The UK Student Visa allows international students aged 16 and over to study at a licensed educational institution in the United Kingdom. Formerly known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa, this route covers further education, higher education, and a range of accredited courses across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, fees, required documents, the application process, and what you can and cannot do once your visa is granted.
Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?
You can apply for a UK Student Visa if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are aged 16 or over
- You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
- You can speak, read, write, and understand English to the required level
- You have consent from your parents if you are 16 or 17 years old
Your course provider must hold a valid Student Sponsor licence issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Universities, colleges, and language schools that meet the requirements are listed on the official Register of Student Sponsors.
If you are 16 or 17 and wish to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student Visa instead. Check the GOV.UK guidance to determine which route applies to your situation.
UK Student Visa Fees and Costs (2026)
Understanding the full cost of a UK Student Visa is essential for budgeting your studies abroad. The total expense goes beyond the application fee and includes a healthcare surcharge and proof of sufficient funds.
Visa Application Fee
The standard application fee for a UK Student Visa is GBP 558. This applies whether you are applying from outside the UK or extending or switching to a Student Visa from within the UK. Each family member (dependant) who joins you must also pay the full fee.
Immigration Health Surcharge
In addition to the visa fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
The IHS costs GBP 776 per year for students. The total amount depends on the length of your visa. For example, a 3-year degree programme would cost approximately GBP 2,328 in healthcare surcharge alone. This is paid upfront at the time of application.
Financial Requirement (Proof of Funds)
You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your course fees and living costs. The financial requirement depends on where you will be studying:
| Location | Monthly Amount | Maximum Period |
|---|---|---|
| London | GBP 1,529 | Up to 9 months |
| Outside London | GBP 1,171 | Up to 9 months |
| Boarding school | As stated on CAS | N/A |
This means that for a course in London, you may need to show up to GBP 13,761 in available funds (GBP 1,529 x 9 months), on top of your first year’s course fees.
The money must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your visa application date.
You do not need to prove you have this money if you have been living in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months prior to your application.
Differential Evidence Requirement
Nationals of certain countries are exempt from proving they have sufficient funds to support themselves. This is known as the differential evidence requirement. The list includes over 60 countries and territories, including:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.
British Nationals (Overseas) are also covered by this exemption. However, UKVI may still request financial evidence during the decision process.
Documents You Need for a UK Student Visa
When you apply, you must provide the following documents:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider – this is a unique reference number issued by your university or college
You may also need to provide:
- Proof of funds (bank statements, student loan confirmation, or financial sponsorship letter)
- An ATAS certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) if your course and nationality require it – typically for certain science, engineering, and technology postgraduate courses
- Parental consent if you are under 18, including written consent for your visa application, living arrangements, and travel
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are applying from a country where TB testing is required
- Written consent from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
All documents must be originals or certified copies. Translations must be provided for any documents not in English or Welsh.
English Language Requirement
You must prove your knowledge of English when applying for a UK Student Visa. The level required depends on your course. Most university courses require you to demonstrate at least a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Accepted ways to prove your English include:
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a provider such as IELTS, Trinity College London, or Pearson
- Having a degree-level qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK ENIC (the UK national agency for international qualifications)
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Your course provider (CAS sponsor) will state on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies what level of English you need and whether you have already met the requirement.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
The application process is completed online through the GOV.UK website. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
Applying from Outside the UK
- Receive your CAS from your licensed student sponsor
- Complete the online application at gov.uk/student-visa – you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts
- Pay the visa fee (GBP 558) and the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Prove your identity – you will either attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
- Upload your supporting documents as instructed
- Wait for a decision – standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks
You may be able to pay extra for a faster decision using the Priority or Super Priority services, where available.
Applying from Inside the UK
If you are already in the UK on another visa, you can apply to switch to a Student Visa or extend your existing Student Visa:
- Apply up to 3 months before your new course starts
- Apply before your current visa expires
- Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring
- Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks
The application fee is the same: GBP 558.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on where you apply:
| Application Location | Standard Processing | Priority Service |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK | 3 weeks | 5 working days (where available) |
| Inside the UK | 8 weeks | Not always available |
These are standard timeframes and may be longer during peak periods (typically July to September). Apply as early as possible to avoid delays. You can check current processing times on the GOV.UK visa processing times page.
For a broader comparison with other UK visa categories, see our guide to UK visa processing times.
How Long Can You Stay in the UK?
The length of your Student Visa depends on the level and duration of your course:
- Degree-level courses: Up to 5 years
- Below degree-level courses: Up to 2 years
You can arrive in the UK before your course starts, but there are limits:
- Up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or less
- Up to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months
You must not travel to the UK before the start date shown on your visa, regardless of when your course actually begins.
Extending Your Student Visa
If you want to continue studying in the UK after your current course ends, you may be able to extend your Student Visa. You must apply before your current visa expires, and you will need a new CAS from your education provider for the next course.
Switching to a Graduate Visa
After successfully completing your course, you may be eligible for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK:
- 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
- 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
- 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification
The Graduate Visa is an excellent pathway for students who want to gain professional experience in the UK after their studies. If you are interested in working in the UK long-term, you may also want to explore the UK Work Visa options available.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Student Visa
Understanding the conditions of your visa is important to avoid breaching UK immigration rules.
You can:
- Study on your approved course
- Work as a student union sabbatical officer
- Work part-time during term-time and full-time during vacations (the number of hours depends on your course level)
You cannot:
- Claim public funds (benefits) or pensions
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Be self-employed
- Study at an academy or local authority-funded (maintained) school
The exact work conditions will be stated on your visa. For degree-level students at higher education institutions, you are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods.
UK Student Visa vs UK ETA: Key Differences
If you are visiting the UK for a short course or programme lasting less than 6 months, you may not need a Student Visa at all. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) covers short visits, including short-term study.
| Feature | Student Visa | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time study at licensed institution | Short visits, tourism, short-term study |
| Duration | Up to 5 years | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Cost | GBP 558 + IHS | GBP 20 |
| Financial proof | Required | Not required |
| Processing time | 3-8 weeks | Usually within 1 working day |
| Work rights | Limited part-time work | No work allowed |
For short-term English language courses or study programmes of 6 months or less, an ETA may be sufficient. Learn more in our UK ETA guide. For longer courses at degree level, the Student Visa is the correct route.
