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Maintain communication with your chosen university and Agent for any support or queries.
  • By following these steps attentively, you can successfully apply for a UK student visa from Pakistan.

Important addresses:

Visa Application Center Islamabad Pakistan:

  • Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar Chak Shahzad, Islamabad,
  • Bahria Complex IV, Ground Floor, Chaudhary Khaliq UZ Zaman Road.Gizri, Clifton, Karachi.
  • Ground Floor, MCT Madina Corporate Tower,8 Queens Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Approved TB Test Center in Pakistan:

Your test must be from a clinic approved by the Home Office. We will not accept a TB test certificate from a clinic we have not approved.

Islamabad Address:

AMC
#1 Street #1 F 6/3
Islamabad.
Telephone:
+92 51 287 3191
+92 51 287 3192
+92 51 287 3193
Email: uktbisb@amcpk.com
Website: http://www.amcpk.com
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm

Test fees

Below 11 years           11000/- PKR
11 years above            15000/- PKR

 
 

 

Dr. Arshad Health Associates

Unit 1, Block 21
Civic Center
Shaheed e Millat Road
Melody Market
G-6 Markaz
Islamabad
Pakistan

Telephone: +92 51 111 155 666

Email:

Website: www.drarshadhealthassociates.com

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm