Introduction to Types of Study Visas Available for Pakistani Students in the UK
If you have always dreamed of studying in a prestigious UK university and you are planning your journey to study there, you will need thorough and deep research about the UK study visa options available for you. This part of the preparation is important because it guides you to start applying at the right time without panicking. Read through this article to find what you need and why each type of visa entails for the visa holder.
Overview of UK Study Visas for International Students
As shown on the UK government website, UK student visas for Pakistani students require a visa to study in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). If you are from another country, you can check whether you require it or not. In this article, we will be looking at the visa options that you can apply for as a student to work or study in the UK. Let’s see what options you have to stay in the UK during the course of your studies.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
This is one of the best Pakistani students’ visa options in the UK that is required by most of the international students for pursuing their degree in any of their higher education institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you will need to tick the following boxes to fit their requirements:
- You have to be older than 16 years old
- You must have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the institution you have applied to
- You have to be enrolled in a full-time course (15 hours per week that leads to at least a level 3 qualification on the Ofqual register), full time course that leads to level 6 Ofqual register level, part time course leading to a level 7 on the Ofqual register, or a recognised foundation program as a postgraduate doctor or dentist at a recognised UK institution (licensed Tier 4 sponsor institute)
- You should be able to prove that you have the financial means to support your tuition and living expenses during the stay
- Proof of English proficiency (read more about this criteria here)
Application Process
In order to apply for this visa, you need to provide the following documentation:
- Your valid passport
- Show your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Bank statements and other documents to show that you have the means to support yourself
- Provide proof that you do not have tuberculosis (TB). Check the page here to see if you are exempt from this requirement
- If you are enrolled in a sensitive postgraduate research program and you have a certain nationality, you will need to apply for an ATAS test and provide the certificate for it
- If you are under 18, you will need permission letter from your parents or guardian and a proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian
You will need to apply with these documents and pay the visa fee of £363 if you are applying from outside the UK
Length of Stay
This depends on the length of your course but generally, for degree programs of candidates who are older than 18, the stay is for up to 5 years and for below 18 years of age, it is for up to 2 years.
Work and Study Restrictions
There are some limitations that you must follow in order to keep your visa valid:
- You can work with this visa (except some specific jobs) but the number of hours are decided by the type of course you are studying and whether you are a full time student or part time
- You can not claim any public funds under this visa
- You can not be self employed
- You can not study at a local authority funded school
Short-Term Study Visa
This visa is perfect for you if you are aiming to study a short course at a recognised institution in the UK
Eligibility Criteria
You must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Being accepted at a recognised institute for the short course
- Being able to financially support the course fee and living expenses during the course of the stay and supporting your return journey
- Being over the age of 16. If you are under the age of 18, you need a permit from your parents and proof of your relationship with them
Application Process
You can apply online by booking an appointment for £186 and providing the following documents:
- Current valid passport
- Letter of acceptance from the institution
- Bank statements as proof of sufficient finances
- Details of your stay and itinerary
- Tuberculosis test results
Length of Stay
You can stay for 6 months with this visa but 11 months if you are studying an English language course
Work and Study Restrictions
- You can not work with this visa
- You have to leave within 30 days of the completion of your course
Student Visitor Visa
This UK study visas for international students from Pakistan is for any student who wants to visit the UK for 6 months for any of the purposes mentioned below:
- Study an English language course at an accredited institution
- Do a short research
- Study an elective or an unpaid clinical attachment in a healthcare field
- Take an entrance exam
- Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test
Application Process
You can apply for this visa online by paying the standard fee of £100 and providing the following documents:
- Proof of acceptance into the institution
- Proof or confirmation for the need of the course or project for your career you are coming to study
- Proof of finances to support your tuition fee, living expenses and return journey
Work and Study Restrictions
You can not work or be self employed while you hold this visa, claim public funds or plan to enter a civil partnership
Final Thoughts on Study Visas Available for Pakistani Students in the UK
Choosing the right visa from the different types of UK study visas for Pakistani citizens for your study needs can be a very time consuming process. Make your planning easier by consulting with our helpful mentors who can give you useful insights about the process.
