If you've been offered a place on a course and you don't already have permission to study in the UK, you may need a visa.
There are several routes that students use, and the right one depends mainly on:
- How long your course is
- What kind of course it is, such as an English language course or a degree
- Your nationality and immigration status
ETA, entry clearance, and eVisas
You may see different terms when researching UK visas:
- Entry clearance usually means permission granted before you travel to the UK, based on your visa route.
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permission that applies to some travellers who don't normally need a visa for short visits. It does not replace a Student visa.
- eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status. You can use a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to view your status and share it when needed, such as to prove your right to study or work.
UK student visa application process
If your course requires a Student visa, the usual process looks like this:
1. Accept your offer:
You may need to pay a deposit for your course or accommodation, depending on your university.
2. Get your CAS from the university:
Once you've met the university's conditions, it will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
3. Prepare your documents:
You'll normally need your passport and evidence that you can pay for your course and support yourself. Some students need additional documents depending on their circumstances.
4. Apply online:
Complete your application through GOV.UK and pay the required fees. You may also need to book an appointment to provide biometric information and supporting documents.
5. Attend an appointment (if required):
Depending on where and how you apply, you may need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
6. Get your decision and travel:
Processing times vary, so apply as early as you're allowed to. Check the decision and your visa conditions before travelling.
7. Access your immigration status:
You can access your eVisa through your UKVI account and share your immigration status using a share code when needed.
UK study visa routes
Students don't all use the same visa route. In most cases, you'll use one of these three:
1. Standard Visitor route (for short study)
This is usually used when a student is coming to the UK for a short course lasting up to six months.
It can be a flexible option for short study, but it does not normally allow paid work. Limited volunteering may be permitted.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Standard Visitor visa or an ETA before travelling.
2. Short-term Study route (for English courses only)
This route is designed for English language courses lasting more than six months but no longer than 11 months.
It is more restrictive than the visitor route. For example, students cannot change their course or study at another institution while in the UK. Paid work is not permitted.
3. Student visa (main route for longer study)
This is the main route for longer courses and degree-level study.
You normally need:
- A CAS from a licensed student sponsor, meaning an institution approved by the UK government to sponsor international students
- Evidence that you meet the English language requirement, which may involve an approved English language test
- Evidence that you can pay your tuition fees and support yourself, unless an exemption applies
Work permissions depend on your course level, sponsor and visa conditions.
Erasmus+ students
Students taking part in Erasmus+ may be eligible for the Student visa route through a participating sponsor. Eligibility depends on the institution, course and any placement requirements.
Check the official Student visa guidance for the requirements that apply to your sponsor, course and any placements.
Student visa restrictions for certain nationalities
Since 26 March 2026, the UK has applied a visa restriction affecting some Student visa applications.
If you're a national of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar or Sudan, and you apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, your application will be refused under the current restriction. This applies to online applications submitted on or after 26 March 2026, even if you've received a CAS from a university.
The restriction is based on the main nationality declared in your application, not where you live or apply from.
If you already hold a valid UK visa, it remains valid. The restriction also doesn't apply to eligible applications made from within the UK.
Check the latest GOV.UK visa restriction guidance before applying, as the rules may change.
UK student visa requirements
Exact requirements depend on your visa route, but students commonly need:
- A valid passport
- Financial evidence showing they can pay for their course and support themselves
- TB test results, if required
- Proof of English language ability, which may need to be demonstrated through an approved test
- Confirmation documents from their education provider, including a CAS for Student visa applications
Financial requirements for a Student visa
If you're applying for a Student visa, you'll usually need to show that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and cover your living costs.
The amount required for living costs depends on whether you're studying in London or elsewhere in the UK.
For applications made before 30 November 2026:
- London: £1,529 per month, for up to nine months
- Outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to nine months
For applications made on or after 30 November 2026:
- London: £1,570 per month, for up to nine months
- Outside London: £1,203 per month, for up to nine months
These amounts are for living costs. You'll also need to show that you can pay your tuition fees, unless an exemption applies.
If you're using money held in a bank account as evidence, you'll usually need to have the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of that period must be within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.
Some students are exempt from providing financial evidence upfront, depending on their circumstances, nationality or immigration history. You may still be asked for evidence.
Check the official Student visa financial requirements for the latest amounts, acceptable documents and exemptions.
UK student visa cost
The current Student visa application fee is £558, whether you're applying from outside the UK or applying to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.
You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which helps cover access to the UK's National Health Service.
The student IHS rate is £776 per year. The total depends on the length of your visa, including any additional time granted before or after your course.
Visa fees and health surcharge rates can change, so check the latest charges before applying.
ATAS for UK visas
Some postgraduate students in certain science and technology subjects may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before applying for a Student visa.
If ATAS applies to your course, your university will tell you what you need to do.
UK student visa processing time
Processing times can change depending on where you apply from, how busy UKVI is and whether your application needs additional checks.
As a general guide, Student visa decisions are usually made within:
- 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK
- 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK
These are typical processing times, not guaranteed deadlines.
Processing usually begins once you've completed the required identity checks, such as attending a biometrics appointment or confirming your identity online.
Check the latest UK visa processing times before applying.
UK student dependant visa
Rules about bringing family members to the UK are strict and depend on your course, sponsorship and circumstances.
You may be able to bring your partner or children if you're:
- A government-sponsored student studying a course lasting more than six months
- Studying an eligible postgraduate research degree, such as a PhD or another research-based higher degree, for at least nine months
Different rules may apply if your course started before 1 January 2024.
If your dependants are eligible, you'll usually need to provide evidence of your relationship and show that you can support them financially.
Find out more about bringing dependants on a UK Student visa.
Being refused for a UK visa
Visa applications can be refused for several reasons, including missing documents, incorrect information or failure to meet financial or eligibility requirements.
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Not providing enough evidence of the purpose of your studies
- Not meeting the financial requirements or providing acceptable financial evidence
- Inconsistencies between your application and supporting documents
- Not meeting the English language requirements
- Not meeting other eligibility requirements for the visa route
If your visa is refused, contact your university or education provider as soon as possible.
Depending on the visa route and reason for refusal, you may be able to request an administrative review of the decision. Different deadlines and fees may apply.
Read your refusal letter carefully to understand your options and whether you can apply again.
UK student visa working hours
Work permissions depend on your visa route, course level and education provider.
- Standard Visitor and Short-term Study visas: Paid work is generally not permitted.
- Student visas: Eligible students studying full-time at degree level with a qualifying higher education provider can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Other Student visa courses: Different limits may apply, including a 10-hour weekly limit for some below-degree courses or no permission to work.
Some students can work full-time during official university holidays, depending on their visa conditions.
Always check your eVisa or visa decision letter to confirm whether you're allowed to work and what restrictions apply.
Other useful UK visa information
A few practical points that often surprise students:
- Some travellers can use UK e-gates at the border and may not receive a passport stamp. It's a good idea to keep proof of arrival, such as a boarding pass.
- Not every UK visa allows study, so always check your visa conditions.
- For short-term English language study, you may need to show that you're genuinely coming to the UK to study.
- Visa applications may be processed at different locations, not necessarily in the country where you apply.
- Travel between the UK and Ireland operates under the Common Travel Area, which can affect immigration requirements for some travellers.
- Repeated short visits or attempts to extend short-study arrangements may lead to additional questions about your intentions.
After your studies
If you successfully complete an eligible course in the UK, you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa to stay and work after your studies.
Under the current rules, the visa lasts:
- Two years for eligible non-doctoral graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026
- 18 months for eligible non-doctoral graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027
- Three years if you have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification, regardless of when you apply
The relevant date is when you submit your Graduate visa application, not when you start or graduate from your course.
To apply, you must:
- Be in the UK
- Hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
- Have successfully completed an eligible course
- Wait until your university or education provider has notified the Home Office that you've successfully completed your course
- Apply before your current Student or Tier 4 visa expires
You don't need to wait until your graduation ceremony, but you must meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
Planned changes to the Graduate visa
In October 2026, the UK government announced plans to allow graduates from universities with high levels of immigration compliance and strong employment outcomes to receive a two-year Graduate visa.
However, this change has not yet been implemented. The government hasn't confirmed which universities will qualify or when the new rules will take effect.
Until further details are published, you should follow the current Graduate visa rules and check the requirements that apply when you submit your application.
You can find the latest information on the official Graduate visa page.
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Last reviewed: 9 November 2026.