UK Student Visa
Study at world-leading UK universities and educational institutions
What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (also known as the Student Route) represents the primary pathway for international students seeking to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. Fully rebranded and reformed in October 2020, the Student Route has evolved from the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to create a more streamlined and accessible immigration pathway for academic learners from across the globe.
Following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, this visa category now applies uniformly to all international students, including those from European Economic Area (EEA) member nations who previously did not require formal visa documentation. The UK Government has expanded student visa availability, removing numerical caps on approvals and welcoming students from all nations who meet the established criteria.
Whether you are pursuing undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, doctoral research programs, or professional certifications, the Student Route provides the legal framework for full-time academic study at accredited UK educational establishments.
Major Changes to Student Visa Post-Brexit
Before October 2020
- •Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
- •EEA nationals did not require visa
- •Applied 3 months before courses
- •Separate child visa category
October 2020 Onwards
- •Student Route (unified category)
- •All nationalities require visa
- •Can apply 6 months before courses
- •Extended post-study work opportunity
Important Information for EU and EEA Students
Timing of Immigration Requirements
The introduction of the Student Visa requirement for EEA nationals occurred in phases:
- •Before January 1, 2021: EEA nationals already present in the UK could remain without formal visa sponsorship.
- •After January 1, 2021: All EEA nationals entering the UK to study must hold a valid Student Visa.
EU Settlement Scheme Status
If you are an EEA national already in the UK before the deadline:
- •You may be eligible for EU Settlement Scheme protection
- •Pre-settled or settled status provides immigration rights
- •Check your current immigration status with the Home Office
Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
The UK Student Visa operates under a Point-Based System. To qualify, you must accumulate 70 points through meeting specified requirements across four key areas. Here is a detailed breakdown:
1. Institutional Acceptance (30 Points)
You must have received an offer of admission from an approved UK educational institution. This is evidenced by a formal document called the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your institution must:
- ✓Be registered with the UK Home Office as a Higher Education Institution or other approved body
- ✓Formally accept you into a qualifying course of study
- ✓Issue your unique CAS reference number
2. English Language Proficiency (10 Points)
You must demonstrate sufficient English language capability appropriate to your course level. This can be proven through various means:
For Degree-Level Courses:
Minimum CEFR Level B2 proficiency
Equivalent to: IELTS 5.5-6.0 or Cambridge First Certificate
For Below Degree-Level Courses:
Minimum CEFR Level B1 proficiency
Equivalent to: IELTS 4.0-5.0 or comparable qualification
3. Financial Resources (20 Points)
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies without relying on public funds. Financial requirements vary by location and study duration:
Studying in London
- • £1,265 per month
- • For up to 9 months
- • Total: Up to £11,385
Studying Outside London
- • £1,015 per month
- • For up to 9 months
- • Total: Up to £9,135
Important Notes:
- •Funds must be demonstrated in an approved financial institution
- •Funds should have been held for at least 28 consecutive days
- •Your course fees are calculated separately from living expenses
4. Course and Academic Program Requirements (10 Points)
Your intended course must meet specific academic standards and be delivered by an approved institution. Qualifying courses include:
Full-Time Below Degree-Level Courses
Minimum 15 hours per week of study. Examples: A-levels, apprenticeships, advanced professional qualifications (RQF levels 3-5)
Degree-Level and Above Courses
Includes bachelor's degrees, postgraduate degrees, master's programs, doctoral degrees (RQF levels 6-8)
Part-Time Postgraduate Courses
Eligible if studying master's or doctoral level qualifications (RQF levels 7-8) on flexible schedules
Professional Medical and Dental Programs
Postgraduate medical and dental qualifications at approved institutions
English Language Courses
Minimum CEFR B2 level, studied at approved language institutions
Point Calculation: The system awards 30 + 10 + 20 + 10 = 70 points total. You must meet all four requirements to achieve the minimum 70 points needed for visa approval.
When and How to Apply
Application Timeline Flexibility
You can apply for a Student Visa as early as six months before your course start date if you are outside the UK. This extended application window, increased from three months under the previous system, gives you greater planning flexibility.
Stage 1: Online Application (Outside UK)
- Visit the UK Government Visas and Immigration website
- Create an account using your email address
- Complete the online Student Visa application form
- Enter your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
- Upload all required supporting documents digitally
- Pay the visa application fee (£348) and health surcharge (£1,035 per year)
- Receive instructions for biometric appointment based on your country
Stage 2: Biometric Collection
After completing your online application, you must attend a biometric appointment at a designated Visa Application Center in your country. At this appointment, you will:
- •Provide a digital photograph
- •Have your fingerprints scanned and recorded
- •Submit original documents for verification
- •Potentially participate in a brief interview about your studies
Stage 3: Visa Decision
Processing time is typically 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. You will be notified of the decision via email or through the online portal. If approved, your visa will either be affixed to your passport or you will be able to access your immigration status details online.
Special Provisions for Students Under 18
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to provide:
- •Proof of parental or legal guardian consent
- •Evidence of your relationship to the parent/guardian
- •Confirmation of appropriate accommodation and care arrangements
Costs and Financial Requirements
Visa Application Costs
Demonstrated Financial Requirements
In addition to visa fees, you must prove available funds for:
London Institutions (9 months):
£1,265 × 9 = £11,385
Non-London Institutions (9 months):
£1,015 × 9 = £9,135
Plus your course tuition fees (variable by institution and program)
Additional Financial Considerations
- •Course fees are assessed separately and must be fully paid or you must show ability to pay
- •Funds must have been held in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days
- •If you have dependents joining you, additional funds are required (£845/month in London, £680/month elsewhere)
- •Some scholarships, sponsorships, or institutional support may reduce demonstrated funds needed
Work Rights While Studying
The Student Visa permits certain work activities, but comes with specific limitations to ensure your primary focus remains on your academic studies. Work permissions vary depending on your course level and term-time versus vacation periods.
Permitted Work Activities
- ✓Student union positions
- ✓University employment (limited hours during term)
- ✓Part-time work during course breaks
- ✓Work placement/internship as part of course
- ✓Full-time work during official university holidays
Prohibited Work Activities
- ✗Professional sports or coaching
- ✗Self-employment or business ownership
- ✗Professional entertainment or performance
- ✗Accessing public funds while working
- ✗Full-time employment during term-time (except union roles)
Work Hour Limitations by Course Level
For Degree-Level or Higher Students
Up to 20 hours per week during term-time (excluding university employment)
For Below Degree-Level Students
Up to 10 hours per week during term-time (excluding university employment)
Visa Duration and Extension Options
Initial Visa Duration
Degree-Level Courses:
Up to 5 years
Below Degree-Level Courses:
2 years
Your visa is granted for the duration of your course plus up to 4 months beyond completion
Extending Your Visa
You can extend your Student Visa if you progress to a higher-level course:
- •Application must be made no earlier than 3 months before your current course ends
- •You must be accepted into a demonstrably higher-level program
- •You can extend without leaving the UK
- •Extension fee is £475
Post-Study Work Opportunity: Graduate Visa
Upon successfully completing your degree, you become eligible for the Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Route), which provides:
Undergraduate Graduates
2 years
Postgraduate Graduates
2 years
PhD Graduates
3 years
Switching to Student Visa from Another Visa Category
If you are already in the UK on a different visa category, you may be able to switch to the Student Route without returning to your home country.
Eligible Visa Categories for Switch
- ✓Work Visa (various categories)
- ✓UK Business Visas
- ✓Visitor/Tourist Visa
- ✓Family/Dependent Visas
- ✓UK Ancestry Visa
- ✓Previous Student Visa extension
Ineligible Visa Categories (Cannot Switch)
- ✗Visitor/Tourist Visa (except specific circumstances)
- ✗Short-term Study Visa
- ✗Seasonal Worker Visa
- ✗Domestic Worker Visa
- ✗Leave outside immigration rules
Key Requirements for Switching
- •Your current visa must still be valid when you apply
- •You can apply up to 3 months before your course start date
- •You must have an unconditional offer from an approved institution (CAS)
- •You must meet all the same eligibility requirements as external applicants
- •Processing typically takes 8 weeks when switching from inside the UK
Bringing Family and Dependents
As a Student Visa holder, you can bring eligible family members to support your studies. Family members must apply for dependent visas and pay separate fees.
Eligible Family Members
- •Spouse or civil partner
- •Unmarried partner (with documentation)
- •Dependent children under age 18
- •In limited cases, older dependents
Additional Financial Requirements for Dependents
For dependents in London:
£845 per month (up to 9 months)
For dependents outside London:
£680 per month (up to 9 months)
Requirements for Dependent Family Members
- •Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, civil partnership)
- •Proof of financial dependency on you
- •Health and tuberculosis screening
- •Police clearance certificates
- •Valid passports and travel documents
- •Separate visa application fees for each dependent
Required Documentation for Application
Essential Core Documents
- •Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- •Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
- •Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, funding letters)
- •English language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.)
- •Police clearance certificate from your country of residence
- •TB (tuberculosis) screening results where required
Academic and Educational Documents
- •Highest educational qualification certificates
- •Academic transcripts and grades
- •Academic references where requested
- •ATAS certificate (if applicable for certain fields)
Financial Documentation
- •Bank statements (last 6 months)
- •Sponsorship letters from funding organizations
- •Scholarship award letters
- •Proof of parental financial support (if applicable)
- •Evidence of paid course fees
For Students Under 18
- •Parental or legal guardian consent letter
- •Birth certificate or proof of relationship
- •Details of UK accommodation and care arrangements
- •Letter from approved carer confirming guardianship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time while studying?
No, you cannot work full-time during term-time. You're limited to 20 hours per week (for degree-level students) or 10 hours per week (below degree-level). However, you can work full-time during official university breaks and vacations.
What is the Criminal Record Certificate requirement?
You must obtain a police clearance certificate (also called a criminal record certificate or background check) from every country you've lived in for more than 6 months. This verifies you have no serious criminal convictions and demonstrates you are of good character.
Can I study while on a Visitor visa and then switch?
Generally, Visitor visas are not intended for full-time study. If you entered on a Visitor visa and then want to study, you would typically need to return to your home country and apply for a Student Visa. However, in some circumstances, switching may be possible.
What happens after my course finishes?
Upon successful course completion, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years depending on your qualification level. This provides time to find employment and transition to a work visa if desired.
Can I attend university part-time on a Student Visa?
Yes, but with restrictions. You can pursue part-time postgraduate courses (master's or doctoral level). Part-time undergraduate or below-degree-level courses are generally not eligible for the Student Visa route.
How is the health surcharge calculated?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year of visa validity. It covers your access to NHS healthcare during your stay. For example, a 2-year visa would require £2,070 in health surcharge fees (in addition to the visa application fee).
Key Takeaways for International Students
Points-Based System
You must achieve 70 points through institutional acceptance, English proficiency, financial resources, and course requirements.
Extended Application Window
Apply up to 6 months before your course begins, providing greater flexibility in planning and preparation.
Early Work Preparation
You can work 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during breaks, building valuable UK work experience.
Post-Study Options
Graduate Visa provides 2-3 years to work or seek employment in the UK after course completion.
Family Support Possible
Bring spouses and dependent children with you, with additional financial requirements demonstrated.
Transparent Costs
Total first-year cost approximately £1,383-£1,400 plus proven living expenses and tuition fees.