UK Student Visa Guide
A hub for international students: requirements, the application process, money and funds, working rights, bringing family, and post-study work.
Indicative guidance — verify on gov.uk. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change. Figures here were last checked 2 June 2026. Always confirm the current requirements on gov.uk/student-visa (and with your university) before applying.
Required documents
Have these ready before you start your visa application:
ATAS certificate
If you will study certain sensitive postgraduate subjects (mostly STEM) and you are not from an exempt nationality, you must get ATAS clearance before you apply or start. Your CAS states whether you need it — check gov.uk: ATAS and your CAS.
Your visa is digital (eVisa)
The UK has moved to digital immigration status. After a decision you create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and prove your status with a share code — there is no longer a BRP card. See gov.uk/evisa.
English language requirement
The visa needs CEFR B2 (≈ IELTS for UKVI 5.5 each) at degree level, but your university often sets a higher academic requirement and may confirm your English on your CAS. See our English language requirements guide for accepted tests, scores and SELT details.
All documents must be in English or officially translated; some may need to be certified.
Application process
The main steps for a UK Student visa application:
Get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
Your university issues this after you accept your offer.
requiredPrepare required documents
Passport, financial evidence, English certificate, ATAS if required.
requiredComplete the online application
Fill in the form on gov.uk and pay the visa fee and IHS.
requiredBook a biometrics appointment
At a visa application centre in your country.
requiredAttend biometrics
Provide fingerprints and a photograph.
requiredWait for a decision
Processing time varies by country — check gov.uk for current estimates.
processingAccess your eVisa
After approval, create/log in to your UKVI account to view your digital status and generate share codes (no BRP card).
after approvalMoney & funds
Maintenance funds (proof of money)
You must show you can cover 9 months of living costs, plus any outstanding first-year tuition:
Studying in London
£1,529/month
= £13,761 for 9 months
Studying outside London
£1,171/month
= £10,539 for 9 months
The 28-day rule
The money must be held in your account (or your parents') for 28 consecutive days, and the balance must never drop below the required amount during that period. The closing balance on your financial evidence must be dated within 31 days of your visa application. (Current rates apply to applications from 11 November 2025.) See gov.uk/student-visa/money.
Application fees
Current fee (last increased 8 April 2026)
Per year of your visa
Visa fee + one year IHS + biometrics. The IHS is multiplied by the length of your visa.
Working & dependants
Working hours
- Studying at degree level or above: up to 20 hours/week in term time.
- Below degree level: up to 10 hours/week in term time.
- Full-time during official vacations / after your course ends (within visa validity).
- You cannot be self-employed or freelance, or work as a professional sportsperson/coach. Your exact conditions are shown on your visa/eVisa.
Source: gov.uk/student-visa (work) · UKCISA: working
Bringing dependants (family)
Most students can no longer bring family members. Since January 2024, only students on PhD/doctoral or research-based postgraduate courses longer than 9 months (or government-sponsored students on courses of 6+ months) can bring dependants — a partner and children under 18. Confirm your eligibility with your university.
Graduate Route (post-study work)
After an eligible course you can stay to work (or look for work) on the unsponsored Graduate Route — 2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for PhD. For applications on or after 1 January 2027 it reduces to 18 months for bachelor's/master's (PhD keeps 3 years), confirmed via the 14 October 2025 Statement of Changes.
Full guide: Graduate Route & post-study workFlights & travel
Get the best deals and prepare for your journey to the UK:
✈️ Booking tips
- •Book flights 2-3 months in advance for better prices
- •Consider flying mid-week for cheaper fares
- •Compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites
- •Check if your university offers airport pickup services
- •Pack essentials in carry-on in case of luggage delays
- •Arrive at least 1-2 weeks before term starts
🎒 Packing essentials
- •Important documents (passport, eVisa share code, CAS)
- •Warm clothing for UK weather
- •Electronics with UK adapters
- •Prescription medications
- •Emergency contact information
Estimated flight costs (indicative)
Vary widely by origin and season: Asia (£600-1200), Europe (£100-400), Americas (£400-800), Africa/Middle East (£400-900).
Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK Student visa application fee?
It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK (the fee last increased on 8 April 2026). Always confirm the current fee on gov.uk before applying.
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
You must show maintenance funds of £1,529 per month if studying in London, or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months, plus any outstanding first-year tuition. These amounts apply to applications from 11 November 2025.
What is the 28-day rule for Student visa funds?
The required money must be held in your account (or your parents’) for 28 consecutive days without the balance ever dropping below the amount you need, and the closing balance on your evidence must be dated within 31 days of your visa application.
Can I bring dependants on a UK Student visa?
Since January 2024, only students on PhD/doctoral or research-based postgraduate courses (longer than 9 months), or government-sponsored students, can usually bring dependants. Most other students cannot add dependants.
Do I still get a BRP card with a UK Student visa?
No. The UK has moved to digital immigration status — after a decision you create a UKVI account to access your eVisa and prove your status with a share code, instead of a BRP card.