Why Study in UK: The Ultimate Guide to Student Route Updates Coming 10 November 2025
Why Study in UK? For decades, the United Kingdom has stood as a global leader in education, innovation, and career development. Choosing to study in UK means unlocking access to world-renowned universities, internationally respected degrees, and a multicultural environment that shapes confident, global professionals.
Whether you aim to study accounting in UK or pursue another specialized field, the UK’s academic excellence, modern teaching methods, and strong career support systems make it a top destination for ambitious students. In this ultimate guide, we’ll uncover how the UK education system can empower your future and what crucial student visa changes coming on 10 November 2025 mean for you.
Study in UK
Visa Guide for Pakistani Students — A professional, step-by-step resource covering eligibility, English requirements, finances, documents, latest updates and a printable checklist.
Overview
The Student Route visa allows international students to study full-time at UK institutions that hold a Student sponsor licence. Applicants must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), meet English language requirements (unless exempt), and demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs. Pakistani applicants should also note TB screening requirements for stays over six months.
This guide provides up-to-date information based on the latest UK Visas and Immigration requirements as of October 2024.
Eligibility & General Requirements
- Age: 16 years or older (different rules apply for students under 18).
- Offer: Unconditional CAS from a licensed UK Student sponsor.
- English: Meet CEFR-level requirement or be exempt (CAS will state if SELT required).
- Financial: Show funds for first-year tuition and maintenance (living costs).
- Academic progression: Show your course represents academic progression from previous studies.
- Health: TB screening if required for your nationality (Pakistan requires TB test for stays over 6 months).
English Language Requirements
CEFR levels required- Below degree level (foundation/pre-sessional): CEFR B1.
- Degree level & above (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD): CEFR B2.
Secure English Language Tests (SELTs)
Your CAS will confirm whether you must present an approved SELT for visa purposes. Approved SELTs include:
- IELTS for UKVI
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- Trinity College London SELT
Institutions may require higher scores for admission than the visa minimum — always confirm with your sponsor.
Financial Requirements — Tuition & Maintenance
What to show: Evidence of (a) first-year tuition (or full course if under one year) as shown on CAS and (b) maintenance funds to cover living costs for up to 9 months (or the course duration if shorter).
| Location | Monthly amount | Months required | Total for 9 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,483 | Up to 9 months | £13,347 |
| Outside London | £1,136 | Up to 9 months | £10,224 |
Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days before the application. Bank statements must clearly show account holder name, account number, daily balances and dates.
Acceptable Financial Evidence
- Personal bank statements
- Parent/legal guardian bank statements (with proof of relationship and consent)
- Official financial sponsorship letter
- Student loan confirmation from an approved financial institution
Fees & Health Surcharge
- Visa application fee (applying from outside the UK): £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (allows access to NHS services)
- Priority service (optional): Additional fee for faster processing
Latest Updates Current
The UK government has implemented several changes to the Student Route visa in recent years:
- Maintenance requirements: Current requirements are £1,483/month for London and £1,136/month outside London
- Dependent restrictions: Most students can no longer bring dependents unless studying postgraduate research courses or government-sponsored courses
- Work restrictions: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Graduate Route: Available for international students completing degree-level studies, allowing 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD graduates)
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport or travel document (with blank pages)
- CAS from your UK sponsor (showing tuition and start date)
- Bank statements or sponsor letter showing funds held for 28 consecutive days
- SELT certificate if required by CAS (or evidence CAS states SELT not required)
- TB test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic (required for Pakistani nationals staying over 6 months)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (with certified translations if not in English)
- ATAS certificate, if required for your research subject
- Parental consent and proof of relationship if using parent funds
- Previous passports showing travel history
- Passport-sized photographs meeting UK specifications
Step-by-step Application Process
- Accept an offer and obtain your CAS from the UK sponsor (valid for 6 months)
- Confirm whether SELT is required; if yes, take the approved SELT and obtain results
- Prepare financial evidence: tuition (CAS) + maintenance (use London/outside figures). Ensure 28-day holding rule is met
- Attend TB screening at a Home Office-approved clinic in Pakistan (if required)
- Complete the online Student visa application; pay the fee and IHS
- Book and attend biometric appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Pakistan
- Submit supporting documents (either uploaded online or at the visa application centre)
- Decision typically within 3 weeks (longer during peak periods)
- When visa is granted, travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival or before your visa vignette expires
- Comply with visa conditions while studying (work limits, course attendance etc.)
Practical Tips for Pakistani Students
- Apply early — you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts
- Keep bank statements clear and well-formatted; if using parent funds, include consent letter and proof of relationship
- Confirm CAS tuition figure and note whether you’ve paid a deposit (this will be deducted from the amount you need to show)
- Ensure all documents are in English or have certified translations
- Check the UK government’s list of approved TB test clinics in Pakistan
- Be prepared for a credibility interview where you may be asked about your course and study plans
- Keep copies of all documents submitted with your application
Summary Table
| Study level | English | London maintenance | Outside London maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below degree | CEFR B1 | £1,483/month | £1,136/month |
| Degree & above | CEFR B2 | £1,483/month | £1,136/month |
Conclusion
With accurate preparation and timely submission you can complete a successful Student Route visa application. Pay attention to the English requirement, the 28-day funds rule, and ensure all documents meet the specified requirements.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always confirm final details with your CAS and official UK government guidance when applying, as requirements can change.
Table of Contents
FAQs: Study in UK – Student Route Visa, & Why Study in UK
Why should Pakistani students choose to study in the UK?
The UK offers world-class education with globally recognized degrees, shorter course duration (3-year bachelor’s, 1-year master’s), post-study work opportunities through the Graduate Route, and multicultural environments that enhance career prospects.
What are the benefits of the UK education system for international students?
Benefits include high-quality teaching standards, research opportunities, strong industry connections, flexible study options, and the chance to work part-time during studies (up to 20 hours per week).
How does UK education compare to other study destinations for Pakistani students?
The UK provides shorter degree programs, historical academic excellence, diverse cultural exposure, and excellent student support services compared to other popular study destinations.
Why study Accounting in the UK as a Pakistani student?
UK accounting qualifications (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) are globally recognized, with excellent career opportunities in international firms and higher earning potential worldwide.
What are the top UK universities for Accounting degrees?
Leading institutions include London School of Economics, University of Warwick, University of Manchester, and University of Edinburgh, all offering accredited accounting programs.
What career opportunities are available after studying Accounting in the UK?
Graduates can pursue roles in Big Four accounting firms, financial institutions, corporate finance, auditing, and taxation with global recognition of their UK qualifications.
What is the processing time for UK Student Route visa from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks, but apply early as peak seasons (July-September) may experience delays.
What documents do I need for the UK Student Route visa application?
Required documents include valid passport, CAS, financial evidence, academic certificates, TB test certificate, ATAS (if required), and English test results.
Can I bring my family on a UK Student Route visa?
Only postgraduate research students and government-sponsored students can bring dependents; most other students cannot bring family members.
What is the Graduate Route visa and who is eligible?
The Graduate Route allows 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD) for international students completing UK degree-level qualifications at compliant institutions.
Can I extend my stay in the UK after completing my studies?
Yes, through the Graduate Route, skilled worker visas, or by progressing to further studies, provided you meet the specific requirements for each route.
How does UK study experience benefit my career in Pakistan?
UK qualifications are highly valued by Pakistani employers, providing competitive advantages in job markets, higher salary potential, and international career opportunities.
Which English test is acceptable for UK student visa
All type of SELT Exams are acceptable for UK, IELTS Academic UKVI, PTE-Academic UKVI are the most important tests accepted by universities in the UK, but MOI( Medium of Instructions Letter is also acceptable in few universities. apart from this, Language Cert, Oxford ELLT, are also accpeted by few universities.
