If you're considering studying in the United Kingdom, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is securing a UK Student Visa. The UK offers world-class education, but navigating the visa process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Don't worry, this UK visa guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to successfully apply for your student visa, from eligibility criteria and documentation requirements to financial proof and language proficiency.
What is a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa allows international students to study in the United Kingdom. You can apply for this visa if you're 16 or older and have been accepted onto a course with a licensed sponsor.
Who can apply for a UK Student Visa?
To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, you must meet these 7 UK visa requirements:
Be 16 or older
Have an unconditional offer for a course from a licensed student sponsor
Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
Have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK
Meet the English language requirements
If you're under 18, you will need parental consent
If you are 16 or 17 and plan to study at an independent school, you may need a Child Student Visa instead.
Choosing your course is an important step
Your course must meet the following conditions for your UK Student Visa application:
A full-time course that is either below or above degree level
A part-time course above degree level (like a Master's or PhD)
A study abroad program or a research-based course
You may also need an ATAS certificate for certain sensitive subjects, such as engineering or medicine.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once you've been accepted onto your course, your university or college will issue you a CAS. This is a unique reference number you'll need to submit with your visa application. The CAS confirms that you've been accepted into a course with a licensed sponsor.
How much money for a UK student visa?
When applying for a UK Student Visa, you'll need to prove that you can afford both your tuition fees and living expenses.
Tuition fees
Your CAS will list your tuition fees, which you must show proof of having funds for. If you’ve held a UK visa for at least 12 months, you may not need to show this.
Living expenses
You will also need to show you have enough money for living costs:
£1,483 per month if studying in London
£1,136 per month if studying outside London
If you're studying at a residential independent school, your boarding fees will be used instead of living expenses.
You must have this money for 28 consecutive days, and the 28-day period must end within 31 days of applying.
Exemptions
You don’t need to show proof of money if:
You’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more
You’re applying for a Student Union Sabbatical Officer role
You are from a country with differential evidence requirements
English language requirement for UK student visa applications
To get a UK Student Visa, you need to show your knowledge of English, unless you're exempt. You can prove your English proficiency in several ways:
By passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
By holding a GCSE, A-level, or Scottish qualification in English
By holding a degree taught in English
The required level is usually B2 for degree-level courses and B1 for courses below degree level.
Exemptions
You don't need to prove your English if:
You’re from an English-speaking country
You hold a degree taught in English
You are applying for certain study abroad programs
Documents you’ll need to apply for UK Student visa
When applying for your UK Student Visa, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Passport or travel document
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs (unless exempt)
ATAS certificate (if required for your course)
Parental consent (if under 18)
Proof of relationship to your parent or guardian (if under 18)
Tuberculosis test results (if required)
Written consent from a financial sponsor (if applicable)
You’ll also need a blank page in your passport for biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18, you need written consent from your parents or legal guardians for:
Your visa application
Your living and care arrangements in the UK
Your travel to the UK
You'll also need to provide a birth certificate or another government document showing your parents' names.
Bringing your family with your UK Student visa
If you have a partner or children, they may be able to apply for a dependent visa. This depends on the length and level of your course.
Who can apply as a dependent?
Your dependents can apply if:
You’re a full-time postgraduate student or a government-sponsored student enrolled in a course lasting more than 6 months
Your partner and children will need to apply separately, but can apply at the same time as you or before their current visa expires.
How to extend your UK Student visa
You may need to extend your UK Student Visa if you want to continue your studies. To do so, you must:
Be in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 visa
Have an unconditional offer for your next course
Show that your new course is at a higher academic level than your current course (for example, from an undergraduate to a postgraduate degree)
If you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must prove you have enough funds to support yourself.
Your partner and children will need to apply separately to extend their visas.
Switch to a UK Student Visa
If you’re already in the UK on a different visa (except for a visitor visa or short-term student visa), you may be able to switch to a Student visa. To do so, you must:
Be in the UK
Have an unconditional offer for a course with a licensed student sponsor
Have a CAS from your course provider
Prove you have enough funds to support yourself
You must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of your visa expiring.
UK Student visa fees
When applying for your UK Student Visa, you will need to pay:
£524 for the visa application fee
Healthcare surcharge (this is part of the application)
You may also need to pay for biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
Applying for a UK Student Visa is easier with Any Visa
With 17+ years of experience, Any Visa makes your UK student journey smooth and stress-free. Here is how:
Expert assistance: We ensure your application and documents meet all UK requirements.
Timely submissions: We help you submit everything on time and avoid delays.
Compliance guaranteed: We ensure full compliance with UK immigration rules.
Increase approval chances: With our support, your application will be organized and complete, boosting approval chances.
UK student visa processing time
A decision on your UK Student Visa application is usually made within 3 (applications made abroad) and 8 weeks (applications from the UK). You may be able to pay for a faster decision, depending on your situation.
If your application is successful
If your application is successful, you'll receive an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status). You’ll need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa.
If you're required to get a biometric residence permit (BRP), you’ll be told how to collect it when you apply.
Begin your journey to education in the UK today
Applying for a UK Student Visa can be a straightforward process if you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements. Make sure to apply early, gather all your supporting materials, and check that you meet the financial and English language requirements.
FAQs
University of East London: What do I need to apply for a Student Visa?
To apply for a UK Student Visa for the University of East London, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university, proof of financial support for your tuition and living expenses, and evidence that you meet the English language requirements.
Immigration Health Surcharge for UK Student Visa: What is it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that allows you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
UK IHS Fee Calculator: How do I calculate the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Here’s a breakdown of IHS fees:
Students, Dependants, Youth Mobility: £776 per year
Applicants under 18: £776 per year
Other Applicants: £1,035 per year
Short-term (6 months or less): No fee if applying from outside the UK; £388 if inside the UK
More than 6 months, less than 1 year: Full yearly fee applies
More than 1 year, up to 18 months: Full yearly fee + half yearly cost
Over 18 months: Full fee for 2 years
Deadline for IHS payment: 10 working days (inside the UK) or 7 working days (outside the UK). Failure to pay will result in application rejection.
London Metropolitan University: What do I need to apply for a Student Visa?
To apply for a Student Visa to study at London Metropolitan University, you will need a CAS, proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, English language proficiency, and a valid passport.
Can I switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa without completing my degree?
Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you have a job offer from a licensed UK employer, but if you haven't completed your degree, the job must meet specific visa requirements.
National Insurance Number (NIN) for UK students: Do I need one?
If you plan to work part-time while studying in the UK, you will need a National Insurance Number (NIN). You can apply for it after arriving in the UK.
TB Test for UK Visa: Do I need to take a TB test?
Certain countries require students to take a TB test when applying for a UK Student Visa. Check if your country is on the list of those needing a TB test, and take the test at an approved clinic if required.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students: What do I need to apply?
Indian students need:
A valid passport
CAS from a UK university
Proof of financial support
English proficiency evidence
Academic records
How much bank statement for UK student visa from Pakistan: How much do I need in my account?
Pakistani students must demonstrate they have enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses:
Outside London: £1,334 per month
In London: £1,823 per month
This amount should be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
