Studying in the UK is one of the most popular ways international students move to Britain. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate degree, postgraduate course, or planning to stay after graduation, understanding the correct visa route is essential before you move.
Below you’ll find a clear overview of the main UK student visa options, who they’re for, and what happens after you complete your studies.
- Who This Guide Is For
- Which UK Student Visa Might Suit You?
- ❓ UK Student Visa FAQ
- 🎓 Can I work while studying in the UK?
- 📄 What is a CAS and why do I need it?
- ⏳ How long can I stay on a Student Visa?
- 🎓 What is the Graduate Visa and how does it work?
- 💼 Can I switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
- 👨👩👧 Can I bring family members on a Student Visa?
- 🇬🇧 Does the Short-term Study Visa allow me to work?
- 🧾 How much does a UK Student Visa cost?
- 🏫 What are the English language requirements for a Student Visa?
- 🔄 Can I extend my Student Visa from inside the UK?
- What Happens After You Graduate?
- Want Practical UK Relocation Updates?
- More Study Guides
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for international students who want to understand which UK study visa route applies to them.
It may help if you are applying for a university course, sending a child to an independent school, coming to the UK for an English language course, or planning what happens after graduation.
It is also useful if you are comparing the Student Visa, Child Student Visa, Short-term Study Visa and Graduate Visa.
💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would separate the visa that gets you into the UK for study from the visa that may help you stay after study. The Student Visa is mainly about your course, while the Graduate Visa is about your next step after completing it.
Main UK Student Visa Routes
💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would start by separating student routes into two groups: visas for studying in the UK and visas for staying after study. The Student Visa gets you here for your course, while the Graduate Visa is about what happens after you complete it.
Student
The UK Student Visa allows international students to study at a licensed UK institution. You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university or college before applying.
This visa allows you to live in the UK for the duration of your course and work limited hours during term time, subject to visa conditions.
Best for: international students aged 16 or over studying a further or higher education course in the UK.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa allows eligible students who successfully complete a UK course to stay and work in the UK without employer sponsorship.
It lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, or 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
Best for: eligible UK graduates who want time to work, gain experience, or look for sponsorship after completing their course.
Child Student Visa
The Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who have been offered a place at an independent school in the UK. The school must be a licensed student sponsor.
This visa allows children to study in the UK for the duration of their course, subject to parental consent and specific safeguarding requirements.
Best for: children aged 4 to 17 who have a place at an independent school in the UK.
Short-term Study Visa (Study English in the UK)
The Short-term Study Visa is designed for students who want to study English language courses in the UK for between 6 and 11 months.
This visa does not allow work, and it cannot be extended from inside the UK. It is intended for temporary English language study rather than full academic degree programmes.
Best for: people studying an English language course in the UK for more than 6 months but no more than 11 months.
👉 Study English in the UK Visa
Which UK Student Visa Might Suit You?
If you are aged 16 or over and studying a further or higher education course at a licensed provider, the Student Visa is usually the main route to check.
If the applicant is aged 4 to 17 and has a place at an independent school in the UK, the Child Student Visa may be more relevant.
If you only want to study an English language course for more than 6 months but no more than 11 months, the Short-term Study Visa may be the route to review.
If you have already completed an eligible UK course and want to stay temporarily to work or look for work, the Graduate Visa may be the next step.
The right route depends on your age, course type, education provider, long-term plans and whether you want to work after studying.
Working While Studying
Most Student Visa holders can work part-time during term time and full-time during official holiday periods. The exact number of permitted hours depends on your course level and visa conditions.
It’s important to understand these limits before accepting employment, as breaching your visa conditions can affect future applications.
❓ UK Student Visa FAQ
🎓 Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, in many cases. Most Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, but the exact limit depends on your course level and what your visa says. Some roles (like self-employment) are usually not allowed, so always check your visa conditions.
📄 What is a CAS and why do I need it?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a reference number issued by your university or college. You need it to apply for your Student visa because it confirms your course details, start/end dates, fees, and that your provider is a licensed sponsor.
⏳ How long can I stay on a Student Visa?
It depends on your course length. In general, your visa covers the length of your course plus a short period at the end (often called a “wrap-up period”) so you can prepare to leave, extend, or switch visas if eligible.
🎓 What is the Graduate Visa and how does it work?
The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK after completing an eligible degree. It allows you to work (or look for work) without sponsorship for a limited time. It can be a great bridge if you want to gain experience and later move onto a sponsored route like the Skilled Worker visa.
💼 Can I switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, if you meet the requirements. You’ll normally need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, and the job must meet skill and salary rules. Many graduates switch after finishing their course (or sometimes once they meet the eligibility rules from inside the UK).
👨👩👧 Can I bring family members on a Student Visa?
Student dependants are now usually limited to students on eligible government-sponsored courses or certain postgraduate research-based courses. Always check your course type before planning for family members to join you.
🇬🇧 Does the Short-term Study Visa allow me to work?
No. The Short-term Study visa is for studying only (often English language courses) and it does not allow work, paid or unpaid.
🧾 How much does a UK Student Visa cost?
Costs vary, but you’ll typically pay:
- The visa application fee
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (paid upfront for the full visa length)
You may also need to budget for an English test, TB test (some countries), and document costs.
🏫 What are the English language requirements for a Student Visa?
You usually need to prove your English level through an approved test (or another accepted method), and the required level depends on your course and provider. Some applicants are exempt if they’re from certain countries or have a qualification taught in English.
🔄 Can I extend my Student Visa from inside the UK?
Yes, in many situations. If you’re continuing your studies (for example, starting a new course or progressing to a higher level) and you still meet the requirements, you can often apply to extend from within the UK before your current visa expires
What Happens After You Graduate?
For many students, completing a degree is just the first step.
The Graduate Visa allows you to remain in the UK temporarily, and many graduates later switch to a Skilled Worker Visa once they secure sponsorship from a licensed employer.
If you plan to stay in the UK long-term, you’ll also need to prepare for practical steps such as finding accommodation, opening a bank account, understanding employment contracts, and adjusting to the cost of living.
Useful guides:
👉 Graduate Visa UK
👉 Skilled Worker Visa UK
👉 List of Companies That Sponsor Work Visas in the UK
👉 Certificate of Sponsorship UK
👉 First 90 Days in the UK
👉 Cost of Living in the UK
👉 Banking in the UK for New Arrivals
👉 Renting in the UK as a New Arrival
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