United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · study
Student visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 8 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
- 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
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the Student visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has typical processing of 3 weeks (applying from outside the UK; applying inside the UK usually takes up to 8 weeks). Sources: official United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
What is the Student visa in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Student visa is a sponsor-led United Kingdom route. Indicative government fees are Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit; indicative processing time is Typically within 3 weeks from outside the UK; typical duration is Varies with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against UK Home Office on 1 June 2026.
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.
Recent changes to this route
- UK: Graduate route shortened to 18 months for applications from 1 January 202714 October 2025
The 14 October 2025 Statement of Changes cuts the Graduate route from 2 years to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027; PhD graduates keep 3 years.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are the largest Student visa cohort. The January 2024 dependant restriction removed the ability for mos…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian Student visa applicants saw material refusal-rate pressure after the 2024 dependant and maintenance tightening.…
Chinese applicants
Chinese Student visa applicants in sensitive research areas may need Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearanc…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor.UK Home Office ↗
- ✓Sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance — thresholds updated in January 2024.
- ✓English-language proficiency at the level required by the sponsor and the rules.UK Home Office ↗
Common blockers
- !Sponsor ceases to hold a Student sponsor licence (rare but material).UK Home Office ↗
- !Insufficient financial evidence — maintenance must be in the applicant's name or a qualifying parent/guardian.UK Home Office ↗
Typical evidence
- ·CAS reference number.UK Home Office ↗
- ·Bank statements evidencing required funds held for 28 consecutive days.UK Home Office ↗
- ·English-language test, degree, or nationality exemption.UK Home Office ↗
- ·Parental consent and evidence of relationship for applicants under 18.UK Home Office ↗
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 post-study work (2 years now; 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, 3 years for PhDs).
Official application links
Where to actually go next
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.
- ApplyApplicantApply for the Student visa ↗
Use this GOV.UK form to apply after your licensed Student sponsor issues a CAS.
UK Home Office · verified
- Official guidanceSchoolCheck Student sponsor duties ↗
Education providers use this official guidance to issue and manage CAS sponsorship.
UK Home Office · verified
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 3 weeks (applying from outside the UK; applying inside the UK usually takes up to 8 weeks). Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
Matches these professions
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Related routes
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
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 in United KingdomHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: UK Home Office
Last checked: 1 June 2026