How to Go to the UK to Study Without a Lot of Money?
Many Pakistani students dream of studying in the United Kingdom. But due to monetary constraints, many of those with talent tend to renounce it without trying at all. The best thing about living in the UK to study is that you don’t need to have loads of money—provided you are planning smartly and using effective strategies. In this guide, we’ll explore affordable pathways to study in the UK and explain how to clearly present why you want to study in the UK, which is essential in both scholarship and visa applications.
1. Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships
The UK has a number of fully funded scholarships for foreign students to cover tuition, living expenses, and even airfare. These include:
- Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate)
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Saltire Scholarships (Scotland)
- GREAT Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships (e.g. University of Glasgow, University of Westminster)
Make sure to submit a strong personal statement explaining why you want to study in the UK, your academic background, and career goals. If you need help crafting your statement, you can get free guidance from our experts at SAUK.
2. Choose Affordable Universities or Cities
Certain universities provide a discount in tuition fees to international students. Moreover, cities outside London—such as Sheffield, Leeds, Cardiff, or Glasgow—offer a much lower cost of living.
Smaller institutions can charge tuition starting from £9,000 to £12,000 per year.
Estimated living expenses outside London: £800–£1,000/month.
To explore budget-friendly universities, check our Find a UK university page tailored for Pakistani students.
3. Work While Studying
Under a UK Student Visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Many students take advantage of this to partially cover living expenses.
Learn more about work rights and student life on our Study in UK guide.
4. Seek University Fee Waivers or Discounts
Some UK universities offer:
-
Early application discounts
-
Merit-based tuition fee reductions
-
Alumni discounts for postgraduate programs
These reduce your cost of study without needing a full scholarship.
5. Plan Your Finances Smartly
You need to prove sufficient finances to qualify for a student visa. But strategic planning helps cut real costs, such as choosing on-campus housing, using free student support services, or applying early for part-time work.
Also, preparing your UK student visa application with professional support can increase your chances of success.
6. Explore Foundation or Pathway Programs with Scholarships
Some universities offer pathway programs for students who need academic or English language support. These often come with scholarships and are gateways to full degree programs.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to study in the UK without a massive budget. With the right scholarships, affordable universities, part-time work, and proper planning, a world-class UK education is within reach.
At SAUK, we guide Pakistani students every step of the way-from scholarship search to visa application.
Still unsure about how to manage your UK study plans or how to explain your purpose of study?
Contact our expert team now for personalized assistance.
Discover the right course that matches your goals
interests, and future career — with expert guidance from SAUK.
About SAUK
Study Advisers UK (SAUK) is a trusted international education consultancy helping students across Pakistan achieve their dreams of studying abroad. With expert guidance, personalized counselling, and strong partnerships with top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe, SAUK supports students through every step
Study Abroad Steps
Check your eligibility discover the best programs and destinations
study abroad based on your qualifications and goals
