The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the top destinations in the world for international students. It’s acclaimed for its excellent academic reputation and quality of life. During the 2024/25 academic year, over 440,000 student visas were issued to international students.
To study in the UK as an international student, you will need a visa. Here are key things you need to know about UK visas for international students.
Which UK Student Visa is Right for You?
If you’re 16 or older, and want to pursue a higher education course in the UK, a Student visa is likely the best choice. However, if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and want to attend an independent (private) school, you can apply for a Child Student visa.
If you’re applying for a Child Student visa, you’ll need proof of consent from your parent or guardian to study in the UK, proof that you’ll have sufficient funds to support yourself while studying, and an unconditional offer from an independent school. You’ll also need to prove that you have a suitable place to live while studying.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
All future students must apply online for a UK Student visa. You may start your application up to six months before your course begins if you’re applying from outside the UK, or three months before if applying from inside the UK. Generally, applications from outside the UK are processed faster, with an average response rate of three weeks. Applications submitted within the UK typically take around eight weeks.
If your supporting documents must be verified, you have a criminal conviction, or you need to attend a visa interview, application processing may take longer.
In the UK, student visas are sponsored by the licensed institution you’ll be studying at. You must have an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed sponsor before you can apply. This comes as a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you’ll include in your visa application.
Plan your application timeline carefully. You must apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS.
Search and apply to some of the UK’s top academic institutions on the ApplyBoard platform.
UK Student Visa Criteria
The following course types are eligible for Student visas:
- A full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (Regulated Qualifications Framework or RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with at least 15 hours per week of organized daytime study
- A full-time course leading to a qualification that’s at or above degree level (RQF level 6, 7, or 8)
- Full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7, or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
- A part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
- A recognized foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
- An English language course at level B2 or above per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Note: You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.
The Scottish education system does not use the RQF scale as noted above. If you’re planning to study in Scotland, refer to official sources like government websites to compare how qualifications across the UK work.
Information Required for UK Student Visas
International students must submit several supporting documents with their student visa application. Use the UK government’s website to learn which ones you must provide.
International students must typically submit the following documents with their application:
- A current passport or other valid travel document
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You may also need to provide:
- Biometric information
- A valid ATAS certificate (usually for master’s degrees and above)
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Proof you can pay tuition and support yourself and any family travelling with you
(If you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs over the past 12 months, you’ll need written consent for your visa application from your financial sponsor) - Proof of parental or legal guardian consent and proof of their relationship with you if you’re under 18
- Tuberculosis test results
Biometric Information
When you submit your visa application, you may be asked to book an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph). Some students may be asked to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their identity document instead. It depends on where you’re from and what kind of passport you have. Either way, you’ll be told which process you must follow when you apply for your visa.
If your application is successful, you’ll receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of your immigration status and identity. Your eVisa will also indicate what you’re allowed to do while in the UK (study, work, etc.) and can be used as proof of immigration status when, for example, you apply to rent an apartment or start a part-time job.
Your decision letter (or email) will explain how you can create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and access your eVisa.
English Language Ability
The UK government requires students to demonstrate a specific level of English language proficiency when applying for a student visa. The language requirements for a UK student visa can be different than those required for admission into the course you’re studying.
Your visa sponsor (the academic institution) will assess your English language abilities. The most common way to demonstrate proficiency is by taking a government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Financial Capacity
Some international students must show they’ll have enough money to support themselves while in the UK. Students from some countries are exempt from this requirement, so check whether this condition applies to you.
“Financial capacity” means proving you can cover the cost of your travel, one year’s tuition, living expenses, and any other expenses or fees. The money must be in your account for a minimum of 28 days, and the end date of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.
The amount you need to show depends on where you’ll be studying. For example, the cost of living is higher in London (both in the city itself and the 32 London boroughs). As of January 2026, you must show access to at least:
- £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London
- £1,171 per month (for up to nine months) for courses outside London
If you’re bringing a partner or dependents, you must show you can cover their expenses as well. Currently, these amounts are:
- £845 per person per month in London
- £680 per person per month outside of London
Share copies of bank statements, loan details, and scholarship award information to strengthen your application.
Healthcare Surcharge
As part of the visa application fees, international students staying for longer than six months in the UK must also pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for themselves, and anyone travelling with them. The IHS helps to fund the national healthcare system, and gives students access to free health care while living in the UK.
This means that international students will not have to pay to visit a doctor’s office, health care centre, or hospital while at school. However, you’ll still need to pay for dental and optical treatment, and any medicine prescribed by a doctor. Fortunately, health insurance can cover some of the cost of your optical, dental, or prescription drug needs.
It takes a few steps to set up health or travel insurance as an international student in the UK. Learn how on our blog.
Travelling with Family
As of January 1, 2024, the only international students permitted to obtain visas for their dependants are postgraduate students on research programmes.
A dependent could be your:
- Husband, wife, or civil partner
- Unmarried (common-law) partner
- Children under 18 years old (this includes if they were born in the UK during your stay)
When you apply, you’ll need to show proof of your relationship. A birth certificate or marriage certificate are the most common options.
Length of Stay
A student visa is typically issued for the full duration of your studies. For courses that last over six months, international students can arrive in the UK up to one month before their course starts. Studying for less than six months? These students can arrive up to one week before their course begins. In either case, students must not travel to the UK before the start date on their study visa.
In general, students who are 18 or older and taking a degree course may stay in the UK for up to five years. Meanwhile, students pursuing non-degree credentials may stay in the UK for up to two years.
Depending on individual circumstances, students may extend their Student visa to continue their studies, or switch to a Graduate visa after completing their studies.
For students who would like to stay in the UK after graduation and gain work experience, the Graduate visa is a popular option. However, the standard length of this visa type is changing. Graduate visa applications submitted on or before December 31, 2026, will last up to two years, except for doctoral students, whose visas may be up to three years long. On and after January 1, 2027, the standard length of the Graduate visa will drop to 18 months. That said, doctoral students’ Graduate visa duration will not change.
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