Affordable MRes Courses in the UK (2025) – Study with Family
Thinking of studying in the UK in 2025? Explore budget-friendly MRes programs and bring your spouse or children through the UK dependent visa route.
Are you passionate about research and planning to pursue a Master of Research (MRes) degree in the UK? The 2025 academic year offers more than just academic advancement — it gives you the opportunity to study affordably and bring your spouse or children with you through the UK’s dependent visa route.
Thanks to updated UK visa regulations, international students enrolling in postgraduate research programs like the MRes can now apply to bring dependents (spouse/partner and children) with them. It’s the perfect balance between academic progress and family unity.
The MRes Advantage: Research Focus and Family-Friendly Policies
An MRes is a postgraduate degree that emphasizes independent research. Unlike taught master's programs, an MRes prepares you with essential research skills, making it ideal for students aiming for PhD studies or a research-based career. It’s a structured, immersive experience tailored to your chosen field.
A major benefit in 2025 is that students on postgraduate research degrees — including the MRes — can now bring their dependents to the UK. This policy makes it easier for you to maintain family life while focusing on your academic goals.
Finding an Affordable MRes: Tuition Fees and Funding Opportunities
The cost of MRes programs in the UK for international students varies, typically ranging between £15,000 and £30,000+ per year. Fortunately, several universities offer quality MRes programs at lower tuition rates, and a number of scholarships can help reduce the financial burden.
Affordable MRes Programs (2025/26 Tuition Fees):
- University of Gloucestershire – approx. £13,425/year
- Teesside University – approx. £14,000/year (Clinical Research)
- Sheffield Hallam University – approx. £17,725/year (Social Research)
- Edge Hill University – approx. £18,000/year
- University of Manchester – approx. £21,500/year (Management)
- Aston University – approx. £22,500/year (Biosciences)
Scholarships for Pakistani Students
Several UK scholarships are available specifically for Pakistani students pursuing one-year postgraduate programs, including MRes:
✅ GREAT Scholarship: £10,000 tuition support at select universities.
✅ Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded UK government scholarships for future leaders.
✅ Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from Pakistan and other Commonwealth countries.
✅ University Scholarships:
- Wolverhampton: Lord Paul Excellence Scholarship, regional scholarships
- Gloucestershire: Global Scholarship program
Participating universities in the GREAT Scholarship + MRes programs:
- University of Gloucestershire
- University of Wolverhampton
- Aston University
- University of Manchester
- University of Glasgow
- Keele University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Teesside University
- University of Nottingham
- Imperial College London
Always check individual university websites and the British Council's GREAT Scholarship page for up-to-date course and funding info.
Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
To be eligible for MRes programs in the UK, Pakistani students typically need:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year degree from an HEC-recognized university, or in some cases, a 2-year Bachelor’s + 2-year Master’s. Minimum GPA depends on the university — usually equivalent to a UK 2:1 or 2:2.
- Gloucestershire: 3 or 4-year degree with minimum GPA 3.0
- Wolverhampton: 4-year Bachelor’s or combined 2+2 setup
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5 or 6.0
- Research Proposal: Required for some MRes programs to outline your research interest
You can also find student visa application process at https://thetravelscript.co.uk/2025/07/05/uk-student-visa-2025-step-by-step-application-guide
Bring Your Family: The Dependent Visa
One of the key advantages of choosing an MRes in 2025 is the ability to accompany your family during your studies.
Who qualifies as a dependent?
- Your spouse or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner (long-term)
- Your children under 18 years old
Financial Requirements:
To apply for dependent visas, you must show that you can financially support each dependent:
- Outside London: £680/month per dependent (up to 9 months)
- Inside London: £845/month per dependent
You’ll need to hold this amount in your bank account for a specific period before applying.
Final Thoughts
An MRes in the UK offers more than academic progression — it opens the door to research, personal growth, and the chance to keep your loved ones close. With generous scholarships, family-friendly visa rules, and many affordable programs, 2025 is the ideal year for Pakistani students to make their dream a reality.
Start exploring your options now and prepare to begin a life-changing journey — with your research goals in sight and your family by your side.