Degree or master's: B2
It's the minimum level to study a degree or a master's. Many universities can assess it themselves.
International students
Study in the UK. We take you from the idea to your first day of class.
Undergraduate degree, master's or Foundation Year: we help you choose the course, prepare your application and your student visa, and work out how much money you need. Free for you.
Free tool · 1 minute
What's your path in?
Three questions and we'll tell you where to start: a direct-entry degree, a Foundation Year, a master's or an English course first.
What do you want to study?
How were your grades in your most recent studies?
Boarding passCalmaLink ✦
FromYour country
ToThe UK
🎯 Direct entry, including top universities
- With your English and your grades, you can aim to go straight into the first year.
- Even at Russell Group universities, the 24 most prestigious in the UK, depending on the degree.
- Next: choose your course and upload your documents. We take care of the rest.
Direct entryRussell GroupUCAS
🎓 Direct entry degree
- You can aim to go straight into the first year at many universities.
- Each degree asks for certain grades and a level of English: we check them with you, course by course.
- If your grades are a little short, the Foundation Year is your safe plan B.
Direct entryUCASPlan B: Foundation
🧱 International Foundation Year
- A preparation year at the university, with academic English and the basics of your degree.
- Once you pass it, you move into the first year of the degree.
- It's the most common route when your English is at B1 or your grades aren't enough for direct entry.
1 year of preparationAcademic EnglishThen, the degree
🗣️ English first
- For the student visa you need at least B1 (B2 for a degree).
- Start with an English course or a pre-sessional, and then the Foundation Year or the degree.
- Take the English test to find out your starting point.
English coursePre-sessionalThen, Foundation or degree
🎯 Direct master's, including top universities
- With your degree, your grades and your English, you can aim for a direct master's.
- Even at Russell Group universities, depending on the programme.
- Most last 1 year: less time and less cost than in other countries.
1-year master'sRussell GroupDirect application
📜 Direct master's
- With your degree, you can aim for a master's at many universities.
- We check with you whether your degree and your average grade fit each programme.
- Most last 1 year.
1-year master'sDirect application
🧱 Pre-master's
- A preparatory course, usually one or two terms long, with academic English and study skills.
- Once you pass it, you go on to the master's.
- It's the usual route when your English isn't yet at the level the master's asks for.
PreparatoryAcademic EnglishThen, the master's
Your route
Gate
BoardingWhenever you're ready
This is guidance. Each university decides with its own requirements, and we check it with you before you apply.
Your English
What level of English do you need?
For the student visa, this is the general rule. Your university will tell you how to prove it in your case.
Foundation or English: B1
For courses below degree level, like the Foundation Year, the minimum is usually B1.
How you prove it
Through your university's own assessment or an official test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI. Some nationalities are exempt.
Not sure of your level? Take the CalmaLink English test: 15 questions, 5 minutes, and it gives you an idea of your level and your path. And read our guide IELTS, Duolingo or PTE: which test suits you.
Free tool
Work out your first year
The money you need to show for the visa and the costs of the visa itself, with the official GOV.UK figures.
For international students, most degrees cost between £12,000 and £25,000 a year.
You need for your first yearMoney to show plus visa costs
Tuition fees To live on, 9 months Visa and healthcare
What you need to hold in your account for 28 days in a row
A month to live on, according to GOV.UK
Visa fee
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), for the whole course
The 28-day rule: the money has to be in your account for 28 days in a row, without ever dropping below the amount.
GOV.UK figures as of 25/10/2026. The money has to be in your account (or your parents') for at least 28 days in a row, and the last day can't be more than 31 days before you apply for the visa. The health surcharge is paid when you apply for the visa, for the whole course. This is an estimate: actual accommodation and your flight are extra.
The visa, step by step
From your application to your first day of class
This is the usual path for a course starting in September. We're with you at every step and let you know what's coming next.
- October to JanuaryYou choose a course and apply
Through UCAS for a degree, or directly to the university for a master's or a Foundation Year.
- January to MayYou get your offer
At first it's usually “conditional”: they tell you what's still missing, like your final grades or your English. Once you meet it, it becomes “unconditional”.
- May to JulyDeposit and CAS
You pay the deposit the university asks for and it sends you your CAS, the number you need to apply for the visa.
- Before you applyYour funds, 28 days
The money for tuition fees and living costs has to be in your account for 28 days in a row. Work it out above.
- Up to 6 months beforeYou apply for the visa
Online, with your CAS, your passport and your funds. From outside the UK, the decision usually arrives in about 3 weeks.
- SeptemberYou arrive and start
Your permission is digital (eVisa). We help you prepare your arrival and your first few weeks.
With you, from start to finish
What we do for you
We choose the course with you
Based on what you want to study, your grades, your English and your budget. Not sure what to study? Start with the career test.
We prepare your application
You upload your documents and we take care of the rest.
We guide you through the visa
CAS, funds, documents and dates, with the official sources. For legal immigration questions, we refer you to authorised professionals.
Few documents
Your CV, your passport and proof of address, from your phone. See the list.
Everything in “My application”
You can see where your application is and what's missing, from your phone.
On WhatsApp
A direct conversation to answer your questions whenever you have them.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most
How much does your help cost?
Nothing. Our support is free for you: we are paid by our partners, not by you. The tuition fees, the visa, accommodation and your living costs are paid by you, directly to whoever they're due to.
Can I work while I study?
Normally yes, with limits: on a degree, up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time in the holidays. Your visa states the exact limit.
Can I apply for Student Finance as an international student?
Normally not: Student Finance is for people who already live in the UK with the right status. If you already live here, see the Home students page.
Can I come with my family?
Since 2024, most students can't bring their family on a student visa. The main exception is postgraduate research, such as a PhD. Check your case on GOV.UK or ask us.
What if my English isn't at the level needed?
There are routes: an English course or a pre-sessional first, or a Foundation Year with academic English included. Take the English test and we'll guide you.
What happens when I finish my degree?
The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for a while to work after you graduate. Its conditions are set by GOV.UK and have changed in recent years: we'll go through them with you when the time comes.
When should I start?
The sooner the better: to start in September, it's best to apply between October and January. Some universities also have January or spring start dates.
Your next step
Tell us about your plans and we'll tell you where to start
Your country, what you want to study and when you'd like to start. We'll reply on WhatsApp.
Sources: GOV.UK, Student visa (fees, money, English, work), checked on 25/10/2026. The admission decision belongs to each university and the visa decision to the Home Office.
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