Study in UK For Pakistani Students

Around 10000 Pakistani students chose the UK for higher education in the academic year 2007-2008. Thats a big number!!! isn't it? Well a UK qualification is widely recognized the world over. In Pakistan a foreign qualification either from the UK or USA is considered a basic step for a great career. There was a time back in the 80s and 90s when people who came back to Pakistan after getting a foreign degree were considered hot cakes for employment. They were mostly successful in getting the job they desired. I have even heard from my teacher that her brother got a management job in a five star hotel in Karachi, at his desired salary without the interviewer even looking at his degrees. He was just impressed by the fluency of his English. Now only God knows how true is that but things have changed a lot since then. A foreign degree is still considered an achievement in the Pakistani job market but the foreign qualified graduates now have to struggle the same as their Pakistani counterparts to get their desired jobs. 

But still UK is the most popular study destination for Pakistani students. Most students complete their bachelors in Pakistan and apply to UK for their postgraduate studies. As many Pakistani students are worried about how when and where to apply I decided to solve their problems :D

The first question is about the fees and living expenses. The tuition fees for bachelors program is anywhere between 4000-12000 pounds. While the Masters programs cost around 6000-12000 pounds. The MBA normally costs anywhere between 7000-40000 pounds. Masters and MBA in the UK is of one year while bachelors programs finish in 3 years. The living expenses are around 500-800 pounds per month for London. Elsewhere it costs around 300-500 pounds per month. This depends on your lifestyle. The UK government demands that students must estimate 800 pounds per month for London and 600 pounds per month for elsewhere.
Students have to give an English Language test IELTS and score around 6 to get admission in Bachelors and 6.5 to get admission in Masters.
For MBA programs in UK three years work experience is a must requirement. One cannot get into a top ranking university without this. There are some universities which accept students without work experience.
Admission in MBA program without work experience is possible at: UWIC, University of Sunderland, University of Wales Newport, Cardiff University and University of Aberdeen. Other than these Universities some colleges also offer admissions in MBA program without work experience. Most popular colleges in London are are LSC London and LSBF.
How to Apply

To study in the UK a student needs Tier 4 Student visa. A study visa is issued on the fulfillment of criteria which is 40 points. 30 points for admission and 10 points for financial statement.

Students can select the university on the internet and apply online. They just have to fill the admission form and provide academic documents. Students can scan documents and email them with their application form. To apply students need a copy of their academic certificates and transcripts, two reference letters, IELTS score and a copy of passport. If the university accepts a student it sends an offer letter on which conditions of the program of study and fees are mentioned. The students then have to pay the initial deposit to the university (This is usually 50% of the fees). This amount is usually sent as a Demand Draft in the name of University. After the University has received payment it issues the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter. This letter is needed for applying for the UK Tier 4 Student visa.
Students also need to maintain their bank statement for a period of 28 days. They need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. The requirement for bank statement is the remaining fees of the university plus living expenses. A student has to show 7200 pounds for London and 5400 pounds for elsewhere.
Pakistani students also have to get themselves tested for TB. This can be done in the meantime before applying for visa. Students have to take appointment from IOM Pakistan and pay fees for TB test. They will then be tested for TB and reports will usually be provided the next day.
When the student fulfills these requirements i.e. Gets the CAS Letter, Bank Statement and TB Test report he can apply for the UK visa. Visa infomation for Pakistani students is available on www.ukvacpk.com. This is a very useful website and contains all the information on visa requirements and how to apply.
Using Student Consultants
Students Consultants guide students about the admission and visa process. As nowadays everything is on the internet students can easily apply themselves but if students want to apply through a consultant check thoroughly about the firm like how many years they are in business and how many students have they sent abroad. Remember the most important thing is DONT PAY THEM AN EXORBITANT SUM. Consultants get a huge commission by colleges on every student they send to the college. Its anywhere around Rs 100000-150000. Some  consultants charge the Students too. Some of my friends have paid Rs 15000-30000 to consultants. This is so unethical. Students pay this huge sum because they just want to go to UK. My advice is if you are using a consultant do not pay more than Rs. 5000. Thats the most. And there are many consultants who dont charge their consultancy fees. Go for them!!!!!!.

I hope this information was useful for students wanting to study in the UK.
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