United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · study
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
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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.
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.
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
Step 1
Accept offer and receive CAS
The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once the offer is unconditional and deposit paid.
Step 2
Prepare finances and English evidence
Hold qualifying funds for 28 consecutive days; sit an approved English test if required.
Step 3
Apply online and attend biometrics
Pay application fee and IHS and submit biometrics.
Step 4
Arrive and begin studies
Register at your institution, collect BRP/eVisa, and begin the course.
Step 5
Plan post-study route
Most graduates switch to the Graduate route for 2–3 years of post-study work.
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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.
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