UK vs Canada for Pakistani students: which study visa fits you?

It depends on course length and whether you hope to settle. Choose the UK if you want a one year master's, a 3 week study visa decision and a fixed funds rule. Choose Canada if you want up to 3 years of post graduation work, a spouse work permit on a longer master's and a defined route from Canadian work to permanent residence. Neither guarantees a visa.

This article is general information, not immigration advice. Via Nova gives personalised Canadian immigration advice only through its licensed RCIC partner, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

How do the UK and Canada study visas compare in 2026?

Figures come from GOV.UK, IRCC, Statistics Canada and university pages listed under Sources, checked in October 2026. Each university sets its own fees in both countries, so tuition is shown through named examples.

What the table does not show is the cap. IRCC planned up to 408,000 study permits for 2026, including 155,000 for new arrivals, and provinces share out PALs among their institutions. Bachelor's degrees, college programmes and master's at private institutions still need a PAL, so ask your institution early when it will issue one. On the UK side, Pakistan is not covered by the visa brake that has stopped Student visas for four other nationalities since March 2026.

Choose the UK if

• You want a one year master's. You pay one year of living costs and can return to work sooner.
• You need a fast decision. The usual wait is 3 weeks, and you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
• Your family prefers a fixed rule. The funds amount and the 28 day rule are written into the Immigration Rules, and an account in a parent's name is allowed with their consent.
• You are single or on a PhD. Taught master's students cannot bring family, so this matters less if you travel alone.
• You hold a 14 year degree plus a master's. Some UK universities, such as Nottingham and Surrey, accept this route on their Pakistan pages, usually with higher grades.

Our guide to UK student visa requirements from Pakistan covers the CAS, TB test and bank statement rules, and the UK Graduate Route guide explains the 18 month change.

Choose Canada if

• You want longer work rights after graduating. A post graduation work permit can run up to 3 years, against 18 months on the UK Graduate visa from 2027.
• You are married and choosing a long master's. A master's of 16 months or longer lets your spouse apply for an open work permit.
• You want a defined route to permanent residence. Canadian work experience can later count under Express Entry, though nothing is automatic.
• You are aiming for a college programme. One year graduate certificates cost around CAD 17,000 to 21,000, though you must check that the field qualifies for a work permit.
• You do not have an IELTS score yet. IRCC sets no test for the study permit, though you will need an approved test later for the work permit.

Our Canada study permit guide covers the PAL, proof of funds and refusal reasons in full.

What mistakes do Pakistani students make when choosing a study visa country?

1. Picking Canada for PR alone. IRCC must be satisfied that your main purpose is to study and that you will leave when your permit ends. IRCC lists failing to show this among the common reasons for refusal.
2. Using old figures. Canada's funds figure was CAD 22,895 until 31 August 2026, and the Islamabad checklist still mentions CAD 10,000. Use CAD 23,448. UK amounts also rise on 30 November 2026.
3. Choosing a college course without checking the field. College graduates need an eligible field of study and CLB 5 for a post graduation work permit. A cheaper course that does not qualify can cost you more later.
4. Moving money in at the last minute. UKVI needs the balance held for 28 days in a row. IRCC asks for 12 months of statements and an explanation of any large recent deposit.
5. Planning a spouse visa without checking the course. A UK taught master's does not allow dependants, and in Canada a one year master's does not give your spouse an open work permit.
6. Taking Canadian immigration advice from unlicensed people. Paid advice must come from a licensed RCIC, a Canadian lawyer or a Quebec notary. You can check any consultant on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants public register.

Not sure where you stand?

Send your grades, budget in rupees and target programme to a Via Nova counsellor on WhatsApp at +92 316 4448062. You will get an honest view of whether the UK or Canada suits your profile, and which documents to prepare first, through our study visa service. Our counsellors are in Lake City Meadows (Ex State Life), next to DHA Phase 5, Lahore, and also advise online. For Canada, personalised immigration advice is given through Via Nova's licensed RCIC partner, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant. Only UKVI or IRCC decides your application.