Apply for a UK Student visa to study at a British university or college. Covers CAS requirements, financial evidence, English language proof, visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and post-study work options.
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Before You Apply
Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
Your university or college issues a CAS through the UKVI Sponsor Management System. The CAS contains a unique reference number and details of your course, tuition fees, and any deposits paid. The CAS is valid for 6 months. You cannot apply for the Student visa without a CAS. Ensure all personal details match your passport exactly.
Check the financial requirement for your course and living costs
You must show you can cover tuition fees (minus any deposits already paid) plus living costs: 1,334 GBP per month for courses in London or 1,023 GBP per month outside London, for up to 9 months. The money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. Account statements must be dated within 31 days of your application.
Prove your English language ability at CEFR B2 level
You need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR B2 for degree-level courses or B1 for below-degree courses. IELTS for UKVI is the most common test (minimum 5.5 in each component for B2). Your university may accept other tests as part of the CAS. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (US, Canada, Australia) are exempt.
Application Process
Apply online at gov.uk at least 6 months before your course starts
You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date. The online form at gov.uk/student-visa/apply collects personal details, course information, financial evidence, and immigration history. Have your CAS reference number, passport, bank statements, and English test results ready. The form takes 30-60 minutes.
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
The Student visa fee is 490 GBP from outside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is 776 GBP per year of the visa, calculated based on your visa length. A 3-year undergraduate degree visa costs approximately 490 + 2,328 = 2,818 GBP. IHS gives you access to NHS healthcare during your stay. Payment is online during the application.
Attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre
After submitting the online form and paying, book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents. Biometrics include fingerprints and a digital photo. Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks from the biometrics date. Priority and super priority services are available at additional cost.
After Approval
Collect your vignette and BRP after arriving in the UK
You receive a 90-day vignette sticker in your passport to enter the UK. After arrival, collect your BRP from the post office specified in your decision letter within 10 days. The BRP is your proof of status, right to work, and identity. Universities hold orientation events to guide new international students through BRP collection and registration.
Register with the police if required by your nationality
Students from certain countries must register with the police within 7 days of arriving. Your decision letter or BRP states whether police registration is required. Registration costs 34 GBP at a designated police station. Bring your passport, BRP, 2 photos, and proof of address. You must update your registration if you change address.
Know your work rights during and after studies
Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. After completing your degree, you can apply for the Graduate visa (2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for PhD) to work or look for work without employer sponsorship. The Graduate visa application costs 822 GBP plus IHS. This guide is informational only, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UK Student visa take to process?
Standard processing takes 3-4 weeks from the biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK. Priority processing (5 working days) costs an additional 250 GBP. Super priority (next working day, where available) costs 800 GBP. Apply at least 6 weeks before your course starts to account for processing time and travel arrangements.
How much money do I need for a UK Student visa?
You need tuition fees (minus deposits paid) plus living costs: 1,334 GBP per month for London courses or 1,023 GBP per month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. For a London course with 20,000 GBP annual tuition and a 5,000 GBP deposit: 15,000 + (1,334 x 9) = 27,006 GBP. The funds must be held for 28 consecutive days in your or your parent's bank account.
Can I work on a UK Student visa?
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. Your BRP specifies your work hours. Working more than permitted is a serious violation that can result in visa curtailment and deportation. Some courses restrict work hours further. PhD students may have different work allowances specified by their institution.
What is the Graduate visa and how do I apply?
The Graduate visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after completing a bachelor's or master's degree (3 years for a PhD). No employer sponsorship is needed. You can work in any job. Apply from within the UK before your Student visa expires. The application costs 822 GBP plus IHS. The Graduate visa cannot be extended but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find sponsored employment.