Overview
Choosing to study in the UK from Pakistan offers students access to world-class universities, shorter degree durations, and cultural connections. Many Pakistani families also choose the UK because of its global recognition and excellent career outcomes. This blog provides a comprehensive guide for Pakistani parents sending their kids to the UK, covering safety, living costs, faith needs, and career prospects.
Safety and Well-being in the UK
Many parents wonder whether the UK is safe for Pakistani students to study abroad.
The UK prioritises Pakistani students' safety by providing the following:
- Campus Security: Most UK universities offer 24/7 security patrols and SafeZone apps for students.
- Support Services: There are also extensive support services available for Pakistani students in the UK, including dedicated pakistani student advisors and mental health support.
- Multicultural Communities: Your child will find a home away from home in the student-led multicultural societies and communities in the UK.
Understanding Accommodation Options
Accommodation options as a Pakistani parent that will give you peace of mind and your children comfort include:
- University Halls: These are managed by the university and help first-year students to make friends. They often include security and utility bills.
- Private Housing: Your children can also choose to rent apartments with other Muslim or Pakistani students to maintain a familiar cultural environment and gain independence.
Food and Faith Considerations
Maintaining religious values is a priority for many Pakistani families. You will be pleased to know that halal food is available in almost every major UK city.
Most UK campuses have:
- Prayer rooms and Mosques: There are multi-faith prayer rooms and mosques on campus or within walking distance from the school.
- Islamic Societies: There are active Islamic Societies (ISOC) that host Friday prayers and Eid celebrations on campus.
- Halal food availability: Supermarkets like Tesco and ASDA in the UK stock halal meat and Pakistani spices.
Healthcare and Insurance
As part of the visa process, your children will have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently around £776 per year. This provides them with NHS access, meaning most doctor consultations and hospital treatments will be free. It is important that your child registers with a GP (General Practitioner) as soon as they arrive on campus.
Managing Finances
The cost of studying and living in the UK for Pakistani students varies by location and includes:
- Tuition Fees: These typically range from £12,000 to £25,000 per year, depending on the university and the course.
- Living Costs: These costs approximately £1,483 per month for London and £1,136 for cities outside London.
- Part-time Work: With a student visa, your children can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the semester to gain experience and extra pocket money.
Staying Connected with Family
Daily Video Calls: With high-speed internet available across all UK campuses, your child can stay in touch through WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime. You should set a regular family time to check in and share updates.
Community Networks: Many Pakistani societies and university alumni groups act as local guardians and provide a familiar support system for your children.
Regular Travel Options: Visiting or having your child return for holidays is easy, as there are frequent direct flights from major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Academic Support Systems
UK universities offer extensive support services for Pakistani students in the UK, including personal tutors for academic guidance, career services for resume building, and wellbeing teams for mental health or homesickness.
Post-Study Opportunities
The Graduate Visa allows students to stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation to look for work without needing a sponsor. This boosts their global employability and international work experience.
Preparing Your Child Before Departure
Before your children leave, ensure they have the following:
- Important Documents: These include the CAS letter, visa, and TB test results.
- Life Skills: Teach them basic cooking and laundry skills to build their independence.
- Packing: They should carry warm coats, blankets and waterproof shoes for the British weather.
With this parent guide to UK education, let your mind be at peace that your child will transition smoothly from Pakistan to life in the UK for a successful future.
How AHZ Can Help
At AHZ, we're committed to supporting your children towards their UK study goals. We provide a wide range of free services to make their application journey successful, including:
- Personalised Counselling: Students get one-to-one counselling based on their specific academic and career ambitions.
- University & Course Selection: Find the ideal UK university and course that aligns with your goals.
- Application Support: Our expert team will complete the full university application process for you.
- Personal Statement Review: Receive feedback to help you write a powerful personal statement.
- Document Checking: We'll make sure all your documents meet university requirements.
- Guidance for University Interview: Get trained by AHZ professionals to face your university admissions interviews.
- Scholarships & Financial Advice: Our counsellors can guide you about finances and help you find scholarships.
- UK Student Visa Guidance: We'll guide you step-by-step with your visa application.
- Pre-departure Briefings: We arrange pre-departure events for our students to provide them with valuable guidance to get prepared for their lives in the UK.
- Post Arrival Support: Our continuous support helps with your confusion about UK life and makes things much easier for you.
Need complete guidance from your application process to a successful admission journey in the UK? Get in touch with one of our expert counsellors at AHZ. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can students work part-time while studying?
Yes, students on a Student Visa can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during holidays.
- How much money should we budget per month?
We recommend budgeting around £1,483 (rent, food, and utility bills) per month if you are living in London and £1,136 per month for cities outside London, although the cost of living still varies from city to city.
- Is the UK safe for Pakistani students?
Yes, the UK is very safe as a country, and the universities have dedicated security teams and various safety apps to enhance security.
- What happens after graduation in terms of jobs or visas?
Students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to live and work in the UK for two years to gain international experience.
- Where do most international students live in the UK?
Most live in halls of residence on campus in their first year and private shared housing in their second and third years.
- Will my child have access to halal food and mosques?
The UK has one of the largest Muslim populations in Europe, and halal meat, as well as mosques, are easily accessible in all major cities.