These are the UK student visa requirements for applicants from Pakistan in 2026: a CAS from a licensed university, proof of English, money held for 28 days, a TB test certificate, the £558 visa fee and the health surcharge. Below is the full checklist and the order to do things in.
UK student visa documents checklist
- Valid passport.
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a university with a Student sponsor licence.
- Proof of money (see the 28-day rule below), or an official sponsor letter.
- Proof of English, if your university asks for a test (CEFR B2 for degree level).
- TB test certificate from a UK-approved clinic.
- ATAS certificate, if your master’s or PhD subject is on the ATAS list.
- The academic documents used to get your offer (degrees, transcripts) – usually those listed on your CAS.
- Parental consent, if you are 16 or 17.
What a CAS letter is
The CAS is an electronic reference number your university gives you after you accept an unconditional offer and pay any deposit. It lists your course, dates, fees and the documents the university used to assess you. You can only use it once, and you must apply within 6 months of it being issued. Check every detail – a wrong name, passport number or fee figure can cause a refusal.
UK student visa bank statement: the 28-day rule
You must show your unpaid tuition for the first year plus living costs: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. The money must be held for 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
- Funds can be in your own account or a parent’s or legal guardian’s account (with a birth certificate and a consent letter).
- The balance must never drop below the required amount during the 28 days.
- Use a bank the Home Office accepts for financial evidence – we check this for you.
Example: a bachelor’s outside London with £17,000 tuition needs £17,000 + (£1,171 × 9) = £27,539 held for 28 days, before any deposit you have already paid is deducted. Our UK cost estimator works this out for you.
TB test for a UK visa from Pakistan
Applicants who have lived in Pakistan for 6 months or more and are coming to the UK for more than 6 months need a tuberculosis test at a UK-approved clinic. Approved clinics are in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Mirpur. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray, so book it shortly before you apply.
English requirement
For degree-level courses your English must be at CEFR level B2. Many universities assess this themselves; others ask for an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or LanguageCert. See study in the UK without IELTS.
UK student visa fee and health surcharge
- Visa fee: £558 when you apply from outside the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 for each year of your visa, paid when you apply.
UK student visa processing time from Pakistan
You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. After you apply online and give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre (centres in Pakistan include Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad), decisions usually take about 3 weeks. Faster priority services may be offered for an extra fee – availability changes, so check when you book. Apply early in busy months (July–September) and avoid booking flights until your visa is approved.
Step by step
- Get an unconditional offer and pay the deposit.
- Prepare your funds and keep them for 28 days.
- Book your TB test.
- Receive your CAS and check every detail.
- Apply online, pay the fee and health surcharge.
- Attend your appointment at the visa application centre.
- Receive your decision and eVisa.
Refusal rates: why preparation matters
Home Office data for the year to September 2025 put the refusal rate for Pakistani student visa applicants at about 18%. Since September 2025, universities must keep their own refusal rate below 5% to keep their sponsor licence, so they now check finances and interview applicants more strictly before issuing a CAS. A complete, consistent application is the best protection.
Common reasons for refusal
- Funds below the required amount, or not held for the full 28 days.
- Bank statements older than 31 days when you apply.
- Missing TB certificate or documents listed on the CAS.
- Not being able to explain your course and plans in the credibility interview – see our credibility interview guide.
Using a loan or official sponsor
If a government, university or employer scholarship pays your fees or living costs, you need a letter from the sponsor on official paper confirming your name, the amounts covered and the dates. An education loan from a regulated lender can also be used, with a loan letter confirming the amount. You then only show the costs the sponsor or loan does not cover.
After your visa is approved
The UK now issues an eVisa – a digital record of your immigration status – instead of a physical card for most new visas. Create your UKVI account as instructed in your decision, check the details carefully and travel within the dates shown. Bring your CAS, offer letter, funds evidence and TB certificate in your hand luggage, as Border Force officers may ask for them.
If your visa is refused
Read the refusal letter carefully – it lists the exact reasons. If you think the decision is wrong, you may be able to ask for an administrative review within the time limit given in the letter. If the refusal was caused by a missing or weak document, a fresh application with the problem fixed is often faster. We review refusal letters free of charge at your consultation.
Figures checked on 3 October 2026. Official sources: GOV.UK Student visa · Money you need · English requirement · Graduate visa · Family members · TB test clinics in Pakistan. Rules change – we confirm the latest position at your consultation.
Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 3 October 2026.