Studying in the UK offers a path to a promising future, with world-ranked universities providing innovative teaching methods and an unforgettable student experience. Additionally, post-study work opportunities enhance the overall appeal, making the UK an ideal destination for higher education.

Why study in the UK

• The UK is globally renowned for its top-notch education in an evolving, lively and encouraging multicultural learning environment.  
• UK universities are among the best in the world and the country’s higher education has a long history of being of the highest caliber.  
• The UK offers a diverse variety of programs, from bachelor’s to doctorate level.  
• The UK ranks among the top five countries globally for industry-university collaboration, and a degree from a UK university includes practical work placements, giving you a head start in the real world. 
• You will gain a competitive edge through work placements, volunteer opportunities, internships, and university societies, 
• Most importantly, the new Graduate Route lets you stay in the UK for two years after you graduate, allowing you to advance your career in the UK.

Top universities in the UK; rankings and fees

It’s essential to consider the general cost structure for the course you want to study and the global university rankings when choosing your university. This enables you to assess and understand the rankings of universities and the position of your preferred school on the world map. The top universities in the UK, as listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025, are as follows:

Institution	QS Ranking 2025 (Globally)
University of Oxford	3
The University of Cambridge	5
Imperial College London	2
UCL (University College London)	9
The University of Edinburgh	27
The University of Manchester	34
King’s College London	40
London School of Economics   and Political Science (LSE)	50
The University of Warwick	69
University of Bristol	54

The best courses to study in the UK

The UK is well known for providing high-quality education in various subjects. The following are some of the most popular courses offered in the UK:

• Business Analytics 
• Data Science 
• Computer Science 
• Master’s in management 
• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) 
• Finance 
• Accounting 
• Law 
• Architecture  
• Engineering 
•  Interior Designing 

Highest paying degrees in the UK

In the UK, certain degrees have a higher earning potential, even though salaries can vary based on industry and experience. Among these are degrees in:

• Medicine 
• Economics 
• Engineering 
• Computer Science 
• Business  
• Law

Remember that factors such as individual skills, market demand and career advancement also affect employability and salary.

Intakes in the UK

Several intakes are available to international students all year long, giving them flexibility in their selection. There are three primary intakes:

• January to April 
• April to June 
• September to December

Admission requirements in the UK for Pakistani students

When applying to a university in the UK, you’ll need to send in some important documents, like:

• Your official academic certificates 
• Personal statement or (statement of purpose) 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Resume 
• Passport Copy 

Check whether your qualifications are recognised in the UK and/or if you need an equivalency certificate.

Cost of studying and living in the UK

Cost of studying in the UK

The cost of studying in the UK depends on the type of degree and the institution or university attended. The UK is home to various prestigious educational institutions, each setting its tuition fees. Take a look at the average fees to study at a university there:

Study Program	Average Annual Tuition Fees in GBP
Bachelor’s degree	10,000 to 20,000
Master’s degree	10,000 to 20,000
Doctoral degree	15,000 to 24,000

Cost of living in the UK

You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergencies.

You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget: 

Expenses	Approximate Cost (monthly)
Bills (electric, gas, water)	£40 to £50
Food and housekeeping	£160 to £200
TV licence (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online)	£12.56 (£150.50 per year)
Mobile phone	£15 to £50
Clothes and shoes	£25
Leisure & sports (calculated based on the students’ sports centre membership fees)	£10 to £20
Books & stationery	£21
Socialising	£120
Travel & transport (based on the monthly cost of a student bus pass)	£32
Childcare (if needed)	£656

Complete Process to Change University in Pakistan

---

🎓 1. Is Changing University Allowed in Pakistan?

Yes, students are allowed to change universities in Pakistan, but the process depends on:

• University policies (both current and new)
• Program type (BS, MS, MBBS, etc.)
• Credit transfer rules
• Availability of seats in the new university

---

✅ 2. Basic Eligibility Criteria:

• Your current university must be HEC-recognized
• Minimum CGPA of 2.0–2.5+ (varies by university)
• You must have valid reasons for the transfer (personal, academic, relocation, etc.)
• Your degree program and course content must be similar/same

---

📋 3. Required Documents:

You will need the following:

• Transcript / Provisional Result (from current university)
• NOC (No Objection Certificate)
• Migration Certificate
• Course outlines/syllabi of completed subjects
• CNIC/B-Form copy
• Passport-sized photos
• Application letter stating reasons for transfer

---

🔁 4. Credit Transfer Process:

• The new university will review your previous course content
• They will approve transferable credits if the syllabus matches
• You might have to repeat unmatched subjects
• Some universities cap how many credits you can transfer

---

📦 5. Migration & Admission Process:

1. Apply for NOC and Migration Certificate from your current university
2. Submit a Migration/Transfer Application to the new university
3. New university will verify your documents and transcripts
4. If approved, you’ll get an Admission Offer Letter
5. You’ll be issued a new roll number and added to the relevant semester

---

🗓️ 6. When Should You Change?

• Best time: At the end of a semester or academic year
• Most universities allow transfers only in early semesters
• MBBS/LLB programs have stricter transfer rules (require permission from PMC/HEC/legal bodies)

---

⚠️ 7. Important Notes:

• Each university has its own transfer/migration policy
• Always consult the admission office before starting the process
• Some universities do not accept mid-program transfers

---

💡 8. Extra Tip:

You can check the HEC’s official website for a list of recognized universities and general migration policies.

Complete Process to Study in a UK University from Pakistan

---

🔄 Option 1: Study a UK University Degree While Living in Pakistan (Transnational Education)

Many UK universities offer distance learning or affiliated campus options in Pakistan. Here’s the complete process:

---

✅ Step-by-Step Process (For Studying in Pakistan):

1. Choose a UK-Affiliated Institution in Pakistan

Some UK universities have local campuses or partner institutes in Pakistan. Popular ones include:

• University of London (via British Council & Riphah/Roots)
• University of Hertfordshire (via Global College Lahore)
• University of Bedfordshire (via TMUC)
• University of Northampton (via ICON College)
• NCC Education (with UK diplomas leading to university top-up)

2. Select a Program

Programs available typically include:

• Business Administration
• Law (LLB Hons)
• Computer Science / IT
• Economics / Accounting & Finance
• Psychology / Social Sciences

3. Check Entry Requirements

• Intermediate (FA/FSc) or A-Levels required
• Some may accept 2-year BA for top-up degrees
• English Proficiency (IELTS/Equivalent) sometimes required

4. Apply to the Local Institute

• Submit your academic documents
• CNIC/B-form
• Application form
• Application fee (if any)

5. Enrollment & Study

• Attend classes in Pakistan (taught under UK standards)
• Give exams supervised by British Council or UK board
• Degree awarded directly by UK university

6. Degree Awarding

• You receive a UK-verified degree (same as on-campus students in the UK)
• Recognized worldwide (including HEC Pakistan if verified)

---

📌 Benefits:

• Save huge costs (no travel or visa)
• UK-standard education in Pakistan
• British Council supervision in many cases
• Easy pathway to UK postgraduate admission later

---

🔄 Option 2: Start Your Studies in Pakistan and Transfer to the UK

You can:

• Study Year 1 or 2 in Pakistan through an affiliated program
• Transfer to the UK campus to complete your degree

This is called a 2+1 or 1+2 arrangement

---

🧾 Documents You Need:

• Matric & Inter (or O/A Level Equivalents)
• Valid Passport & CNIC
• English proficiency (IELTS 5.5+)
• Statement of Purpose (for some programs)
• Academic Transcripts
• Admission letter (offered by the local or UK university)

Top Universities in the UK and China – QS World Rankings 2025

Country	Institution Name	QS World Ranking 2025
🇬🇧 UK	Imperial College London	2
🇬🇧 UK	University of Oxford	3
🇬🇧 UK	University of Cambridge	5
🇬🇧 UK	UCL (University College London)	9
🇬🇧 UK	University of Edinburgh	27
🇬🇧 UK	University of Manchester	34
🇬🇧 UK	King’s College London	40
🇬🇧 UK	University of Bristol	54
🇬🇧 UK	London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	50
🇬🇧 UK	University of Warwick	69
🇨🇳 China	Tsinghua University	25
🇨🇳 China	Peking University	27
🇨🇳 China	Fudan University	39
🇨🇳 China	Zhejiang University	44
🇨🇳 China	Shanghai Jiao Tong University	51
🇨🇳 China	University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)	94
🇨🇳 China	Nanjing University	133
🇨🇳 China	Tongji University	217