What Visa Do I Need to Study in the UK?
The visa you need depends on your age, course type, and study duration.
Student Visa
The Student Visa is the main immigration route for international students aged 16 and over who wish to study in the UK on a course lasting longer than six months.
Most applicants studying at degree level or above will require a Student Visa.
Child Student Visa
Students under the age of 16 who have been accepted onto a course at an independent school in the UK will generally need a Child Student Visa.
Visitor Visa
Short courses of less than six months may be studied under a Visitor Visa, depending on the nature of the course.
Short-term Study Visa
Students undertaking an English language course lasting between six and eleven months may be eligible for a Short-term Study Visa.
Choosing the correct visa route is essential before applying.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
Before applying for a Student Visa, you must first secure a place on a course with a licensed Student Sponsor.
Entry requirements for each course provider do vary, so applicants should confirm eligibility directly with their chosen education provider to ensure they meet the relevant academic criteria.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once accepted, your education provider will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS is a mandatory document which confirms to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that the education provider is sponsoring you for your chosen course.
You cannot submit a valid Student Visa application without a CAS.
Submitting Your Student Visa Application
Once your CAS is issued, you can submit your Student Visa application online.
Most applicants will be required to attend a biometric appointment after submitting the online application. EU/EEA citizens may be able to verify their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app and therefore may not need to attend a biometric appointment.
You will also be required to upload supporting documents proving you meet Student Visa requirements.
UK Student Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Student Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You must hold a valid CAS when submitting your Student Visa application. Applicants should carefully check all details before submission.
The CAS confirms:
- Course details
- Personal information
- Academic qualifications used to obtain the offer (typically secondary school/undergraduate certificates)
- English language evidence
- Sponsor details
Applicants should ensure all CAS details are accurate before applying.
English Language Requirement
Student Visa applicants must generally demonstrate English language ability at B2 level. There are several ways to satisfy this requirement, including:
- Holding a degree-level qualification taught in English (typically most applicable to those applying for masters’ level programmes or higher)
- Completing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Holding a UK school qualification, completed inside the UK, whilst under the age of 18
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country, including:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- The British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
Financial Requirement for a UK Student Visa
Most Student Visa applicants will need to prove that they hold sufficient funds to study their course in the UK. Financial evidence is one of the most important parts of the application and a common reason for refusal if not prepared correctly.
Maintenance Funds (2026/27)
The amount of maintenance funds required depends on where you will be studying. For the 2026/27 academic year:
- London: £1,529 per month (up to maximum of 9 months = £13,761)
- Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to maximum of 9 months = £10,539)
Course Fees
Applicants must also demonstrate to UKVI that they can pay the remaining tuition fees after any payments already made.
For example, a student studying in London with annual tuition fees of £14,000 who has already paid a £5,000 deposit would need to demonstrate
- Maintenance £13,761
- Tuition fees: £14,000
- Deposit paid: £5,000
Total funds required: £22,761 (£13,761 maintenance funds + £14,000 tuition fees - £5,000 deposit paid).
Currency Conversion
UKVI uses Oanda exchange rates on the date of application when assessing financial evidence. Applicants relying on overseas funds should ensure that their funds are sufficient on the date of submission using the exchange rate published on Oanda.
Acceptable Financial Sources
Student Visa applicants may use:
- Own bank statements
- Parent or guardian bank statements
- Partner bank statements
Bank statements from grandparents, siblings, or other relatives may not be used.
If using the bank statement of a parent, applicants must provide:
- Birth certificate
- Parent consent letter signed by each account-holding parent
Differential Evidence Countries
Passport holders of certain countries may not be required to provide financial evidence at the point of application. However, UKVI may request this evidence after submission. The countries are:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- The Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
Applicants should therefore ensure that they hold the required funds and supporting evidence even if they fall within the differential evidence arrangements.
Tuberculosis Testing
Applicants who have lived for six months or more in a country where UKVI requires tuberculosis screening must provide a valid TB certificate as part of their application.
Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 18
Student Visa applicants under the age of 18 must provide evidence that their parent or legal guardian has consented to their studying in the UK.
This is typically demonstrated through:
- A birth certificate
- Written parental consent
Under-18 applicants may also be required to live in the course provider’s accommodation so that suitable safeguarding arrangements can be met.
Academic Progression
Academic progression is an important requirement by UKVI for students who are extending their stay in the UK or changing education providers. Academic progression ensures students are moving to higher levels of study.
For example:
- Progressing from a Foundation programme (RQF Level 3) to a Degree level programme (RQF Level 6) would normally satisfy academic progression.
- Moving from a higher-level qualification to a lower-level qualification would generally not satisfy the requirement.
Applicants who cannot demonstrate progression may be unable to apply from within the UK. However, applications made from outside the UK are generally exempt from the academic progression requirement.
Advice is recommended before changing course or institution.
Student Visa Time Limits
UKVI has set time limits on the total amount of studies an applicant can complete inside the UK.
Current limits include:
- A maximum of 2 years for courses below Degree Level (RQF 6)
- A maximum of 5 years for Degree Level programmes (RQF 6)
Courses at Master's level (RQF Level 7) and above are not generally subject to these study limits.
Additionally, study completed whilst under the age of 18 does not count towards the time limit calculation. Where a student turns 18 during their studies, time spent studying will begin counting towards the limit from their 18th birthday.
Can Student Visa Holders Bring Dependants?
The rules relating to Student Visa dependants changed significantly on 1 January 2024.
Under the current rules, Student Visa holders may only bring dependants where they are studying a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification (RQF Level 8).
Students who commenced eligible courses before 1 January 2024 may continue to benefit from earlier provisions that permitted certain Master's students to bring dependants.
Eligible dependants are limited to:
- A spouse or partner
- Dependent children
No other family members can normally apply as Student Visa dependants.
Student Visa Work Rights
One of the benefits of studying in the UK is the ability to undertake employment alongside your studies. However, strict limitations apply.
Degree Level or Above
Students studying degree-level programmes (RQF Level 6) or above may generally work:
- 20 hours per week during term time
- Full-time during holidays
Below Degree Level
Students studying a course at Foundation/A level (RQF 3), but below degree level may generally work:
- 10 hours per week during term time
- Full-time during holidays
There are generally no limits on working hours during official vacation periods and after course completion.
Evidence of Term Dates
Employers will often request evidence of your official term dates.
Students should be prepared to provide confirmation from their education provider showing:
- Term dates
- Vacation periods
- Course completion date
Breaching Work Conditions
Working more hours than permitted under your visa conditions can have serious immigration consequences. Breaching work conditions can lead to visa revocation.
Common Student Visa Pitfalls
Choosing an Agent
As part of the process of finding the best institution, applicants may choose to work with education agents.
If using an agent, it is important to conduct thorough research. It is advised to use agents approved by the Agent Quality Framework so that the agent complies with UKVI’s standards of good practice.
Visa Brake Restrictions and In-eligible nationalities
As of 5 March 2026, the UK Government introduced a "Visa Brake" affecting entry clearance applicants from:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- Myanmar
- Sudan
Any new applicants applying from outside of the UK of these nationalities are ineligible for the Student Visa.
Financial Errors
Incorrect calculations or incomplete documentation are a leading cause of refusal. Applicants should ensure that:
- The correct amount is held
- Funds are held in an acceptable account
- Supporting documents meet UKVI requirements
- Currency conversion requirements are properly considered
Student Visa Credibility Interview
UKVI may invite Student Visa applicants to a credibility interview after the application has been submitted. Although it is difficult to predict at the outset whether you will be selected for interview, you should keep this possibility in mind and ensure you can clearly explain:
- Your chosen course
- Your education provider
- Your future plans
- Your reasons for studying in the UK
Extending or Switching Your Visa
Applicants who wish to extend their Student Visa or switch into another immigration category will usually need to demonstrate that they have successfully completed their course.
Evidence may include:
- A qualification certificate
- Degree certificate
- A completion letter from the education provider
Planning ahead is essential where students intend to move into another immigration route, such as the Graduate Visa or Skilled Worker Visa.
UK Student Visa Fees (2026/27 Academic Year)
- Application fee: £558
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year of study
- Priority service: £500
- Super Priority: £1,000
Where dependants are applying, equivalent fees will generally apply to each applicant.
Applicants should also budget for:
- Tuition fees
- Maintenance funds
Do note that there may be additional fees involved, such as
- Translation costs
- Biometric appointment fees where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UK Student Visa application take?
Processing times vary depending on where the application is made and whether priority services are used.
Can my parents fund my Student Visa application?
Yes. Parents' funds can be used, provided the required supporting evidence is submitted.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Most Student Visa holders can work either 10 or 20 hours per week during term time, depending on the level of their course.
Can I bring my family with me?
Only certain Student Visa holders are eligible to bring dependants under the current rules, usually PhD-level study.
Do I need a CAS?
Yes. A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is required before submitting a Student Visa application.
Can I extend my Student Visa?
Yes, provided you continue to meet the immigration requirements and can demonstrate academic progression where required.
How much money do I need for a UK Student Visa?
The amount depends on where you will study, your tuition fees, and how much of those fees have already been paid. For the 2026/27 academic year, students must demonstrate up to £13,761 in maintenance funds when studying in London or £10,539 when studying outside London, in addition to any outstanding tuition fees.
7 min read
7 min read
.png)
