What are the UKVI financial maintenance funds required for studying in the UK in 2026?

Under UKVI Student Route regulations, applicants must prove they have enough money to cover remaining tuition fees for the first academic year plus living costs. Living costs are set at £1,483 per month for courses located in Inner London (for up to 9 months = £13,347) or £1,136 per month for courses outside London (Outer London / Rest of UK for up to 9 months = £10,224). These funds must be held in a permitted bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.

What are the dependent visa rules for Master's students in the UK?

Under UKVI dependent restrictions, international students enrolled in postgraduate taught Master's degrees (and undergraduate courses) are no longer permitted to bring dependant family members (spouses or children) to the UK. Dependent visas are permitted strictly for students enrolled in postgraduate research programs (such as PhDs, doctorates, or research-based master's) or government-sponsored scholarship holders.

How long is the Graduate Route post-study work visa in the UK?

The Graduate Route allows eligible students who have successfully completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) at any skill level for 2 years. PhD and doctoral graduates are granted a 3-year Graduate Route visa.

How many hours can international students work in the UK during term-time?

Students enrolled full-time on degree-level courses at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during regular term-time, and unlimited full-time hours during official university vacation periods.

UK Student Visa (Student Route) & University Admissions (Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters, PhD) 2026 – Mansory Consultants Islamabad

United Kingdom Higher Education Desk • UKVI Student Route

UK Student Visa & University Admissions
Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters, Funded PhDs & Graduate Route

Comprehensive study visa and university admission advisory tailored specifically for Pakistani applicants seeking higher education in the United Kingdom across Foundation & Higher Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and Doctoral (PhD) programs. Mansory Consultants (Meezan Bank Plaza, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad) delivers end-to-end guidance: university admissions, UCAS processing, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issuance, UKVI 28-day financial maintenance audits (London vs. Outer London funds), IOM tuberculosis screening, 20 hours/week term-time work rights, and the 2 to 3-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.

Evaluate UK Student Visa Eligibility Book Office Consultation

Statutory Benchmarks & UKVI Regulations

Key 2026 UK Student Route Visa Mechanics for Pakistani Applicants

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) operates under precise maintenance rules, mandatory English testing (SELT), and streamlined digital e-Visas.

CAS & Sponsor License

Admission requires a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a licensed UK university holding a Student Sponsor Track Record.

28-Day Financial Rule

Tuition fees plus living funds (£1,483/mo for London or £1,136/mo for Outer London) must be held in a permitted bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.

20 Hours/Week Work

Full-time degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and unlimited full-time hours during official university breaks.

2 to 3-Year Graduate Route

Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates secure an unconditional 2-year post-study work visa. PhD graduates receive a 3-year Graduate Route visa.

Academic Stratification

British Higher Education Pathways (Diplomas to PhD)

Review entry requirements, tuition fees, SELT English standards, and post-study work rights across UK university cycles.

Foundation / Diplomas

International Foundation & Diplomas

Duration: 1 year preparatory foundation or diploma leading to Year 1 or Year 2 of university.
Entry: 12-year Intermediate / HSSC (50%–60%+) or O-Levels / incomplete A-Levels.
English Test: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (no band under 5.0).
Tuition: £12,000 to £17,000 per academic year.

Best for: Intermediate and O-Level students bridging into UK undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years in Scotland) leading to BA, BSc, BEng, or LLB honours degrees.
Entry: 12-year Intermediate / HSSC (70%+) or A-Levels (BBC/ABB) or 1-year International Foundation Year.
English SELT Requirement: IELTS Academic for UKVI 6.0 overall (min. 5.5 in each component) or Pearson PTE Academic UKVI.
Tuition Range: International tuition ranges from £16,000 to £26,000 per academic year.

Best for: Accounting & Finance, Computer Science, Law, Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate Taught

Master’s Degree Programs

Duration: 1 year full-time (180 UK credits) leading to MSc, MA, MBA, or LLM degrees.
Entry: 4-year Bachelor’s (16 years / BS Hons / B.E.) with minimum 2.5–3.0/4.0 CGPA from HEC-recognized university.
English SELT Requirement: IELTS Academic for UKVI 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each band) or equivalent PTE UKVI.
Tuition Range: International tuition ranges from £17,000 to £32,000+ per year (Russell Group universities higher).

Best for: International Business, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Project Management

Postgraduate Research

Doctoral (PhD) Programs

Duration & Structure: 3 to 4 years independent supervised research culminating in a doctoral thesis.
Funding & Stipends: UKRI studentships, Commonwealth scholarships, and university fellowships provide tax-free stipends (~£19k–£21k/yr).
Dependent Visa Eligibility: PhD and research students are fully exempt from UKVI dependent bans and can bring spouses and children.
Graduate Route: 3-year post-study work visa upon successful PhD defense.

Best for: Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Medical Genomics, Finance

Financial Compliance Audit

2026 UKVI Maintenance & IHS Fee Scale

UKVI enforces strict 28-day bank balance seasoning rules. Funds must cover any unpaid tuition fees listed on the CAS plus statutory monthly living expenses.

Financial Component	UKVI Statutory Rate (2026)	28-Day Seasoning & Compliance Rule
Inner London Living Costs	£1,483 / Month (Max 9 months = £13,347)	Must be held continuously in bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to visa application
Outer London / Rest of UK Living Costs	£1,136 / Month (Max 9 months = £10,224)	Must be held continuously in bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to visa application
Remaining Tuition Fees	Unpaid 1st Year Tuition (stated on CAS)	Any deposit paid to the university is subtracted; remaining tuition must be shown in bank funds
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£776 per year of student visa validity	Mandatory online payment granting access to the UK National Health Service (NHS)
Acceptable Sponsors	Student, Parents, or Official Financial Sponsors	Bank statements in student’s name or parents’ names with birth certificate / FRC proof

Critical 28-Day Rule Calculation Warning: The closing balance of the 28-day bank statement period cannot be older than 31 days on the date the online visa application is submitted. If the balance drops below the required threshold for even a single day during the 28-day window, the application will be summarily refused by UKVI. Our Islamabad team audits all financial statements before submission.

Automated Academic Diagnostic

UK Student Route Visa & Admission Evaluator

Evaluate your target degree level, SELT English test score, 28-day financial maintenance readiness (London vs. Outer London), and university admission offer. Your diagnostic report routes directly to our WhatsApp desk (+92 331 0001991).

1. Student Contact Credentials

Full Legal Name (as per passport) *

WhatsApp Mobile Number *

Email Address *

2. Target Degree Program & Educational History

Target UK Study Level *

Prior Completed Academic Qualification *

3. SELT English Proficiency & University Offer Status

Official UKVI SELT English Test Score *

UK University Admission / CAS Status *

4. 28-Day Financial Maintenance & University Location

University Location & Living Cost Scale *

28-Day Bank Statement Seasoning Status *

Step-By-Step Journey

UK Student Route Visa Application Lifecycle

Procedural journey from university admission and CAS issuance to biometric enrollment at TLScontact Pakistan.

Admission & CAS

Secure an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed UK university sponsor and obtain your official CAS statement.

28-Day Maintenance

Maintain tuition balance plus living funds (£1,483/mo London or £1,136/mo Outer London) in a bank account for 28 consecutive days.

TB Test & IHS

Complete mandatory IOM tuberculosis screening in Pakistan and pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

GOV.UK & TLScontact

Submit the online visa application via GOV.UK, pay visa fees, and book your biometric appointment at TLScontact Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.

e-Visa & Flight

Collect your visa counterfoil / digital e-Visa, fly to the UK, and collect your BRP card upon university enrollment.

Verified Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Authoritative answers on UK Student Route visas, 28-day financial rules, dependent restrictions, and the Graduate Route.

How does the strict 28-day financial rule work for UK student visas?

Under UKVI Student Route appendix Finance, the funds required for tuition fees and living costs must have been held in a permitted bank account for a consecutive 28-day period. The end of this 28-day period (the date of the final bank statement) must not be more than 31 days before the date you submit your online visa application. If the balance drops below the required sum for even a single day during that 28-day span, the application is refused.

Who is exempt from the UK dependent visa restrictions for Master’s students?

While UKVI rules prevent students on standard taught Master’s degrees from bringing dependants, you are fully exempt from the dependent ban if: (1) you are enrolled in a postgraduate research program (such as a PhD, doctorate, or research-based master’s degree designated as a research program), or (2) you are a student receiving a government-sponsored scholarship that covers both tuition and living expenses for yourself and your dependents.

What is the Graduate Route post-study work visa in the UK?

The Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK to stay and work at any skill level for 2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates). You do not need a job offer to apply, and it serves as a flexible bridge to transition into a Skilled Worker visa or other employment categories.

What are the mandatory medical requirements for applicants in Pakistan?

All applicants applying for a UK visa for more than 6 months from Pakistan must obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) clearance certificate from an approved clinic operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. Additionally, all applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online as part of their visa application to access the UK National Health Service (NHS).

How does Mansory Consultants assist from Islamabad?

Operating from our corporate office at Meezan Bank Plaza, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, our UK education desk coordinates university shortlisting across Russell Group and public universities, manages UCAS and direct admissions, reviews personal statements and academic CVs, conducts rigorous 28-day financial maintenance audits for London and Outer London budgets, coordinates IOM TB medical bookings, manages GOV.UK visa portal filings, and schedules biometrics at TLScontact Pakistan.

Free Expert Evaluation

UK Student Route Visa Eligibility Assessment Form

Complete the assessment form below with your academic, financial, and personal details. Once submitted, our senior consultants at Mansory Consultants (G-11 Markaz, Islamabad) will instantly receive your full profile dossier on WhatsApp (+92 331 0001991) for an expert evaluation.

1. Personal & Contact Details

Full Legal Name (as per passport) *

WhatsApp Mobile Number *

Email Address *

City of Residence in Pakistan *

2. Academic Background & Target UK Program

Highest Completed Education *

Target UK Study Level *

UKVI SELT English Test Status *

Academic CGPA / Percentage *

3. 28-Day Financial Maintenance & Location

University Location / Living Cost Scale *

28-Day Financial Seasoning Status *

Additional Notes, Specific University, or Questions (Optional)

Direct British University Admissions & Visa Management

Start Your Higher Education Journey in the United Kingdom

Connect directly with our senior UK education and visa specialists. Visit our Islamabad headquarters at Meezan Bank Plaza, G-11 Markaz, or initiate your case evaluation on WhatsApp.

Call: +92 331 000 1991 WhatsApp Direct

United Kingdom Student Visa