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.
Latest Articles
Family Visa UK: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply [2026]
Bringing your loved ones together is one of the most important reasons people apply for a UK visa. The Family Visa UK is designed to let you live in Britain with your partner, children, or parents if they are already settled in the country. For couples, this includes the fiancé visa, spouse visa, and the […]
Working Holiday Visa UK – Planning for 2026 [Guide]
Moving abroad is one of the most exciting adventures you can take, and for many people the United Kingdom is at the top of the list. If you’re between 18 and 30 (soon to be 35 for some countries), the Working Holiday Visa UK, officially known as the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, offers a fantastic […]
UK Temporary Shortage List [TSL] 2025: What You Need to Know
The UK has introduced a Temporary Shortage List (TSL) in 2025, designed to provide a faster and more flexible way of filling urgent job vacancies across the country. This new measure works alongside the existing Shortage Occupation List, but is specifically aimed at addressing short-term skills shortages in key sectors. For migrants, having a role […]
UK Immigration Rules Change – Skilled Worker Visa 2025 [Update]
The UK Immigration Rules Change effective from 22 July 2025 introduces some of the most significant updates in recent years. These changes affect Skilled Worker visa eligibility, salary thresholds, and shortage occupation roles, with further implications for employers, applicants, and dependants. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates. 🔑 Summary of July 2025 UK Immigration […]
Best Cities to Work in UK [2025 Rankings]
In 2025, the UK’s employment landscape is evolving, and a new report from CoworkingCafe highlights the best cities to work in the UK, affordability, and business growth. The original study offers a detailed breakdown of Britain’s top-performing cities for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike, examining where career potential aligns with sustainable living. This article […]
UK Visa Fees for Nigerians Explained – Visa Application [2025]
If you’re a Nigerian planning to travel, work, study, or settle in the United Kingdom in 2025, one of your first big questions is likely: “How much is the UK visa from Nigeria?” You’re not alone. Thousands of Nigerians apply for UK visas every year, and staying updated on UK visa fees for Nigerians is […]
Relocating to the UK for Work: A list of companies that can sponsor visas in UK [2025]
Relocating to the United Kingdom for work offers exciting professional opportunities and the chance to build a new life in a wealthy stable country. A crucial part of this journey involves finding employment with companies that sponsor work visas. This article will outline a list of companies that can sponsor visas in UK. Highlighting companies […]
How to move to the UK without a job in 2025 [Guide]
How to move to the UK without a job in 2025: Work and Student Visas. If you’re dreaming of living in the UK but don’t have a job offer in hand, you’re not alone. Thousands of people each year look for ways to move to the UK without employer sponsorship. The good news? There are […]