The complete guide
Universities, courses, real costs, scholarships and the Student visa — everything you need to plan a UK degree from Pakistan, India, Nigeria or the Gulf, with free expert support.
Why the UK
Most UK taught master’s take 12 months — a year less tuition and living costs than the USA, Canada or Australia.
UK degrees are recognised worldwide, and strong universities exist far beyond London — often at much lower fees.
The Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK after your degree — currently around 18 months for taught degrees, longer for PhDs. We confirm the current rules before you apply.
Quality courses start around £12,000/year outside London, January intakes give flexibility, and deposits are manageable.
Guides by country
Entry requirements, funds and visa guidance for Pakistani students.
Read the guideEntry requirements, funds and visa guidance for Indian students.
Read the guideEntry requirements, funds and visa guidance for Nigerian students.
Read the guideEntry requirements, funds and visa guidance for UAE-based students.
Read the guidePopular courses
1 year full-time (post-registration); 2 years full-time (pre-registration) • from £17,000/year
Course guide1 year full-time (applied routes with placements typically take 2 years) • from £15,700/year
Course guide1 year full-time is typical; the OSPAP PgDip runs September to June, and part-time or online routes take 2–3 years • from £15,700/year
Course guide1 year full-time (12–18 months on placement routes) • from £17,000/year
Course guide1 year full-time (January starts and professional placement routes typically take 15–21 months) • from £18,450/year
Course guide3 years full-time for a BSc/BA with exemptions; 12 months for an ACCA-linked master's • from £16,100/year
Course guidePlan properly
Tuition, living costs, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge — what a UK degree really costs in 2026.
Read the guideUniversity awards, Chevening and country-specific scholarships that meaningfully cut your fees.
Read the guideMOI letters, PTE, Duolingo and university English tests — the legitimate routes if you don’t have IELTS.
Read the guideFAQ
For a bachelor’s: 12 years of schooling (A-levels/HSSC/CBSE/WAEC equivalent) or a foundation year. For a master’s: a recognised bachelor’s degree, usually with at least a second-class result or ~55–60%. You also need evidence of English (IELTS or an accepted alternative) and proof of funds for the Student visa.
Budget £12,000–£20,000 per year in tuition at most universities outside London, plus roughly £1,100–£1,500 per month living costs depending on the city. Add the Student visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Our cost guide breaks this down line by line.
Often, yes. Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter for recent English-medium graduates, or alternatives such as PTE Academic and university online tests. Policies differ by university and by your country — we check the current policy for your shortlist.
September has the widest course and scholarship choice; January is ideal if you missed September or need more time for IELTS, documents or funds. Several universities we work with offer both.
Student-visa holders at degree level can typically work up to 20 hours per week in term time and full-time in vacations. Work rights are printed on your visa — we explain yours before you travel.
Since January 2024, only postgraduate research students (PhD/MPhil) and government-sponsored students can bring dependants on a Student visa. Taught master’s students generally cannot — though a partner can qualify for their own visa in some cases. We advise honestly on your options.
Fees, entry requirements, English-language policies and intake dates are correct to the best of our knowledge at the date shown, but universities review them every cycle and immigration rules change. Always treat figures as a guide — we confirm the exact, current requirements with the university before you apply.
Free consultation
Tell us your qualifications, budget and target intake. A Global Pathways advisor will reply within one working day with a realistic university shortlist — no obligation.
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