FAQ's: About UK

What is IELTS?

International English Language Test as Second language: You must score an overall 6. There are four session in the test;

• Talking: last session, an interview will talk friendly about any matter he/she select, normally ordinary talks about your life, country's debatable issues, etc.

• Listening: A cassette recorder will be played and you will listen the few paragraphs and then you have to answer on the paper.

• Reading: Read and write the answers from the selected answers [mostly objective type, multiple choice answers].

Although many universities prefer to have this test cleared yet some universities or colleges [not very high standard, perhaps] do not ask for it. However, one must prepare for this test to see their skills. After all it will be you and only you who will face the language problem in UK while getting education. There  you cannot afford to waste time to learn ENGLISH.

What is visitor's visa?

A visa that is required if you want to come as a visitor, normally for visiting friends, family in UK. Normal valid duration is SIX months but they can be a multiple visa that is valid for 2 to 5 years BUT the family/visa holder has to return back to country of origin after every trip [not exceeding 6 months]. During your stay if you got admission in any UK university or college and also proved your enough funds then you may be allowed student visa BUT immigration office may/will ask you to go back to your country of origin to get entry clearance/VISA.

How I will get my Visa extended?

Once you are issued the student visa, if it is for ONE year or SIX months and you have proceeded to UK, the Immigration authorities will extend it according to your academic duration. If they did not do it, you need to go to nearest VISA office in UK with the supporting letters and documents. Normally a letter from tutor/ supervisor and Financial support letter/ Bank statements are enough. Don't forget to take with you, your passport+ ID card of university/ college.

Shall I need to sort out my accommodation?

YES, if you get accommodation it will be a plus point for visa [if the sponsor provides accommodation, he/she must write a letter to Immigration authorities about it, a copy of the same to you. University may offer the accommodation that may be expensive in the first instance but can prove a valid option.

How much money I need to get my Visa?

Contact your via office and check it. Roughly the monthly expenses of an average students (excluding tuition fees) is about £400. This includes your food, booze, living, travel etc. So for a course of a year £400x 12months= £4800+. This way if you have to pay a tuition fee (i.e. £10,000) then you should have £15,000 CASH in your personal account. However, this does not mean that you will  use this all money during your stay in UK. You are allowed to do some part-time work 20hours per week and you can earn about £400 per month. BUT UK government does not guarantee jobs for you and therefore it wants to make sure that you have sufficient funds for everything during your stay in UK.

Ask details from Visa Office or check online Karachi

Who can sponsor me?

Anyone living in UK having substantial bank account [i.e., can afford your educational +living expenses]. The person may or may not be your relative but surely has money more than your expenses [i.e. £10,000 Education+ £7,000 Living+ 1,000 travel expenses] or overall income more than £25,000 per year. If your relative is settled in UK and sponsoring you then there may be 80% chances that your visa could be refused. Assuming that you will also try to settle in UK after completion of education [as many have done in the past and now they are burden on UK government. therefore British government wants no further burden on their system. It is therefore advised to find a sponsor [anyone but not blood relative in UK] and anyone anywhere else.

Who can finance me?

anyone who got fat bank account (i.e. more than Rs: 50,00,000 or nearest in rolling/operation), not just big cars or bungalows or huge land.

My relative or friend is living in UK, How can he benefit me?

They can provide you a letter for the visit, You go to UK and apply for admission in Colleges/ universities. After getting admission letter, enrolment letter, get some bank statements and go to Immigration office to change your visa status. But there may be slim chance as 90% people are asked to go back and get entry clearance/visa from the country of origin.

What is the measure/ checking procedure for the letter of the sponsor? 

There is actually no formal procedure to check the letters. All has to be trusted as you put forward. Mainly the officer interviewing you will find out about all the documents through your talk and original letter. They can confirm by Phone/ fax/ email if they get any doubt about any document. Normally they just check the documents on spot. But due to many fake bank statement they usually contact the main branch of the bank or state bank and confirm the bank statement.

Where I can find the application forms to apply for visa-applications?

Go online to get all the documents.

Where I can buy tickets from? How much does it cost?

Online ticket in Karachi, may be little bit dodgy or expensive. Its advised to visit few travel agents to check the latest airfares, check different carriers (i.e. flights, countries).

I bought tickets, DO I have to confirm and re-confirm that dates afterwards?

Yes, before you actually fly you need to confirm and reconfirm 72 hours before actual flight.

What flights are available from Sindh to UK?

Check with local travel agent. These may be: PIA. Jordanian. Emirates, Saudi, Gulf, Uzbek, etc

Where can I exchange local currency to British Pounds (£) in Sindh? 

Its better if you buy foreign exchange currency from authorised dealers [it may be expensive but you are sure that the pounds you get are 100% genuine. Seek assistance from someone you know in any bank.

What shall I do if my flight is delayed for more than 12 hours?

Do not panic but simply contact the dealer or agent from whom you purchased ticket.

What things I should bring with me, if I am coming to UK?

Good question! but it depends on the flight allowed carriage/weight. Normally up to 40Kgs are allowed. Try to get some basic things. Clothes are very expensive in UK, try to get winter/summer clothes, undergarments, sewing kit, shoe, a simple kitchen/cocking set, few basic books [dictionary: Sindhi-English pocket size, English-English].

What things I MUST NOT carry with me?

Heavy, large and bulky items. Fragile/breakable or glass objects [Petroleum product, knifes/scissors or any sharp object in hand carry]

Shall I bring my text books with me?

Yes but not all, ask your tutor/teacher of seniors what is more relevant.

What else I shall bring from Sindh?

Buy some souvenirs [ajrak and Sindhi topi (few), few postcards, a cultural dress shalwar kameez). You will need few to gift your supervisor/tutor. they love gifts [not as a bribe] sometime when there are any event or festival (i.e.eid/diary/holy/x'mas etc).

What gifts (low-cost) shall I buy for my University officials before leaving Sindh? Is it necessary?

Not necessary but it is friendly gesture to buy some scholarly objects [i.e. historical map, poster, postcards, artefacts etc.

What habits are expenses in UK, Shall I quit them before departure?

Smoking is the most expensive in UK [£5+ a pack of 24 cigarettes], Drinking [although cheap but quite expensive as a student. Betting, Casino and all time-wasting activities.

How can I get admission in UK Universities or Colleges?

See the details on the front of page Search UK universities for admission. Select the information from the top panels and select university from the map. Expensive living near to central London or capital cities but more chances of part-time jobs. A balance has to be made while making a choice.

Where can I get latest information about academic institutions in UK?

Visit official webpage of British council in UK Check the details of institute/college/university with British Council

Can I get admission in University over internet (i.e., online applications)?

Most universities have now made online access available, however in some cases you download a pdf/word format application form, fill it, print it and send by post or send the electronic copy by email.

Is there any agency or organization which deals with university/ college admission process?

Yes! UCAS but they charge for this service and selected universities are quite expensive. its better to search yourself. take some time out for few days to do a good search. Check the listed colleges/universities online http://www.ucas.com/instit/index.html

Is there way to apply for admission in selected academic institutions though some agencies?

Yes in Karachi there are more than 200 offices and 350 agents of colleges and universities of UK. The official agents may not charge their fees/commission but private agents may charge you about Rs. 20,000 for visa application guidance, sponsorship information, admission in university and their time. It may be noted that they mostly charge a fee for admission in universities where many universities offer FREE admissions. It is therefore advised to search for the admission. It is worth to mention that some black-market business people also offer sponsorship letters and may charge you about Rs. 100,000 for sponsorship letter, bank statements etc. Be aware that British Council office have all the details of previous sponsors and fake sponsor will not only make your visa refused BUT MAY CAUSE A RED STAMP ON YOUR PASSPORT FOR PROVIDING FAKE DOCUMENTS.

What is the benefit of applying for admission through agencies?

Lazy people feel it simple whereas wealthy people think time-saving.

How much does education cost in UK?

It depends upon the courses you select to do. Don't worry too much before visa application. I know many students who came to UK with only £200 and then they managed their expensive degrees, besides sending some £££ to their family back home. So not to worry too much about the cost.

How much is the Tuition fee and Is it different for each institution?

A minimum annual tuition fee varies for different courses but a rough estimate is given here as; £5,000 colleges, £10,000 universities

I do not have all the money at the moment to get full admission in UK university or college, can I pay later after my arrival in UK?

Yes, discuss with the university/college and get a document to prove that the remaining fees will be paid in instalments.

How do I know about the rank/ standard of education in a particular institute?

This is good to learn if you are planning a higher degree course. There is a rating system in UK called RAE [Research assessment exercise] organised by HERO [Higher Education & Research opportunities . The RAE assesses the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK. It takes place every four to five years and the last exercise was held in 2001. Visit for details about any department or institute of university or college registered in UK http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/

Can I change the institution after arriving in UK?

Yes you can BUT be careful with your selection as many universities/colleges do not refund full fees and may charge you their administrative charges [even up to 50%]. Therefore read and understand your liabilities before you sign the application form and send them a draft. Most of such information can be found in terms and conditions, a large paragraphs mostly written in small prints, hiding huge blunders!

I am not satisfied with my tutor/ supervisor, what should I do?

Yes you can BUT since we live in the same world and the tutors/supervisors in the same department are actually colleagues. They know each other for many good years, therefore they will tell the real stories to each other and may not justify heartily your change over. There could be chances of being victimised or racially abused if you used hard or impolite language and do not want to continue with the same tutor/supervisor.

I am not feeling easy in the course I am enrolled, Can I change it?

Yes you can. Ask your tutor

I got illness during a course, change I get sick-leave?

Yes you can, It is advised to keep all the record of your absences, sick-leaves, emails, sms, text messages etc as some times the university may ask you to produce evidence of such dates if you get into troubles of short of attendance.

Is it necessary to get good attendance in the class? how much % is it?

Yes, it is necessary to get 80% or above to get permission for examination form.

Can I do part-time job? Is there any limitation?

Yes, 20 hours (max) per week with minimum wages about higher than £5 an hour. However, more recently things have changed significantly as people from Eastern European countries have been allowed to come UK for settlement and work. This influx has potentially reduced the chances of our overseas students to do part-time work. It is therefore advised to learn useful skilled courses to get part-time jobs. (i.e. E-ticket reservation, issuing, e-postal, e-shopping, e- e- everything!). E-ticketing from PIA (Karachi, Sindh cost you about Rs;10,000 to 20,000 for a 2-3 weeks crash course). In addition, no sooner you arrive in UK you must also apply for the SIA (security Industry Authority) licence which will enable you to get speedy part time jobs as door supervisor, security and staff. Need more any help in this regard, please email to Sindh2UK to get low-cost courses information and time-saving tips to achieve this qualification.

What is the response of Pakistani and Indian community towards our Students?

Unfortunately, most of the people who belong to Pakistan are doing local business, taxies or other low paid jobs, hence do not expect any financial help. Many of these locals hire overseas students, even illegal migrant at very low rates about £15 a day of 8-12 hours. Therefore it is not advised to look for jobs at their shops or business but search other options such as JOB Centres.

How I can find the best jobs available in UK?

There are local recruiting agencies in your nearest town centre. get registered with them. Visit town centre, look for jobs in JOB CENTRE, visit superstores in the town,

After my admission, I realized that I do qualify for other courses (i.e., MA/MBA/MSc MPhil/ PhD), can I change it?

Yes you can, subject to funds, discuss OPENLY with tutor, do not lie or hide any thing.

I arrived as a visitor, Can I apply for Admission in any Institute? Can I get Studentships?

Yes you can but remember you may be asked to get Visa from the country of origin.

What is Studentship? How I can apply for it?

Studentship is scholarship that covers your tuition fees, maybe living expenses, some pocket money. But it depends on the type of available funding. Mostly there is a serious problem with studentship for students from Sindh or Pakistan or other country other than from Europe. In a hieratical fashion the scholarships are made available to students on priority basis. 1) Local  2)National  3)EU National  4)Commonwealth National and others. Therefore, when students are not available locally, nationally and also in EU then comes your chances. See how hard it may be. BUT there is a good news! If you are the most appropriate candidate there are more chances of getting some studentship after few interviews. Get complete information of the requirements of the studentship and go well prepared. Apply for only those that you think are relevant to you. You will be paid for travelling and living when you go for interviews to different locations.

What facilities I can expect from my institution in UK?

Best Library resources, better laboratory, good internet on campus, average personal office, average teaching skills and poor financial support. The rank may vary from one university to another.

What should I do if I did not get promised facilities from the Institute?

See your tutor or Student union officer

Are there other Sindhis living in UK?

Oh Yes, But there is a problem to locate them if you are new student and selected the institute in an area with small population of Sindhi, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Indians. Since you hardly know anyone therefore being polite you may never communicate with strangers! One good idea is to write an advert in SINDHI language for House WANTED, Shared accommodation etc and display it in student union shop, Mosque or other worship places (don't be offensive to display in temple if you are Muslim), Post office or local shops. Anyone who can read SINDHI Language will definitely contact you to find his/her mate. Alternately search University email server by Sindhi names or surnames [i.e. soomro, memon, kalhoro, khaskhali, waswani, khanchandani etc]. try your's!

Are there other ethnic minorities in UK who speak languages familiar to Sindhis?

Oh yes, Indian origin Sindhi Hindus, to your best surprise 1 out of 20 registered Asian doctors in UK belong to Sindhi ethnic origin. Its is a polite gesture to speak a few words of Sindhi to all people we meet and if the person in front understands the words, s/he will jump in  the joy to know another mate!

Are there worship places in UK?

Yes, in Universities, town centres, ask Student Union for more details

Can I dress my traditional Sindhis shalwar-qamees in institute?

Yes you can but it will be appreciated if you dress casually to let others know if that is special event.

Can I celebrate my religious festivals and events? Will I get holidays on those days?

Yes you can, Ask your tutor/ supervisor for details or arrangement.

How are the Tv programs? The viewing rating? Is is suitable to watch by Muslims or Asians?

Well watch yourself and decide. Mostly programmes on BBC Channels before 7pm are rated V. GOOD, but after 9:00PM may be suitable to adults

Are their any Tv/ satellite channels for Asian Muslims or minorities?

Many Indians, Pakistani channels (not KTN or Sindh channels yet using SKYDISH) [mostly charged]. But if you have a large dish you can set the location and view these channels. Recently in 2006, a Sindhi programme from DM Digital Channel Manchester UK has been started that transmit live programme "Sindhi Mehfil" and anyone can telephone and ask the host reasonable question. [sky mini dish Channel 841, between 4pm-5pm WED, and also repeats on Sat/Sun]. visit for more details:  http://www.dmdigitaltv.com/

Can I watch KTN or Sindh Channels in UK?

If you have big dish antenna you can watch KTN Sindhi Satellite channel.

What Asian local papers are available in UK?

Urdu/English newspaper but internet edition of Sindhi Newspapers, Magazines and Literature is also available.

Do the academic institutions in UK respect our cultural values, officially?

Yes, they do respect officially but do not show strong emotions.

Is UK a secular state?

NO. Official religion of UK is Christianity.

Can I change my religion? Is there any benefit in doing it?

No comments about personal data, none bothers with your religion, but respect what you worship.

Can I seek asylum in UK if I arrive as overseas student?

Not anymore! You have to claim asylum when you land and approach the authorities if you have any intention of seeking asylum. The UK asylum body may displace and interview depending on the situation. Otherwise they simply deport you in next available flight.

Can I marry a British girl? Will I get British passport in doing so?

Yes you can, After completion of one year living together she can apply for your passport.

What is Halal food? where can I get it?

Muslim food [chicken, beef, lamb etc]. Now available to many superstores!

Can I get my Sindhi style food from local shops?

'Sindhi Briyani' is quite famous in Asian Restaurants

Where can I find other Sindhi students in UK?

Try internet groups, listen Asian radio broadcasting

Why should I show my Sindhi culture and attitude to English and other nationals?

Oh Yes, show what are you and your fore fathers were!

Should I be proud to exhibit myself as Sindhi?

There is no shame to expose who you are!

Where I can find Sindhi Newspapers in UK?

Currently online www.dailyibrat.com www.dailykawish.com www.awamiawaz.com

What is the best present for the people who never visited Sindh?

postcards of Mohan-jo-daro, Sindhi Ajrak printing process http://www.ajrak.org/  Visit the list of online Sindhi Magazines

My plane had landed safely, what should I do now?

Proceed to immigration control office [every one rushes to reach there ASAP since there will be a big queues. Look for the lane other than UK National or EU National. Then proceed to Baggage collection to get your luggage.

I arrived in UK, What thing should I do first ?

Buy a phone card from internet or local shop and phone home for your safe arrival.

Where can I live in UK?

You must plan and organise your accommodation before you depart.

How much money do I need for living to survive in UK?

About £400-£500 a month

How much money do I need for my educational expenses?

£10-100 per month (other than Tuition fee)

I am married but my spouse is in Sindh, How can I get 'em in UK?

First thing first. Just settle down for 3 months, look for job, get proper accommodation and then you may consider sharing with a family. You BY LAW are allowed to bring/sponsor family [spouse/children] but you need to show that you can afford them as well.

Can my spouse do part time job?

Oh yes, even full-time job, many come to help their partners to study peacefully while they earn

Can my spouse get admission in any institution in UK to get more qualification?

Yes, they can.

My spouse faces difficulties to learn and understand language, Are there any free courses to improve his/her skills?

The local council run some basic courses of English, sewing, computer, cooking, fashion classes for ladies. Ask details from local library in your nearest town.

My children were enrolled in Sindh at schools and colleges, Can they continue their education in UK?

Yes they can. It is advised to secure their placement before their arrival in UK. Visit nearest school and discuss options with head of the school.

What shall I do to get my children placed in school in UK?

Nothing special, visit a nearest school for more details.

Can I get my children in the school nearest to my living area?

Yes you can.

I am sponsored by Sindh-Pakistan Government, or others, what will happen if I lose that sponsorship?

You will soon realise that the scholarship you get is not enough and therefore you also work part-time. You may earn more than you get from scholarship. therefore it will not be  disaster if they stop your funding. You will survive!

Can I get scholarship from UK universities/ associations or organizations?

Yes you can, keep your academic record good, be active, apply in time as required.

Shall I rent a house or share with other people?

Renting a full house may not be a good idea. Sharing is economical and socialisable as well.

I witness an accident/ incident, where shall I report?

You can report to police, keep the crime-report telephone numbers handy.

What telephony service may be available to me from University?

Local, may be national calls free of charge

Where should I go for medical registration?

Visit the local library to get information about your nearest medical centre [generally known as Surgery and doctor is called GP General Practitioner]

Where can I buy medicine? and do I need any prescription from GP?

From register chemist, superstores, yes for some high profile medicine you need a prescription from your GP.

Will I get any free medicine?

As an overseas student, when you fill application form of NHS [National Health Service] you will qualify for free prescription [£6.50 per prescription otherwise]. Get application from from your local medical centre or Student union office. Also fill application form for FREE Prescription for Dental and eye care services.

What Medical record I have to bring to UK for the immigrations authorities to ease the process? Is it necessary?

If you have any long illness, otherwise simply an X-ray of chest and some medical history from a registered Doctor is enough

What documents are accepted as my ID in UK?

Pakistani Passport as Travel ID, International Driving License, after your arrival in UK, please apply for a provisional driving License [visit local post office or library for further information].

My Pakistani passport expires, where should I go for renewal in UK?

Nearest Pakistani High Commission, Embassy http://www.pakmission-uk.gov.pk

My passport is misplaced, stolen or lost, what should I do?

Report is to police [if lost/stolen] and get a crime-number and visit the nearest Pakistani High Commission, Embassy http://www.pakmission-uk.gov.pk

I have no resources left in my account, my visa expires, How can I get my visa extended?

Many students suffer but they get away. You will learn when you live there. Come UK and live and you will learn yourself all by legal ways, trust me!

What should I do if I am refused visa?

Go to another office to try your luck. But ask your the officer that you have forgotten that letter which he is asking for, you will be back again on another time. However you require passport for other things and want to keep it with myself. [get the passport and go to another office in another city.

My sponsorship has expired, How should I apply for extension?

You must apply although other may not be any extension.

I am on study leave from my home institute, Do I have to report every year?

Yes, you MUST.

What proof I have to send to home institute to justify my progress?

Ask your tutor/Supervisor to write them a letter of your progress and ongoing activities.

Do I have any obligations to return back to Sindh?

YES, your ancestors want you back to your origin. If you stick your legs in UK, the circumstances (family/finance/social etc) will prove that you do not belong there and then you will automatically look forward to fly back.

What documents I need to get work/ job? Do I need work permit?

For full-time job, you do not apply for work permit but your employer apply for it. For part time job you do not need anything but proof of address, ID, National Insurance Number and may be bank account details and Clean Driving license

NOTE:- It has been tried best to collect possible set of FAQ's based on own and the experiences of several friends, students and locals, who encountered these hardships and found the simple solutions lying already in the system. You may find the order of the FAQ's inconsistent or spontaneous because the valuable information is preferred. There may be several changes from time to time in rules and regulations and thus the system can be changed without any notice. Therefore, it's my sincere suggestions to check the local information available or get in touch with someone reliable.

Sindh2UK do not claim any responsibility if you come across different scenarios or you found the information provided here inappropriate to one that you might require under different circumstances.  The information provided here is based on non-commercial, non-profitable and purely to help those who are unaware of the things happening in United Kingdom.