Student Visa UK

Overview

The Student Visa UK is the main visa route for international students who want to study in the UK.

To apply, you usually need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies, enough money for your course fees and living costs, and proof that you meet the English language requirement.

This visa can allow you to study, live in the UK during your course and work limited hours, depending on your course and sponsor. It does not directly lead to settlement, but many students later switch to the Graduate Visa or a sponsored work route if eligible.

Important: This guide is for general information only and is not immigration advice. Emigrate To The UK is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Always check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser before applying.

📌 Key facts at a glance

Route type: Study visa for international students.

Job offer required: No. You need a place on an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor.

CAS required: Yes. You need a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies from your university, college or education provider.

Age requirement: You must usually be 16 or over.

English requirement: You normally need to prove English unless exempt.

Financial requirement: You usually need to show enough money for course fees and living costs.

Work rights: Many students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.

Application fee: £524.

Healthcare surcharge: Usually £1,035 per year.

Dependants: Only some students can bring dependants, and the rules are now stricter.

Settlement: This visa does not directly lead to ILR or British citizenship.

🎯 Who This Visa Is Best For

The Student Visa UK is best for international students who have been accepted onto an eligible UK course and want to study in Britain for more than a short visit.

It may suit you if you are studying at degree level, doing a postgraduate course, or taking another eligible course with a licensed student sponsor.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: I would look beyond the visa approval itself. Before choosing a course, think about the city, rent, living costs, work rules, Graduate Visa options and whether the course fits your long-term plan.

✅ Student Visa UK Eligibility

To qualify for a Student Visa, you usually need to be 16 or over and have been offered a place on an eligible course by a licensed student sponsor.

Your education provider must give you a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies before you apply. You must also show that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK, unless you are exempt.

Most applicants also need to prove their knowledge of English. If you are under 18, you may need consent from your parent or legal guardian.

🎓 Certificate of Acceptance for Studies

A Certificate of Acceptance for Studies, often called a CAS, is a digital record from your licensed student sponsor.

It confirms that you have been offered a place on an eligible course and includes key details needed for your visa application.

You cannot apply for a Student Visa without a CAS. Your education provider will normally issue it after you meet their offer conditions and provide the information they need.

Common mistake: Applying before your CAS is ready or using incorrect CAS details. Always check the course, sponsor and personal information carefully before applying.

🗣️ English Language Requirement

Most Student Visa applicants need to prove their knowledge of English unless they are exempt.

You may be able to prove English through an approved Secure English Language Test, an eligible academic qualification, or nationality from a recognised majority English-speaking country.

The level required can depend on your course. Degree-level study usually requires a higher level than below-degree study.

Useful guide:

👉 UK English Language Requirement

💷 Student Visa UK Cost and Financial Requirements

The Student Visa application fee is currently £524.

You will usually also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. For adults, this is normally £1,035 per year.

You must normally show that you have enough money to pay your course fees and support yourself in the UK. The amount depends on your course, whether you are studying in London or outside London, and how much you have already paid.

As a general guide, students usually need to show living costs for up to 9 months. The monthly living-cost figure is higher for London than for the rest of the UK.

Because financial evidence is one of the most common problem areas, check the latest GOV.UK and university guidance before applying.

⏳ How Long Can You Stay?

How long you can stay depends on your course and previous study in the UK.

For degree-level courses, you can usually stay for up to 5 years. For courses below degree level, the maximum time is usually shorter.

You may be able to arrive in the UK before your course starts. The exact timing depends on the length of your course and what your visa decision says.

💼 Can You Work on a Student Visa?

Many Student Visa holders can work during their studies, but the rules depend on your course and sponsor.

A common rule is up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays. Your visa conditions will tell you what work is allowed.

You cannot normally be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or take a permanent full-time job while studying.

Common mistake: Treating the Student Visa as a work visa. Your main purpose must be study, and breaking work conditions can cause serious immigration problems.

👨‍👩‍👧 Can You Bring Family?

Only some Student Visa holders can bring dependants.

Your partner and children may be able to apply if you are a government-sponsored student on a course lasting more than 6 months, or if you are a full-time postgraduate student on an eligible research-based course.

This means many undergraduate and taught master’s students cannot bring dependants under the Student route.

Each dependant must apply separately and show they meet the requirements. Their visa will usually end on the same date as yours.

🏠 Does a Student Visa Lead to ILR or British Citizenship?

No. The Student Visa does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship.

However, studying in the UK can still be part of a longer-term plan. After completing an eligible course, some students apply for the Graduate Visa. Others may later switch to a Skilled Worker Visa or another route if they meet the requirements.

💡 A Quick Note from Kris: If your long-term goal is to stay in the UK, plan early. Think about Graduate Visa timing, work experience, salary expectations and employers that can sponsor Skilled Worker visas.

📃 Documents You May Need

The documents you need depend on your course, sponsor and circumstances.

You will usually need your CAS reference number, a valid passport or travel document, proof that you have enough money for your course and living costs, and proof of English language ability if required.

You may also need tuberculosis test results if required, evidence of parental consent if you are under 18, proof of relationship for dependants, and certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.

Your university or college may also give you a specific document checklist.

🧭 How to Apply

You apply online for a Student Visa.

Before applying, make sure you have your CAS, financial evidence, passport and any required English language or TB test documents.

You then complete the online application, pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge, upload documents and prove your identity. Depending on your passport and circumstances, you may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a biometrics appointment.

You should not travel while an application made inside the UK is pending, as this can affect the application.

⏱️ Processing Times

Student Visa decisions are usually made within around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.

If you apply from inside the UK, decisions usually take around 8 weeks.

Processing can take longer if documents need checking, if you are invited to an interview, or if your application is more complex.

✈️ What Happens After Approval?

If your Student Visa is approved, you can travel to the UK according to the dates and conditions on your visa.

Your first steps may include arranging accommodation, getting a UK phone number, opening a bank account, registering with a GP, understanding local transport and preparing for your course.

If you want to work part-time, check your visa conditions carefully before starting employment.

Useful guides:

👉 First 90 Days in the UK
👉 UK Universities Map and Affordable Universities in the UK
👉 How to Get a UK Number
👉 Cost of Living in the UK

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not preparing financial evidence correctly. The money usually needs to meet specific timing, amount and account rules.

Another mistake is assuming all students can bring dependants. The rules are now much more limited, especially for undergraduate and taught master’s students.

Some students also misunderstand work rights. You must follow the working hours and restrictions attached to your visa.

It is also important not to treat the Student Visa as a guaranteed route to permanent residence. If you want to stay after studying, plan your next visa early.

❓ Student Visa UK FAQs

Do I need a CAS for a Student Visa?

Yes. You need a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed student sponsor before applying.

How much does a Student Visa cost?

The current application fee is £524. You will usually also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Can I work on a Student Visa?

Many students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays, but you must check your visa conditions.

Can I bring my family?

Only some students can bring dependants, such as certain government-sponsored students and eligible postgraduate research students.

Does a Student Visa lead to ILR?

No. The Student Visa does not directly lead to ILR or British citizenship.

Can I switch to a Graduate Visa?

You may be able to apply for a Graduate Visa after successfully completing an eligible UK course.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker Visa?

You may be able to switch to Skilled Worker if you have an eligible sponsored job offer and meet the route requirements.

🔗 Related Guides

If you are planning to study in the UK, these guides may also help:

• 👉 Study in the UK
• 👉 UK Student Visas Explained
• 👉 Graduate Visa UK
• 👉 UK English Language Requirement

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