United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · study

Student visa

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.

Requires employer sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residencyVaries with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around.In flux

Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks from outside the UK.
Government fees: Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit.
Typical duration: Varies with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around.
Sponsorship required: Yes
Leads to permanent residency: No

Reviewed 1 June 2026UK Home Office ↗

Overview

The Student route is the UK's core study visa. Applicants need an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor, English-language proficiency, and financial evidence for tuition and maintenance. Students may typically work part-time during term and full-time during vacations, subject to rules.

Guidance by nationality

Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor.
✓Sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance — thresholds updated in January 2024.
✓English-language proficiency at the level required by the sponsor and the rules.

Common blockers

!Sponsor ceases to hold a Student sponsor licence (rare but material).
!Insufficient financial evidence — maintenance must be in the applicant's name or a qualifying parent/guardian.

Typical evidence

·CAS reference number.
·Bank statements evidencing required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
·English-language test, degree, or nationality exemption.
·Parental consent and evidence of relationship for applicants under 18.

Application pathway

Accept offer and receive CAS
The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once the offer is unconditional and deposit paid.
Prepare finances and English evidence
Hold qualifying funds for 28 consecutive days; sit an approved English test if required.
Apply online and attend biometrics
Pay application fee and IHS and submit biometrics.
Arrive and begin studies
Register at your institution, collect BRP/eVisa, and begin the course.
Plan post-study route
Most graduates switch to the Graduate route for 2–3 years of post-study work.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

ApplyApplicant
Apply for the Student visa ↗
Use this GOV.UK form to apply after your licensed Student sponsor issues a CAS.
UK Home Office · verified 1 June 2026
Official guidanceSchool
Check Student sponsor duties ↗
Education providers use this official guidance to issue and manage CAS sponsorship.
UK Home Office · verified 1 June 2026

Fees and processing time

Indicative government fees: Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit.. A decision then typically takes 2 weeks – 3 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.

Processing time detail
Current decision windows from the issuing authority.

Matches these professions

Student

Also explored by

Indian Nigerian Chinese

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Related routes

Frequently asked questions

Can Student visa holders work in the UK?+

Students on degree-level courses at Higher Education providers can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, with some restrictions. Below-degree courses often carry tighter limits.

Can I bring dependants on a Student visa?+

Dependant rights for Student visa holders were narrowed from January 2024. Only postgraduate research students (PhD and certain others) and government-sponsored students can typically bring dependants. Always check GOV.UK for the current rules.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor →

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Overview

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor.
✓Sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance — thresholds updated in January 2024.
✓English-language proficiency at the level required by the sponsor and the rules.

Common blockers

!Sponsor ceases to hold a Student sponsor licence (rare but material).
!Insufficient financial evidence — maintenance must be in the applicant's name or a qualifying parent/guardian.

Typical evidence

·CAS reference number.
·Bank statements evidencing required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
·English-language test, degree, or nationality exemption.
·Parental consent and evidence of relationship for applicants under 18.

Application pathway

Accept offer and receive CAS

The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once the offer is unconditional and deposit paid.

Prepare finances and English evidence

Hold qualifying funds for 28 consecutive days; sit an approved English test if required.

Apply online and attend biometrics

Pay application fee and IHS and submit biometrics.

Arrive and begin studies

Plan post-study route

Most graduates switch to the Graduate route for 2–3 years of post-study work.