UK Student Visa: Complete Application Guide

Studying in the UK opens doors to world-class education, international career opportunities, and clear pathways to long-term immigration. British universities consistently rank among the global top, and the UK's post-study work options—particularly the Graduate visa—make it an attractive destination for ambitious students.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the UK Student visa application in 2026, from initial requirements to post-graduation options.

For a complete overview of all UK immigration routes, see our Complete Guide to Moving to the UK.

Who Needs a Student Visa?

The Student visa is for non-UK nationals aged 16 or over who:

• Have an unconditional offer from a licensed UK education provider
• Are studying a full-time course at an eligible level
• Can prove English language ability and financial maintenance

You don't need this visa if:

• You're an Irish citizen
• You have EU pre-settled or settled status
• You're studying a short course (under 6 months) on a Standard Visitor visa

Child Student visa: Students aged 4-17 at independent schools apply for the Child Student visa instead.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before you begin, ensure you meet these core requirements:

1. Unconditional offer from a licensed Student sponsor
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
3. English language at the required level for your course
4. Financial evidence: Tuition fees + living costs
5. ATAS certificate (for certain STEM postgraduate courses)

Let's examine each requirement in detail.

1. Course and Institution Requirements

Licensed Student Sponsors

Your education provider must hold a Student sponsor licence from UK Visas and Immigration. You can verify this on the Register of Licensed Sponsors (Students).

Most UK universities are licensed sponsors, but always verify, especially for:

• Private colleges
• Language schools
• Pathway providers

Course Level Requirements

Your course must be at an eligible level:

| Age | Minimum Course Level | |-----|---------------------| | 18+ | RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) | | 16-17 | RQF Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) |

Eligible courses include:

• Undergraduate degrees (Bachelor's)
• Postgraduate degrees (Master's, PhD)
• Foundation programmes
• Pre-sessional English courses (if leading to degree-level study)
• Professional qualifications

Generally NOT eligible:

• Part-time courses
• Distance learning courses
• Courses below the minimum level (for your age)

2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

The CAS is an electronic record assigned by your institution—similar to the Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Workers.

What the CAS Contains

• Your personal details
• Course details (title, level, duration)
• Tuition fees and amounts paid
• Whether your institution is certifying maintenance
• Study start date
• ATAS requirement (if applicable)

Getting Your CAS

1. Apply to university and receive unconditional offer
2. Accept the offer and pay any required deposit
3. Meet all conditions (English test, qualifications)
4. Institution issues CAS through the Sponsor Management System

Timing: Apply for your visa within 6 months of CAS assignment. Most students receive their CAS 1-3 months before course start.

Important CAS Rules

• Valid for 6 months from assignment date
• Contains a unique reference number you'll enter in your visa application
• Information must match your visa application exactly

Pro tip: Double-check every detail on your CAS before applying. Errors can cause delays or refusals.

3. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English ability at the level required for your course.

Minimum Levels

| Course Type | Minimum Level | |-------------|--------------| | Degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) | B2 CEFR | | Below degree level | B1 CEFR | | Pre-sessional English | As specified by institution |

How to Prove English

Option 1: Approved Test

Accepted tests for immigration purposes:

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
• PTE Academic UKVI
• LanguageCert International ESOL
• Trinity ISE

Typical B2 scores:

• IELTS: 5.5-6.5 overall (varies by university)
• PTE: 51-58

Important: You need IELTS for UKVI, not standard IELTS Academic.

Option 2: SELT Exemption

You may be exempt if you have:

• A UK degree
• A degree taught in English from a majority English-speaking country
• Previous study in the UK at degree level

Option 3: Nationality Exemption

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries don't need to prove English.

Option 4: Institution Assessment

Some universities can assess your English themselves (but this doesn't exempt you from visa requirements—check with your institution).

University vs. Visa Requirements

Universities often have higher English requirements than the visa minimum. You must meet both:

• Your university's entry requirement (e.g., IELTS 6.5)
• The visa requirement (B2 = IELTS 5.5 minimum)

4. Financial Requirements

You must prove you can pay for your studies and support yourself.

What You Need to Show

Tuition Fees:

• Amount stated on your CAS
• Minus any amounts already paid

Living Costs:

• London: £1,334 per month
• Outside London: £1,023 per month
• Calculated for up to 9 months

Calculating Your Requirement

Example 1: 1-year Master's in London

• Tuition: £25,000 (£5,000 paid deposit)
• Outstanding tuition: £20,000
• Living costs: £1,334 × 9 = £12,006
• Total needed: £32,006

Example 2: 3-year Bachelor's outside London

• Tuition: £18,000 (£3,000 paid)
• Outstanding tuition: £15,000
• Living costs: £1,023 × 9 = £9,207
• Total needed: £24,207

Evidence Requirements

• Bank statements or official letter showing funds
• Funds held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application
• Must show: name, account number, date, balance, financial institution

Exemptions

You may not need to provide financial evidence if:

• Your institution certifies maintenance on your CAS
• You have official government sponsorship
• You've been in the UK with valid leave for 12+ months

Third-Party Support

If parents or others are funding you:

• Their bank statements are acceptable
• You may need proof of relationship
• You may need a letter confirming they'll support you

5. ATAS Certificate (If Required)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to certain postgraduate courses in sensitive subjects.

Who Needs ATAS

Postgraduate students (Master's or PhD) in subjects that could relate to weapons development:

• Engineering
• Physical sciences
• Computer science (certain areas)
• Technology
• Medicine (certain areas)

Your CAS will indicate if ATAS is required.

How to Apply

1. Apply online through the FCDO website
2. Processing time: approximately 20 working days (can be longer)
3. Free to apply
4. You cannot submit your visa application until you have your ATAS certificate

Important: Apply for ATAS early—it can cause significant delays.

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents

• [ ] Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
• [ ] CAS reference number
• [ ] English language evidence (test certificate, degree, or exemption)
• [ ] Financial evidence (28 days of bank statements, unless exempt)
• [ ] Passport-size photographs

Conditional Documents

• [ ] TB test certificate: Required if from a listed country
• [ ] ATAS certificate: Required for certain postgraduate STEM courses
• [ ] Parental consent: Required if under 18
• [ ] Academic qualifications: If mentioned on your CAS
• [ ] Translations: For documents not in English

Helpful Additional Documents

• [ ] University acceptance letter
• [ ] Accommodation confirmation
• [ ] Evidence of previous UK study
• [ ] Personal statement (if prepared for university application)

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Receive Unconditional Offer

Accept your university offer and meet all conditions (grades, English test, etc.).

Step 2: Pay Deposit (Usually Required)

Most universities require a deposit to secure your place and issue your CAS.

Step 3: Get ATAS Certificate (If Required)

Apply early—allow at least 4 weeks, though it can take longer.

Step 4: Receive Your CAS

Your institution issues your CAS once you've met all their requirements.

Step 5: Gather Documents

Collect all required documents. Book TB test if required.

Step 6: Complete Online Application

Apply at gov.uk/student-visa/apply:

1. Create an account
2. Enter your CAS reference number
3. Complete all sections
4. Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

When to apply: You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts, but no earlier than 6 months after your CAS is assigned.

Step 7: Pay Fees

| Fee Type | Amount | |----------|--------| | Visa application | £490 | | Immigration Health Surcharge (student rate) | £776/year |

Example: 3-year course

• Visa: £490
• IHS: £776 × 3 = £2,328
• Total: £2,818

Step 8: Attend Biometrics Appointment

Book appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC):

• Submit your passport
• Provide fingerprints
• Have your photograph taken

Processing options:

• Standard: ~3 weeks
• Priority: 5 working days (+£500)

Peak season warning: June-September is extremely busy for student visas. Book appointments early.

Step 9: Receive Decision

If approved, you'll receive your passport with a 90-day entry vignette.

Step 10: Travel to the UK

You can arrive:

• 1 week before course start (if course is 6 months or less)
• 1 month before course start (if course is longer than 6 months)

Step 11: Collect BRP or Access eVisa

Collect your Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of arrival, or access your eVisa online.

Costs Breakdown

Government Fees

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa application | £490 | | IHS (student rate) | £776/year |

Your Potential Additional Costs

| Item | Typical Cost | |------|-------------| | IELTS for UKVI | £210 | | TB test (if required) | £50-150 | | Document translations | Varies | | Priority processing | £500 |

University Costs

| Item | Typical Range | |------|--------------| | Undergraduate tuition | £10,000-£38,000/year | | Postgraduate tuition | £12,000-£45,000/year | | MBA | £15,000-£90,000+ |

Living Costs

| Location | Monthly Budget | |----------|---------------| | London | £1,500-£2,500 | | Other major cities | £1,000-£1,800 | | Smaller towns | £800-£1,400 |

Work While Studying

During Term Time

| Course Level | Maximum Hours | |--------------|--------------| | Degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) | 20 hours/week | | Below degree level | 10 hours/week |

During Vacation

Full-time work is permitted during official university vacation periods.

Prohibited Work

You cannot:

• Be self-employed or run a business
• Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• Take a permanent full-time position
• Do work that prevents you completing your studies

Work Placements

Work placements that are part of your course:

• Must be assessed
• No more than 50% of course length (33% for below-degree)
• Don't count toward hourly limits

Post-Study Options: Your Pathways

The UK offers excellent opportunities after graduation.

1. Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa allows you to stay and work (any job, any hours) after completing your degree.

Duration:

• 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's graduates
• 3 years for PhD graduates

Requirements:

• Completed eligible UK degree
• Apply while your Student visa is valid
• Be physically in the UK
• Studied in the UK for minimum period

Cost: £822 + IHS (£1,035/year)

No sponsorship required—you can work for any employer, in any role.

Learn more about the Graduate visa

2. Skilled Worker Visa

If you find a job with a sponsoring employer, you can switch to Skilled Worker visa.

Advantages for students:

• New entrant discount: £30,960 salary threshold (instead of £38,700)
• Can apply from within the UK
• Leads to settlement after 5 years

Route: Student → Graduate → Skilled Worker → ILR → Citizenship

3. Other Routes

• Innovator Founder: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas
• Global Talent: For academic and research leaders
• High Potential Individual: For graduates from top global universities
• Family: If you form a relationship with a British citizen or settled person

Settlement: Can Students Get Permanent Residence?

Time on a Student visa does NOT count toward settlement.

However, the typical pathway is:

1. Complete degree (1-4 years on Student visa)
2. Graduate visa (2-3 years)
3. Skilled Worker visa (5 years to ILR)
4. ILR (permanent residence)
5. Citizenship (after 12 months with ILR)

Total: Approximately 8-12 years from starting studies to citizenship.

Dependants: Can You Bring Family?

Current Restrictions

Important change: Since January 2024, dependant rules have become more restrictive.

Can bring dependants:

• PhD/doctoral students
• Government-sponsored students (on courses of 6+ months)

Cannot bring dependants:

• Undergraduate students
• Most taught Master's students
• Pre-sessional course students

If Eligible

Dependants can:

• Work in the UK (mostly unrestricted)
• Study
• Access NHS via IHS

Fees: Same visa fee (£490) and IHS rate per dependant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong English Test

Mistake: Taking standard IELTS Academic instead of IELTS for UKVI.

Avoid: The visa requires specific "for UKVI" tests. Check carefully before booking.

2. Financial Evidence Timing

Mistake: Showing bank balance for only 14 days, or statements ending more than 31 days before application.

Avoid: You need 28 consecutive days of funds, ending within 31 days of application date. Plan your application timing carefully.

3. Applying Too Early or Too Late

Mistake: Applying more than 6 months before course start, or leaving it so late you can't get a biometrics appointment.

Avoid: Apply once you have your CAS, typically 2-3 months before your course starts. Book VAC appointments early, especially June-September.

4. Incorrect Financial Calculation

Mistake: Not including enough funds for tuition AND living costs, or using wrong London/non-London rate.

Avoid: Calculate carefully:

• Outstanding tuition (check CAS)
• Living costs for 9 months (correct location rate)
• Include buffer for currency fluctuation

5. Missing ATAS

Mistake: Applying for visa before obtaining ATAS certificate.

Avoid: Check your CAS—if ATAS required, apply immediately. You cannot submit your visa application without it.

6. Not Checking CAS Details

Mistake: Applying with information that doesn't match your CAS exactly.

Avoid: Verify every detail on your CAS before submitting your visa application. Errors cause refusals.

Extending Your Student Visa

You can extend your Student visa to:

• Continue your current course
• Start a new course at the same or higher level

Time Limits

There are limits on total time studying in the UK:

| Level | Maximum Time | |-------|-------------| | Below degree | 2 years | | Degree level (non-medical) | 5 years | | Medicine, veterinary, dentistry | 8 years | | PhD | No limit |

Academic Progression

Extensions are expected to show academic progression—moving to a higher level or same level in a different subject area.

Next Steps

Ready to study in the UK?

1. Research universities: Use UCAS, university websites, and rankings to find your programme
2. Check sponsor status: Verify your institution on the Register of Licensed Sponsors
3. Review full route details: View complete Student visa requirements
4. Explore post-study options: Graduate visa information
5. Verify with official sources: UK Government Student visa guidance
6. Explore all UK routes: UK Immigration Guide

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Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information based on publicly available sources. It is not legal advice. UK immigration requirements change frequently—especially student dependant rules which have seen recent changes. Always verify current requirements with the UK government website and your chosen institution, and consult qualified immigration solicitors for advice specific to your situation.

Sources:

• UK Government - Student Visa
• UK Government - Student Visa Money Requirements
• UK Government - Graduate Visa
• UK Government - English Language Requirements
• UKCISA - UK Council for International Student Affairs

Last updated: January 24, 2026