UK Student Visa 2025: Updated Proof of Funds & Post-Study Work Rules

Studying in the UK remains one of the most sought-after opportunities for international students — but it comes with strict financial proof requirements.

According to the UK Home Office, all student visa applicants must show sufficient funds to cover:

• Tuition fees for the first academic year (as stated on your CAS letter), and
• Living costs for up to 9 months:
• £1,483/month if studying in London
• £1,136/month if studying outside London

These amounts must be held for at least 28 consecutive days and verified by bank statements, sponsorship letters, or official scholarships.

Quick Details

Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)

The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their studies:

• 2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates
• 3 years for PhD or doctoral graduates

This route remains unchanged as of October 2025.
However, the UK Immigration White Paper proposes to shorten the post-study stay to 18 months — a change that is not yet law but could take effect in future updates.

If you plan to study or graduate in 2026, it’s wise to monitor official announcements to understand how this could affect your career plans.

Check: CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026 in China

Business & Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Graduates interested in starting a business can apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, which replaced the old Start-up visa.
This visa allows skilled graduates with innovative ideas to live and build a venture in the UK without needing an additional job offer.

The government is also considering more flexible switching options between the Graduate Route and Innovator Founder Visa, making it easier for entrepreneurial students to stay in the UK after graduation.

English Language Requirement

Currently, most UK visa categories require B1 or B2 English proficiency (as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference).
The government has proposed to standardize the B2 requirement across several skilled-worker visa types by 2027, but this is still under review.

Impact on Pakistani Students

For Pakistani students planning to study in the UK:

• You are subject to the same rules as all international applicants.
• You’ll need to prove your living and tuition funds according to current Home Office rates.
• You can work or gain experience under the 2-year Graduate Visa after your degree.
• If you have a business idea, the Innovator Founder Visa offers a promising route to remain and grow in the UK.

Pro-Tip: Apply early, prepare accurate financial documents, and stay updated with official UK immigration announcements to avoid surprises before your visa submission.

Final Thoughts

While recent headlines about “increased proof of funds” and “reduced post-study work time” have sparked debate, the current confirmed UK visa rules remain stable.
International students — including those from Pakistan — can continue to benefit from the UK’s high-quality education, post-study opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways.

However, since the UK government periodically reviews its immigration framework, students planning