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United States vs United Kingdom

A side-by-side comparison of tuition, cost of living, work rights, and post-study pathways to help Pakistani students choose between United States and United Kingdom.

Factor
United States
United Kingdom
Bachelor's Tuition Fee
USD 18,000 - USD 35,000 / Year
GBP 12,000 - 25,000 / Year
Master's Tuition Fee
USD 20,000 - USD 45,000 / Year
GBP 15,000 - 32,000 / Year
Cost of Living
Overall living costs vary significantly by state and city; large metro areas like New York or San Francisco can run considerably higher, while college towns in the Midwest or South are generally more affordable, averaging roughly USD 10,000-18,000 per year.
For visa purposes, students must show maintenance funds of GBP 1,334/month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or GBP 1,023/month outside London, in addition to tuition fees.
IELTS Requirement
6.0 - 7.0 overall (varies by university and program level)
Overall 6.0-7.0 (Academic), with no band typically below 5.5-6.0, depending on program level
Part-Time Work Rights
Up to 20 hours/week on-campus during academic sessions; full-time during scheduled breaks
Up to 20 hours per week during term time for most degree-level students
Post-Study Work Visa
Optional Practical Training (OPT) under F-1 status — 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extendable by 24 months (36 months total) for STEM-designated degrees
Graduate Route Visa — 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates
Permanent Residency Pathway
The US has no points-based permanent residency system comparable to Canada or Australia; residency (a Green Card) is obtained mainly through employer sponsorship or family ties, and is not guaranteed after study
The UK does not offer a direct permanent residency pathway like Canada or Australia; settlement is achieved through continuous lawful residence, typically via employment
Student Visa Processing Time
Interview appointment wait times vary; visa issuance itself is typically decided at the interview or within a few weeks if administrative processing is required
Typically 3-8 weeks from the visa application center in Pakistan, though priority services can expedite this
Notable Scholarship
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP))
Chevening Scholarship (UK Government (FCDO))

Top Universities in United States

Northeastern University — Boston, Massachusetts (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Drexel University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Illinois Institute of Technology — Chicago, Illinois (MENTISGO Official Partner University)
Full United States Study Guide →

Top Universities in United Kingdom

University of Southampton — Southampton (MENTISGO Official Partner — Russell Group University)
University of Bath — Bath (MENTISGO Official Partner — Top-Ranked UK University)
University of Exeter — Exeter (MENTISGO Official Partner — Russell Group University)
Full United Kingdom Study Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is cheaper for a Pakistani student: United States or United Kingdom?

Tuition and living costs differ by city and program in both countries. United States typically runs Overall living costs vary significantly by state and city; large metro areas like New York or San Francisco can run considerably higher, while college towns in the Midwest or South are generally more affordable, averaging roughly USD 10,000-18,000 per year. while United Kingdom typically runs For visa purposes, students must show maintenance funds of GBP 1,334/month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or GBP 1,023/month outside London, in addition to tuition fees.. Compare the exact tuition ranges above for your specific program level before deciding.

Q. Which offers better post-study work rights, United States or United Kingdom?

United States offers the Optional Practical Training (OPT) under F-1 status for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), extendable by 24 months (36 months total) for STEM-designated degrees, while United Kingdom offers the Graduate Route Visa for 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates. The better fit depends on your qualification level and long-term career plans — our advisors can map this against your specific profile.

Q. Is it easier to get permanent residency in United States or United Kingdom?

United States: The US has no points-based permanent residency system comparable to Canada or Australia; residency (a Green Card) is obtained mainly through employer sponsorship or family ties, and is not guaranteed after study United Kingdom: The UK does not offer a direct permanent residency pathway like Canada or Australia; settlement is achieved through continuous lawful residence, typically via employment Neither guarantees automatic residency after graduation — both require qualifying work experience and, in most cases, a separate application process.

Q. Can I get a scholarship to study in United States or United Kingdom as a Pakistani student?

Yes. Notable options include Fulbright Foreign Student Program for United States and Chevening Scholarship for United Kingdom. See each country's full destination guide for the complete scholarship list.

Q. What IELTS score do I need for United States compared to United Kingdom?

United States generally requires an IELTS score of 6.0 - 7.0 overall (varies by university and program level), while United Kingdom generally requires Overall 6.0-7.0 (Academic), with no band typically below 5.5-6.0, depending on program level. Many universities in both countries also accept PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or an MOI letter as alternatives — check the specific country guide for details.

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