Student Visas

UK Student Visa

Immigration advice for international students aged 16 and over coming to study at a licensed UK educational institution.

Quick Overview

UK Student Visa — Key Facts

The UK Student visa is the main route for international students aged 16 and over to study at a licensed UK educational institution — from degree programmes to postgraduate research.

  • CAS Required: A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your institution is required before you can apply.
  • Financial Evidence: Funds of £1,171/month (outside London) or £1,529/month (London) for up to nine months must be demonstrated.
  • 28-Day Rule: Funds must have been held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before you apply.
  • Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time at most universities; full time during vacations.
  • Application Fee: £524 as of April 2025, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
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In this article

What Is the UK Student Visa?

The UK Student visa is the main immigration route for international students aged 16 and over wishing to study at a licensed UK educational institution. It allows the holder to study a wide range of courses, from degree programmes and foundation courses to postgraduate research. The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for international students globally, with universities consistently ranked among the highest in the world.

Who Is Eligible?

  • An unconditional offer at a UK institution holding a valid Student sponsor licence
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
  • English language proficiency — typically via an approved SELT such as IELTS for UKVI
  • Sufficient funds for tuition fees and living costs for the first year
  • Any additional requirements relevant to your course or institution

What Is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies?

A CAS is an electronic reference number issued by your UK institution once you have accepted their offer. It confirms the institution's agreement to sponsor your studies and contains details of your course — start and end dates, tuition fee, and any fees already paid. You cannot apply for a Student visa without a valid CAS.

How Much Money Do I Need to Show?

  • Tuition fees — sufficient to cover outstanding fees for your first year as stated on your CAS
  • Living costs outside London — £1,171 per month for up to nine months (maximum £10,539)
  • Living costs in London — £1,529 per month for up to nine months (maximum £13,761)
  • Funds must have been held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before you apply

Can I Work on a Student Visa?

Yes, in most cases. Students at UK universities are typically permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations. Students at further education colleges are limited to 10 hours per week during term time. Self-employment, professional sports, and entertainment work are not permitted under the Student visa.

Can I Bring My Family?

Whether you can bring dependant family members depends on your course type and institution. Restrictions introduced in 2023 and 2024 significantly limited the right to bring dependants for most students, and rules have been updated since. We can advise on your specific circumstances.

Can I Stay in the UK After My Studies?

Yes. Many international students transition to a Graduate visa on completion of their degree, allowing them to remain for two years (or three for PhD graduates) without needing sponsorship. The Graduate visa is widely used as a pathway to the Skilled Worker visa for those who secure employment with a licensed sponsor.

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Student Visas
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Common questions

UK Student Visa FAQ

What is the Student visa application fee?
£524 as of April 2025, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year, giving access to NHS treatment during your stay.
How long does the Student visa last?
For the duration of your course plus additional time — typically up to four months before the course starts and one to four months after it ends.
What English level do I need?
Most universities require the equivalent of IELTS 5.5 or 6.0. The specific requirement will be in your offer letter and CAS. Exemptions apply for certain nationalities.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
Yes. Applications can be made up to six months before your course start date from outside the UK.
What is the 28-day rule for funds?
Your funds must have been held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days immediately before the date you apply.
Can I bring my family?
Restrictions introduced in 2023 and 2024 significantly limited dependant rights for most students. We can advise on whether your specific circumstances allow family members.
Can I work during my studies?
Up to 20 hours per week during term time at most universities; full time during vacations. Further education students are limited to 10 hours per week during term time.
What happens after I graduate?
Most graduates can apply for the Graduate visa to remain in the UK for two years without a job offer, then switch to the Skilled Worker route once they secure qualifying employment.
Quick Overview
UK Student Visa — Key Facts

The UK Student visa requires a CAS from your institution and financial evidence of at least £1,171/month (outside London) held for 28 days. Application fee is £524 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.

  • CAS Required Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your institution before you can apply.
  • Financial Evidence £1,171/month (outside London) or £1,529/month (London) for up to 9 months.
  • 28-Day Rule Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application.
  • Work Rights Up to 20 hours/week during term time at most universities.
  • Application Fee £524 + IHS of £776/year (April 2025).
Full article below ↓
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What Is the UK Student Visa?

The main route for international students aged 16 and over to study at a licensed UK institution — from degree programmes and foundation courses to postgraduate research.

Financial Requirements

You must show funds for tuition fees and living costs — £1,171/month outside London or £1,529/month in London for up to nine months. Funds must have been held for 28 consecutive days before you apply.

Work Rights

Up to 20 hours per week during term time at most universities; full time during vacations. Self-employment and professional sports are not permitted.

After Your Studies

Most graduates can apply for the Graduate visa on completion of their degree — two years (three for PhD graduates) without needing a job offer — before switching to the Skilled Worker route.

The financial evidence rules for Student visas are strict. Funds must be in the correct format, held for the full 28-day period, and clearly evidenced. We check your financial documents before submission to avoid a refusal on technical grounds.

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We advise international students at every stage — from checking your CAS and financial evidence to submitting your application and planning your post-study route.

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Common questions

UK Student Visa FAQ

£524 as of April 2025, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year, giving access to NHS treatment during your stay.

For the duration of your course plus additional time — typically up to four months before the course starts and one to four months after it ends.

Most universities require the equivalent of IELTS 5.5 or 6.0. The specific requirement will be in your offer letter and CAS. Exemptions apply for certain nationalities.

Yes. Applications can be made up to six months before your course start date from outside the UK.

Your funds must have been held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days immediately before the date you apply.

Restrictions introduced in 2023 and 2024 significantly limited dependant rights for most students. We can advise on whether your specific circumstances allow family members.

Up to 20 hours per week during term time at most universities; full time during vacations. Further education students are limited to 10 hours per week during term time.

Most graduates can apply for the Graduate visa to remain in the UK for two years without a job offer, then switch to the Skilled Worker route once they secure qualifying employment.

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