Quick Answer: Leicester offers Pakistani students excellent education opportunities with living costs of £800-1,200 per month, significantly lower than London. The city hosts over 3,000 Pakistani students across universities like University of Leicester and De Montfort University, with strong community support and direct flights to Pakistan available.

Why Leicester is Perfect for Pakistani Students

Leicester stands out as one of the UK's most welcoming cities for international students, particularly those from Pakistan. With its rich multicultural heritage, affordable living costs, and world-class educational institutions, Leicester has become a preferred destination for Pakistani students pursuing higher education in the UK. The city's diverse population of over 350,000 includes one of the largest Pakistani communities outside London, creating a supportive environment for newcomers.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Pakistani students need to know about studying in Leicester, from university options and living costs to cultural integration and career opportunities in 2026.

Top Universities in Leicester for Pakistani Students

University of Leicester

Ranked among the top 30 UK universities, the University of Leicester attracts over 1,800 Pakistani students annually. Known for its excellence in medicine, law, and business studies, the university offers:

• IELTS requirement: 6.0 overall (5.5 in each band)
• Tuition fees: £19,750-£24,500 per year for international students
• Notable programs: Medicine, Space Science, Criminology
• Pakistani Alumni Network with over 5,000 graduates

De Montfort University (DMU)

DMU is particularly popular among Pakistani students for its practical approach to education and strong industry connections:

• IELTS requirement: 6.0 overall
• Tuition fees: £15,750-£16,750 per year
• Specialized programs: Fashion Design, Cyber Security, Business
• 40% of international students receive scholarships

Leicester College

For students seeking pathway programs or vocational training:

• Foundation courses leading to university entry
• IELTS requirement: 5.5 overall
• Fees: £8,500-£12,000 per year
• Strong links with local employers

When choosing your institution, you can discover universities that match your academic goals and budget requirements through comprehensive comparison tools.

Cost of Living in Leicester for Pakistani Students

Accommodation Options

University Halls of Residence

• Cost: £110-£180 per week
• Bills included: Yes
• Best for: First-year students

Private Student Accommodation

• Cost: £120-£200 per week
• Modern facilities with gym and study areas
• Popular areas: City Centre, Clarendon Park

House Shares

• Cost: £80-£120 per week
• Bills: £20-£30 extra per week
• Ideal for: Second and third-year students

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown

Category	Cost Range
Accommodation	£320-£800
Food & Groceries	£150-£250
Transportation	£50-£80
Utilities (if not included)	£40-£80
Entertainment	£80-£150
Personal Expenses	£100-£200
Total Monthly	£740-£1,560

Money-Saving Tips for Pakistani Students

1. Shop at Halal supermarkets: Madina Cash & Carry, Al-Noor, and Bismillah offer competitive prices
2. Student discounts: Use UNiDAYS and Student Beans for up to 20% off
3. Cook at home: Pakistani ingredients are readily available and affordable
4. Public transport: Annual bus pass costs £340, saving £200+ compared to monthly tickets

Student Life and Pakistani Community in Leicester

Cultural Integration and Support

Leicester's Golden Mile area hosts the largest concentration of Pakistani businesses and restaurants outside London. The city celebrates major Pakistani festivals including:

• Eid celebrations with community gatherings
• Pakistan Independence Day events (August 14th)
• Diwali festival (shared with Indian community)

Pakistani Student Organizations

• Pakistan Society at University of Leicester (800+ members)
• DMU Pakistani Student Association
• Leicester Pakistani Youth Association
• Regular cultural events and networking opportunities

Religious Facilities

• 15+ mosques across Leicester
• Largest: Masjid Umar (1,500+ capacity)
• Friday prayers available on campus
• Halal food options in all university canteens

Transportation in Leicester

Getting Around the City

Bus Services

• Comprehensive network covering all areas
• Student bus pass: £28.50 per month
• Major operators: Arriva, First Bus, Centrebus

Cycling

• Student bike schemes available
• Cost: £50-£150 for a good second-hand bike
• Cycle lanes throughout the city

Walking

• City center universities within 20-minute walk
• Most student areas easily walkable

Travel to Pakistan

• East Midlands Airport: 30 minutes from Leicester
• Direct flights to Karachi and Lahore via Emirates, Qatar Airways
• Average return ticket: £600-£900
• Birmingham Airport alternative: 1 hour by bus

Visa and Immigration Support

Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Students

• Tier 4/Student visa processing time: 15-20 working days
• Required documents: CAS, financial evidence, English proficiency
• Visa fees: £348 plus Immigration Health Surcharge
• Both universities offer dedicated visa support teams

Post-Study Work Opportunities

• Graduate Route visa: 2 years for bachelor's/master's graduates
• PhD graduates: 3 years
• No sponsorship required initially
• Leicester's growing tech and manufacturing sectors offer opportunities

Employment and Career Prospects

Part-time Work During Studies

• Students can work 20 hours per week during term time
• Average hourly rate: £8.50-£12.00
• Popular jobs: Retail, hospitality, tutoring, campus roles
• University career services help find suitable positions

Graduate Career Opportunities

• Leicester's key industries: Manufacturing, textiles, food processing, logistics
• Major employers: Caterpillar, Triumph, ASOS, Next
• Graduate starting salaries: £22,000-£28,000
• Strong alumni networks in Pakistan for future opportunities

Healthcare and Wellbeing

NHS Access

• All international students entitled to NHS services
• Register with local GP upon arrival
• University health centers available
• Mental health support services in multiple languages

Emergency Services

• Leicester Royal Infirmary: Main hospital
• Walk-in centers for non-emergency care
• 24/7 student support helplines

Academic Support Services

Language Support

• Free English language classes for international students
• Academic writing workshops
• Conversation practice groups
• IELTS preparation courses available

Study Support

• Personal academic tutors assigned
• Library resources accessible 24/7
• Study skills workshops
• Peer mentoring programs

Studying in Leicester offers Pakistani students an ideal combination of academic excellence, cultural familiarity, and affordability. With its strong Pakistani community, excellent transport links, and diverse career opportunities, Leicester provides the perfect foundation for your UK education journey. Start your application process early and take advantage of the comprehensive support services available to ensure a successful transition to student life in this vibrant city.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 3,000 Pakistani students study in Leicester across all institutions as of 2026

💰 Leicester living costs are 35% lower than London, averaging £800-1,200 per month

🎓 85% of Leicester graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation

🏠 Student accommodation costs range from £320-800 per month with bills included

✈️ Direct flights to Pakistan available from nearby East Midlands Airport (30 minutes away)

🕌 Leicester has 15+ mosques and the largest Pakistani community outside London

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Leicester as a Pakistani citizen?

Pakistani students need to apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in Leicester. First, receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your chosen university. Then apply online through the UK government website, providing financial evidence of £1,334 per month for living costs plus tuition fees, English language proficiency proof, and academic qualifications. The process typically takes 15-20 working days and costs £348 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Both University of Leicester and DMU offer dedicated visa support teams to help Pakistani students through this process.

What is the Pakistani student community like in Leicester?

Leicester has one of the strongest Pakistani communities in the UK outside London, with over 3,000 Pakistani students across all institutions. The city's Golden Mile area hosts numerous Pakistani businesses, restaurants, and cultural centers. Student organizations like the Pakistan Society at University of Leicester have 800+ members and organize regular cultural events, Eid celebrations, and Pakistan Independence Day festivities. The community provides excellent support for new arrivals, helping with accommodation, local orientation, and social integration.

How much does it cost to live in Leicester as a Pakistani student?

Pakistani students can expect to spend £800-1,200 per month living in Leicester, which is 35% cheaper than London. Accommodation ranges from £320-800 monthly (university halls to private housing), food and groceries cost £150-250 monthly (with halal options readily available), and transportation is £50-80 monthly. Many Pakistani students save money by sharing houses (£80-120 per week), shopping at local halal supermarkets like Madina Cash & Carry, and cooking traditional Pakistani meals at home with easily available ingredients.

What are the best universities in Leicester for Pakistani students?

The University of Leicester is most popular among Pakistani students, ranking in the top 30 UK universities with over 1,800 Pakistani students and strong programs in medicine, law, and business. De Montfort University offers excellent value with 40% of international students receiving scholarships and strong industry connections. Leicester College provides pathway programs for students needing foundation courses. All institutions have dedicated support for Pakistani students, halal food options, prayer facilities, and active Pakistani student societies.

How easy is it to find halal food and mosques in Leicester?

Leicester is extremely accommodating for Pakistani Muslim students. The city has 15+ mosques, with Masjid Umar being the largest with 1,500+ capacity. All universities provide halal food options in their canteens, and the Golden Mile area has numerous Pakistani restaurants and halal supermarkets including Madina Cash & Carry, Al-Noor, and Bismillah. Friday prayers are available on campus, and the strong Muslim community means religious observance is well-supported throughout the city.

Can I work while studying in Leicester and what are the job prospects after graduation?

Pakistani students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, earning £8.50-12.00 per hour in roles like retail, hospitality, or campus jobs. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa allows 2 years of unrestricted work (3 years for PhD graduates). Leicester's growing tech, manufacturing, and logistics sectors offer graduate opportunities with starting salaries of £22,000-28,000. Major employers include Caterpillar, ASOS, Next, and Triumph, while strong alumni networks provide connections back to Pakistan.

Key Takeaways

✅ Leicester offers 35% lower living costs than London while maintaining high-quality education standards

✅ Strong Pakistani community of 3,000+ students provides excellent cultural and social support

✅ Multiple university options from top-ranked University of Leicester to affordable Leicester College

✅ Excellent transport links with direct flights to Pakistan and comprehensive local bus network

✅ Abundant halal food options, 15+ mosques, and active Pakistani student organizations

✅ Graduate Route visa provides 2-3 years post-study work opportunities with good career prospects