International students
The Student visa, step by step
To study in the UK for more than 6 months, you need a Student visa. The order matters: first your place, then your CAS, then your funds and finally your visa.
In 30 seconds
- You need an unconditional offer and a CAS from your university.
- You demonstrate your English level and your funds (held in your account for 28 days).
- Apply online up to 6 months before your course. Applications from outside the UK usually take around 3 weeks.
- It costs £558, plus the healthcare surcharge of £776 per year.
The requirements
- A place: an unconditional offer from a university with a student sponsor licence.
- Your CAS: the confirmation number your university sends you.
- English: B2 for a degree or master’s course, B1 below degree level. How to demonstrate it.
- Funds: the first year’s tuition fees and up to 9 months’ living costs. The exact amounts.
- If you are under 18: your parents’ consent.
Step by step
- Apply and secure your place. Through UCAS for an undergraduate degree, or directly to the university.
- Meet the conditions. Send your final grades and proof of English so that your offer becomes unconditional.
- Pay the deposit and receive your CAS. Check your details carefully: an error in your CAS delays the visa.
- Prepare your funds. Keep them in your account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the required amount.
- Apply online on GOV.UK. Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Verify your identity. Depending on your nationality, use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre.
- Receive the decision. Your permission is digital (eVisa) and you can view it in your UKVI account.
What it costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee from outside the UK | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year of your visa |
| Funds you must demonstrate | Outstanding tuition fees + up to 9 months’ living costs |
When you can arrive
If your course lasts more than 6 months, you can arrive up to 1 month before it starts. If it lasts 6 months or less, you can arrive up to 1 week before.
While studying: on a degree or master’s course, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Your visa states your exact limit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family?
Since 2024, most students cannot. The main exception is postgraduate research programmes, such as a PhD.
What happens if my application is refused?
The letter explains why. It is often an error with funds or documents, and you may be able to apply again after correcting it. Contact us before doing so.
What about after I finish?
The Graduate visa allows you to stay and work for a period after graduation. GOV.UK sets its conditions, which have changed in recent years: we will review them with you when the time comes.
Do you help with immigration legal matters?
We guide you through the steps and official sources. For immigration legal advice, we refer you to authorised professionals.
Official sources (accessed on 25/10/2026): GOV.UK · Student visa · GOV.UK · Apply · GOV.UK · Money · GOV.UK · English. This guide is for general guidance: the Home Office makes the decision.
