Pakistan Student Guide to UK Universities

The UK has some of the world's best universities offering excellent academic programmes and research facilities, and the UK is among the most popular study destinations in the world for Pakistani students, who often study here because of the high-quality education available across the country.

The quality of education in the UK is widely recognised globally, and Pakistani students are attracted to this level of prestige. Many top universities in the UK have a long history of academic excellence, and the opportunity to study at such institutions is highly sought after by students from around the world, including Pakistan.

Over the years, thousands of Pakistani families have moved to the UK in search of better opportunities and education for their children, and the international recognition of UK degrees attracts Pakistani students. A degree from a UK university carries significant weight and is highly respected by employers and academics worldwide. The UK is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and students can learn about new customs, traditions, and ways of thinking while studying there. For many Pakistani students, studying in the UK is a chance to broaden their horizons, develop their independence, and experience a new perspective on life.

Learn more about studying in the UK as a Pakistan student below. To begin your UK university application as a Pakistani student, reach out to SI-UK today for a free consultation.

Why Do Pakistan Students Want to Study in the UK?

UK Scholarships for Pakistan Students

UK universities offer Pakistani students a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Study abroad scholarships for Pakistani students are awarded based on academic merit, financial requirement, or a combination. Pakistani students can use these scholarships to reduce their financial burden and make studying in the UK more affordable. Some of the popular scholarships offered to Pakistani students are:

• The Chevening Scholarship: Funded by the UK government and covers full tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and other allowances for one year of master's degree study in the UK
• The Commonwealth Scholarship: Funded by the UK government and provides full tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend for a master's or PhD in the UK
• The GREAT Scholarship: Jointly funded by the UK government and UK universities, providing up to £10,000 towards tuition fees for master's study in a range of subjects

UK Study Visa for Pakistan Students

To obtain a UK visa as a Pakistani student, you must follow a set of procedures and requirements. First, you will need to apply for a student visa, which requires you to have an offer from a recognised UK institution, sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, and meet English language proficiency requirements. You must also provide biometric information for your visa application, such as fingerprints and photographs. The visa application process can take several weeks or months, so planning and applying before your intended start date is important.

- Is it difficult to obtain a student visa as a Pakistani student?

Obtaining a student visa for the UK as a Pakistani student can be challenging, but it is not necessarily more difficult than for students from other countries. The UK government has set certain requirements that all international students must meet to obtain a UK study visa.

Popular UK Universities for Pakistani Students

UK universities are renowned for their high-quality education and research facilities, and the following are particularly popular with students from Pakistan.

• University of Manchester
• Imperial College London
• University College London
• University of Warwick
• University of Leeds
• University of Birmingham
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow

Which UK universities have the most Pakistani students?

BPP University, the University of Hertfordshire, Coventry University and Brunel University London have the most Pakistani students, according to figures released by the HESA.

What cities in the UK have the biggest communities of Pakistanis?

The UK cities with the largest Pakistani communities are London, with estimates of over 200,000 Pakistani people in the UK capital, followed by Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, and Leeds, which all have large Pakistani populations. Other cities with significant Pakistani populations include Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Sheffield.

Cultural and religious celebrations for Pakistani students in the UK

Some of the biggest cultural and religious celebrations for Pakistani students in the UK include. Pakistan student societies at UK universities (see below) all celebrate these on or around campus.

• Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and gift-exchanging with family and friends.
• Eid al-Adha is another important Islamic festival commemorating the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim. It is celebrated with prayers and the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat shared with family, friends, and the poor.
• Independence Day - This is a national holiday in Pakistan, celebrated on August 14th, commemorating the country's independence from British rule in 1947. Pakistani students in the UK may celebrate with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances.
• Basant - This spring festival is celebrated in Pakistan and parts of India, especially in Punjab. It involves flying kites and wearing colourful clothes.
• Pakistan Day - Celebrated on March 23rd, commemorates the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution by the All India Muslim League in 1940, which called for the creation of a separate Muslim state in the subcontinent.
• Shab-e-Barat - This is a night of forgiveness and salvation in the Islamic calendar, observed by many Muslims in Pakistan and other countries. Pakistani students in the UK may celebrate by offering special prayers, reciting the Quran, and distributing sweets and food to their friends and family.

Pakistan Student Societies at UK Universities

Pakistan student societies in UK universities are usually student-run organisations that aim to bring together students of Pakistani origin and those interested in Pakistani culture, traditions, and heritage. These societies typically organise a range of events and activities throughout the academic year, including:

• Cultural festivals - These may include events celebrating Pakistani culture, such as music, dance, food, and fashion. Pakistani student societies may organise events such as Basant, Eid festivals, and Pakistan Day celebrations.
• Educational seminars - Seminars on topics related to Pakistan, such as its history, politics, economics, and culture. These seminars may feature guest speakers, presentations, and discussions.
• Social events - Social events such as parties, movie nights, and sports tournaments. These events provide opportunities for Pakistani students to socialise and make friends with other students.
• Community service projects - Pakistani student societies may organise community service projects, such as volunteering at local charities and organisations. These projects provide opportunities for Pakistani students to give back to the local community and to promote a positive image of Pakistan.

UK University Entry Requirements for Pakistan Students

Entry requirements for Pakistani students vary from university to university. Typically, students will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency, academic qualifications, and sometimes work experience. Some universities may also require students to take an entrance exam or submit a personal statement.

UK universities assess Pakistani students' applications based on their merit and are open to those with diverse qualifications and experiences. For undergraduates, equivalent qualifications to UK high school A-levels are required, with an option for those with WAEC Senior School Certificate to apply for a foundation year. Postgraduate courses require qualifications equivalent to a British bachelor's degree for Pakistani students.

- UK universities without IELTS for Pakistani students

Did you know it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS? A small number of UK universities allow this if you can provide proof of over 70% in English in High School/Class XI and Class XII or a transcript of a short-term English course, prove that English was the medium of instruction in your school and conduct an online Interview conducted with the university.

UK universities that allow Pakistani students to enter without IELTS include the University of Essex, London Southbank University, University of Bristol, Sheffield Hallam University, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Warwick.

Foundation Courses for Pakistan Students

Foundation courses are available for Pakistani students who do not meet the entry requirements for their desired programme. These courses provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen programme and can be a valuable stepping stone towards a degree.

International Foundation Programme (IFP)

This program is designed for international students whose qualifications upon leaving school are insufficient for direct entry into undergraduate studies and/or whose English language skills need to meet the necessary level. The IFP provides a year of preparation in academic subjects, the English language, and study skills to bring you up to the required level for undergraduate degree studies.

Integrated Foundation Course

An integrated foundation course enables you to take a foundation course for a year, and once you have met the specific progression criteria, you can move on to the first year of your chosen degree program. These courses are available at most major UK universities.

Study in the UK

If you want to join the many Pakistani students studying in the UK, don’t delay and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.