UK Student Visa

The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to study at licensed universities, colleges, and schools in the United Kingdom. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa and is now the primary route for students aged 16 and over from outside the UK.

1. Who Is Eligible?

To apply for a UK Student visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course from a licensed Student sponsor
• Be aged 16 or over
• Have enough money to support yourself and pay your course fees
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English to the required level
• Have consent from your parents or guardians if you are aged 16 or 17

You must be from outside the UK (or Ireland) to need a Student visa. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK before 1 January 2021 and hold EU Settlement Scheme status do not need a Student visa to study in the UK.

2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

A CAS is a unique reference number issued by your university, college, or school (your sponsor). It is the cornerstone of your Student visa application — you cannot apply without one.

Your CAS will contain key information about your course, including:

• The name and details of your sponsor institution
• The course title, level, and start date
• The course duration and end date
• The tuition fees for the first year of your course

3. Student Visa Requirements

To be granted a UK Student visa, you must satisfy the following core requirements:

1. Sponsorship — you must hold a valid CAS from a licensed Student sponsor
2. Course level — the course must be at degree level or above (RQF level 6+) or, for below-degree courses, at a specific licensed institution
3. Financial — you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs
4. English language — you must meet the required English language standard for your course level
5. Academic progress — you must not have previously breached the terms of an earlier Student visa in a way that makes you ineligible

4. Financial Requirements

You must show you have enough money to pay your tuition fees (for the first year) and to support yourself during your studies.

Living costs

• London: £1,334 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months = £12,006)
• Outside London: £1,023 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months = £9,207)

These figures are in addition to your tuition fees. If your CAS already accounts for any maintenance funds your sponsor holds on your behalf, this reduces the amount you need to show in your bank account.

5. English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English language ability appropriate to the level of your course. The required UKVI-approved English language test and score depend on whether you are studying at degree level or below.

Exemptions apply if you:

• Are a national of a majority English-speaking country as defined in Appendix English Language
• Have a degree that was taught or researched in English, verified by ECCTIS
• Are applying to study at a UK higher education provider at degree level or above and the provider has assessed your English language proficiency

6. Required Documents

A complete Student visa application will typically include:

Identity and travel documents

• Current valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
• Previous passports containing any prior UK visas
• Passport-sized photograph

Sponsorship and course documents

• CAS reference number from your licensed sponsor
• Unconditional offer letter from your institution
• Academic qualifications that support your place on the course

Financial documents

• Bank statements covering at least 28 consecutive days
• If parents are funding you: their bank statements and a letter confirming they will support you
• Sponsorship letter if a government or official body is funding your studies

English language evidence

• UKVI-approved English language test certificate (if required)
• Degree certificate in English (if using degree exemption)

7. Costs and Processing Times

Fees are set by the Home Office and subject to change. Confirm the current figures on GOV.UK before applying. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to NHS treatment during your stay.

8. Work Rights During Study

Most Student visa holders can work during their studies, subject to restrictions:

• Degree-level courses: up to 20 hours per week during term time; full-time during official vacations
• Below-degree courses: up to 10 hours per week during term time
• Sandwich year and work placements that are a required part of your course are generally permitted
• You cannot be self-employed, take on a directorship, or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer

9. Bringing Dependants

Whether you can bring your partner and dependent children depends on your course and sponsor type:

• You are a government-sponsored student (sponsored by a government, international scholarship agency, or UKRI)
• You are studying a postgraduate course at a UK higher education institution (university or college with research degree awarding powers)

If you do not meet these criteria — for example, if you are studying an undergraduate degree — you cannot bring dependants. Your partner would need to apply for a separate visa in their own right if they wish to come to the UK.

10. After Your Studies: Graduate Visa

If you have successfully completed a degree-level course or above at a UK higher education provider, you may be eligible for the Graduate visa. This allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation (3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work, without needing a job offer.

The Graduate visa cannot be extended, but it can be a stepping stone to a Skilled Worker visa if you secure a role with a licensed sponsor at the required salary threshold.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Page last reviewed: May 2026. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current fees and thresholds against the official UK Visas and Immigration guidance on GOV.UK before submitting an application.