If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, understanding the UK student visa requirements is one of the most important steps. The visa process may feel overwhelming at first, but once you know what is expected, it becomes straightforward. This UK visa guide explains every requirement in simple detail so you can prepare confidently.
First of all, who can apply for UK Student visa?
To qualify for a UK Student visa, you must meet basic eligibility rules:
Age: You must be at least 16 years old. If you are 16 or 17 and will be studying at an independent school, you might need a Child Student visa instead.
Offer of study: You must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor. This is usually a UK university or college officially approved to admit international students.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
After you accept your offer, your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS. This is a unique reference number that links your visa application to your chosen institution and course. Without a CAS, you cannot apply for UK Student visa.
UK Student visa financial requirements: Let’s talk about money
You must show that you can cover both tuition fees and living costs while studying in the UK.
Tuition fees: The exact amount is stated in your CAS. You must show you have enough funds to pay the first year of tuition (or the full amount if your course is shorter).
Living costs: You must also show you can pay for living expenses for up to nine months:
Studying in London: £1,334 per month
Studying outside London: £1,023 per month
Dependants: If you are eligible to bring dependants, you must show additional funds for each family member.
The required money must be in your bank account (or a parent’s account, with proof of relationship) for at least 28 consecutive days, and the last day of this period must be within 31 days of your visa application.
In addition, all applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This allows you to use the UK’s National Health Service. The cost is £776 per year of study or £388 for part of a year up to six months.
English language requirement for UK Student visa
To study in the UK, you must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Most applicants need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
The required level is usually B2 on the Common European Framework (equivalent to an IELTS score of around 5.5–6.5). Some universities may ask for higher scores, especially for postgraduate study.
You may be exempt if you are from a majority English-speaking country or if you have completed a degree taught in English.
8 documents you need
When applying for your student visa, prepare the following documents:
Valid passport or travel document
CAS reference number from your university
Proof of funds (bank statement or financial sponsor letter)
Proof of English language ability
Passport-sized photograph
Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a listed country
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course is in a sensitive subject area such as engineering or advanced sciences
Parental consent and proof of relationship if you are under 18
Having all documents ready and in the correct format avoids delays in processing.
When and how to apply for UK Student visa
You can apply online for a UK student visa. The timing depends on whether you are inside or outside the UK:
Applying from outside the UK: Up to six months before your course starts.
Applying from inside the UK: Up to three months before your course starts, as long as your current visa is still valid.
Processing time is usually three weeks if you are outside the UK and about eight weeks if you apply inside the UK. There are priority services available at an extra cost for faster decisions.
You should know these: Latest changes for UK Student visa
The UK government has made adjustments to the student visa system in 2025. The most important changes include:
Graduate Route changes: International students can still stay after completing their studies, but the Graduate visa has been reduced to 18 months instead of two years (three years for PhD graduates in the past).
Dependants: Only students enrolled in postgraduate research programs are now allowed to bring dependants. This option is no longer available for most other students.
English proficiency: Stricter language requirements apply, and universities are expected to check more carefully that students meet them.
These changes aim to reduce overall immigration numbers, so it is more important than ever to ensure you meet every requirement before applying.
7-step roadmap for getting your UK Student visa
Here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind when preparing your application:
Receive an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor.
Get your CAS reference number from the university.
Gather proof of finances for tuition and living costs.
Take an approved English test (unless exempt).
Collect all required documents, including TB test and ATAS if applicable.
Apply online, pay the visa fee and IHS, and book your biometric appointment.
Wait for your decision (3 weeks outside the UK, 8 weeks inside).
Meeting the UK student visa requirements may look challenging, but with careful preparation, the process is manageable. The key steps are securing a CAS, showing sufficient funds, proving your English ability, and submitting the correct documents on time.
