UK Study Visa Price in Pakistan 2026: Full Cost Breakdown in PKR
The UK study visa price in Pakistan in 2026 is approximately PKR 660,000–680,000 (around £1,780) in upfront costs for a typical one-year master's course. That total covers the visa application fee of £558 (approximately PKR 208,000), the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,164 (approximately PKR 434,000), the TB test at PKR 14,000–15,000, and document translation costs. Separately, you must show — but not spend — proof of funds covering your first year's tuition plus living costs. This guide breaks down every cost in PKR and GBP. All conversions use an exchange rate of approximately PKR 373 = £1 (open-market rate, July 2026); rates change daily, so check the current rate before you pay.
UK Study Visa Cost in Pakistan 2026: Full Breakdown
Here is the complete 2026 cost table for a Pakistani student applying for a UK Student visa for a one-year master's course:
| Cost Item | GBP | PKR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | £558 | PKR 208,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (16-month visa) | £1,164 | PKR 434,000 |
| TB test (IOM/AMC clinic) | approx. £40 | PKR 14,000–15,000 |
| Biometrics (standard appointment) | Included in visa fee | Included |
| Document translations (if needed) | approx. £8–£25 | PKR 3,000–9,000 |
| Total upfront cost | approx. £1,780 | PKR 660,000–680,000 |
Tuition fees and living costs are separate. If you are at the start of your journey, our complete guide to studying in the UK from Pakistan walks through the entire process from university selection to arrival.
1. Student Visa Application Fee: £558 (PKR 208,000)
The UK Student visa fee increased from £524 to £558 on 8 April 2026. It is the same whether you apply from Pakistan or switch routes inside the UK. You pay online by card when you submit your application on GOV.UK — the amount is charged in the local currency equivalent of the GBP fee, so the exact PKR figure depends on your bank's exchange rate that day.
Standard processing for Pakistan currently takes around 3 weeks after your biometric appointment. Optional faster decisions cost extra: the priority service (decision within 5 working days) costs approximately £500 (PKR 186,000), and super priority is around £1,000. Most students do not need these if they apply early.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 Per Year
The IHS gives you full NHS access and currently costs £776 per year for students (unchanged in the April 2026 fee update), charged for the full length of your visa — not just your course. Any extra period under 6 months is charged at £388. Because visas include extra time before and after your course, expect:
| Course Length | Typical Visa Length | IHS (GBP) | IHS (PKR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year master's | approx. 16 months | £1,164 | PKR 434,000 |
| 2-year course | approx. 28 months | £1,940 | PKR 724,000 |
| 3-year bachelor's | approx. 40 months | £2,716 | PKR 1,013,000 |
You pay the IHS upfront in the same online transaction as your visa fee. If your visa is refused, the IHS is refunded automatically — the visa fee is not.
3. TB Test in Pakistan: PKR 14,000–15,000
Anyone applying from Pakistan for a UK stay longer than 6 months must take a tuberculosis test at a Home Office–approved clinic. Approved clinics operate in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Mirpur (run by IOM, plus AMC in Islamabad and Lahore). Current fees are PKR 14,000–15,000 for applicants aged 11 and above and PKR 10,000–11,000 for younger children. Results usually arrive within 2–5 working days, and the certificate is valid for 6 months — so time your test within 6 months of your visa application.
4. Biometrics and VFS Charges
Biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photo) at a standard visa application centre appointment in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, or Mirpur is included in your visa fee — there is no separate mandatory biometrics charge. However, the commercial partner offers optional paid extras such as prime-time appointments, premium lounge access, document scanning assistance, courier return of your passport, and SMS updates. These typically add PKR 5,000–20,000 if you choose them. Booking a free standard slot early helps you avoid these charges entirely.
5. Document Translation Costs
Any supporting document not in English — such as a Family Registration Certificate, birth certificate, or sponsor documents in Urdu — must be accompanied by a certified translation. In Pakistan, certified translations typically cost PKR 1,500–3,000 per document. Most bank statements from major Pakistani banks are already issued in English, so budget for roughly 2–3 translated documents at most.
6. Proof of Funds: How Much Bank Balance Do You Need?
This is the biggest number in your application, though it stays in your account. In 2026 you must show one year's tuition fees (as stated on your CAS, minus anything already paid) plus living costs for up to 9 months:
| Location | Monthly Amount | 9-Month Total (GBP) | 9-Month Total (PKR approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London universities | £1,529 | £13,761 | PKR 5.13 million |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 | PKR 3.93 million |
The funds must sit in your account (or your parents' account, with proof of relationship and consent) for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application date. A single dip below the required amount restarts the clock. With a typical master's tuition of £14,000–£25,000, most Pakistani students need to show a total of roughly PKR 9–13 million including tuition. Choosing a university outside London reduces the requirement by over PKR 1 million. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application itself, see our UK visa process guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a UK study visa cost in Pakistan in 2026?
Approximately PKR 660,000–680,000 (£1,780) in upfront costs for a one-year master's: £558 visa fee, £1,164 IHS, PKR 14,000–15,000 TB test, and minor document costs. Longer courses cost more because the IHS is charged per year of visa length.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa from Pakistan?
One year's tuition (minus any deposit paid) plus £1,171 per month for 9 months outside London (about PKR 3.93 million) or £1,529 per month in London (about PKR 5.13 million), held for 28 consecutive days.
Can I pay the UK visa fee in Pakistani rupees?
You pay online by debit or credit card during the application. The fee is set in GBP and charged in the equivalent local amount, so the exact PKR figure depends on your card's exchange rate on the day.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No — the £558 application fee is not refunded on refusal. The Immigration Health Surcharge, however, is refunded automatically in full if your visa is refused.
How long does a UK student visa take in Pakistan?
Standard processing takes around 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. During peak season (July–September) it can take longer, so apply as soon as you receive your CAS — you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
Want an exact cost plan for your course and a visa application checked by experts? Global Pathways has helped hundreds of Pakistani students secure UK student visas. Book a free consultation.