Overview
The Student Visa UK is the main route for international students who want to live and study in Britain. Each year, it enables hundreds of thousands of people to move to the UK to pursue higher education and build their careers.
To qualify, you’ll need to be accepted onto an approved course with a licensed student sponsor, prove your English language ability, and show you can support yourself financially.
📌 Key facts at a glance
Duration: Up to 5 years depending on your course. You may switch to a work visa after your studies.
Points required: 70 points (course, English, financial evidence).
Job offer required? No, but you must hold a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed university or college.
Work rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term-time; full-time during holidays.
English: You must meet minimum English requirements, usually via an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS.
Cost: £524 application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
Processing time: Around 3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside, after biometrics/ID.
Dependants: Partner and children may join you if eligible.
✅ Student Visa UK Eligibility
You must:
- Be aged 16 or older.
- Have an offer to study an approved course from a licensed student sponsor.
- Hold a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Show you can support yourself financially (course fees + living costs).
- Prove your English language ability (unless exempt).
🗣️ English Language Requirement
You’ll normally need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI.
- Minimum requirement: usually B2 CEFR for degree-level courses.
- IELTS typically requires at least 6.0–7.0 overall, with no category below 5.5–6.0, depending on the institution.
- Exemptions: You don’t need a test if you are from a majority English-speaking country, or you’ve completed a degree taught in English.
💷 Student Visa UK Cost & Financial Requirements
When applying you must show you can cover your:
- Application fee: £490–£524 depending on where you apply from.
- Course fees: Usually £10,000+ per year for international students. At least the first year’s fees must be paid in advance.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year. Gives access to the NHS.
- Living costs:
- Studying in London: £1,334 per month.
- Outside London: £1,023 per month.
- Dependants: Each dependant must show additional funds (£845/month in London, £680/month outside).
📃 Student Visa UK Documents
You’ll typically need:
- Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Valid passport.
- Proof of English (SELT test result or qualification).
- Evidence of funds (bank statements or student loan letter).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test result (if required).
- Criminal record certificate (for certain public-sector courses).
Identity is normally proved via a Visa Application Centre in your country (fingerprints, photo, signature) or via the UK Immigration ID app.
⏱️ Processing Time
Decisions are usually made within:
- ~3 weeks if applying outside the UK.
- ~8 weeks if extending or switching inside the UK.
📎 Conditions & Work Rights
- You may work up to 20 hours per week during term-time.
- You can work full-time during official holidays.
- You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson.
- Voluntary work is allowed.
👨👩👧 Dependants & Family Members
Your partner and children may be able to join you in the UK.
- Dependants must show separate funds (£845/month in London, £680/month outside).
- Dependants over 18 are permitted to work full-time in most roles.
- Their visa will usually match the length of your student visa.
❓ FAQs
How long can I stay on a Student visa UK?
Up to 5 years for degree-level courses. After your course, you may apply for a Graduate visa or switch to a work visa.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, partners and children may apply if you meet the financial requirements.
How much does the Student visa cost?
£524 application fee, plus £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, 20 hours per week during term-time, full-time during official holidays.
Does this visa lead to British citizenship?
No. However, many students switch to the Graduate visa or a Skilled Worker visa, which can lead towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.
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