What is a UK Student Visa?
A Student Visa UK is your legal permission to live and study in the United Kingdom for more than six months. Introduced in October 2020, it replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. It allows international students to pursue higher education while enjoying the benefits of UK residency, such as access to healthcare and part-time work rights.
This visa type covers all higher education institutions and requires sponsorship from a licensed university or college.
Why Study in the UK?
Academic Excellence
Home to some of the most respected universities in the world—Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and more—the UK offers academic credibility and global recognition for degrees.
Cultural Diversity
Studying in the UK exposes you to a rich cultural environment. With students from all corners of the globe, the UK thrives on inclusion, tolerance, and multicultural learning.
Post-study Work Options
Through the Graduate Route, international graduates can work in the UK for two to three years depending on their qualification level, opening the door to long-term career prospects.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria for a UK Student Visa
Age Requirement
You must be at least 16 years old. If under 18, you’ll also need:
- Parental consent
- Proof of travel and stay arrangements
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A unique reference number issued by your chosen UK institution. It confirms:
- Course details
- Tuition fees
- Start and end dates
English Language Proficiency
You must prove your command of English through:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- SELT approved by UKVI
Financial Requirements
You must prove:
- 1 year of tuition fees (as per CAS)
- Living costs for 9 months
Living Cost Standards (2024):
| Location | Monthly Cost | 9-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,334 | £12,006 |
| Outside London | £1,023 | £9,207 |
Approved Educational Institutions
Your offer letter and CAS must be issued by a licensed student sponsor listed by UKVI.
Tuberculosis Test
Mandatory for students from countries listed under TB test requirements.
Types of Student Visas in the UK
Student Visa (Standard Route)
For students aged 16 or older enrolled in a degree or higher education program.
Child Student Visa
For children aged 4 to 17 studying at an independent school.
Short-Term Study Visa
- Duration: 6–11 months
- Course Type: English language
- Work: Not allowed
Graduate Route
Post-study visa enabling you to stay and work:
- 2 years after a Bachelor’s/Master’s
- 3 years after a PhD
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
Mandatory Documents
- Valid Passport
- CAS Letter
- Proof of Funds
- English Language Test Certificate
- TB Test Certificate (if applicable)
Additional Supporting Documents
- Academic transcripts
- ATAS Certificate (for sensitive subjects)
- Parental consent letter (under 18)
- Sponsor letter (if funded by a parent or institution)
UK Student Visa Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply Online at Gov.uk
- Pay Fees and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- Book Biometric Appointment for fingerprints and photo
- Visa Interview (if requested)
- Decision Wait Time: Typically 3 weeks
You can apply up to 6 months before your course begins.
Student Visa Fees and Costs
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visa application (outside UK) | £490 (rising to £524 from Apr 9, 2025) |
| Short‑term student visa | £200 (rising to £214) |
| Priority service | £500 |
| Super priority service | £1,000 |
| IHS (per year) | £776 |
| IHS (up to 6 months) | £388 |
Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa
Tuition
- Full first-year fees must be shown in your bank documents.
Living Expenses
- £1,334/month (London)
- £1,023/month (elsewhere)
- Calculated for 9 months
Acceptable Proof of Funds
- Personal bank statement (last 28 days)
- Fixed deposits
- Parental account (with consent)
- Official scholarships or sponsorships
Working on a Student Visa
Term-Time Work Hours
- Max 20 hours/week
Full-Time During Holidays
- Permitted
Internships and Placements
- Allowed if part of your academic curriculum
Visa Duration and Extensions
Validity Duration
- Duration of course + 1 month (long courses)
- +7 days (short courses)
Extensions
- Apply online before visa expiry
- Requires new CAS and updated finances
Switching Visas
- Graduate Route
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient Proof of Funds
- Missing/Incorrect Documents
- Late Application Submissions
- Uploading Blurry/Unreadable Scans
Rejection Reasons and What to Do
Top Rejection Reasons
- Invalid or insufficient financial documents
- Poor visa interview performance
- Low English test scores
Appeal or Reapply
- Administrative Review
- Fresh application with corrected documents
After You Arrive in the UK
Collect Your BRP
- Must be picked up within 10 days of arrival
Police Registration
- Required for some nationalities (check visa vignette)
Course Enrolment
- Attend your university’s induction and registration events
FAQs
Can I bring dependents on a student visa?
Yes, if you’re on a postgraduate program of 9+ months at a university.
How early can I apply?
Up to 6 months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK.
Do I need IELTS for a UK student visa?
Not always—some universities accept alternatives or exempt specific nationalities.
How long does it take to get a student visa?
Usually around 3 weeks, but priority processing is available.
Can I work full-time on a student visa?
Only during official university holidays.
What happens if my visa gets rejected?
You can appeal the decision or reapply with stronger supporting evidence.
Conclusion
The UK Student Visa opens doors to world-class education, career opportunities, and cultural exploration. By understanding the eligibility, preparing your documents early, and meeting all financial and legal requirements, you set yourself up for a successful academic journey. Remember, thorough preparation is your best ally in securing your visa and thriving in the UK.
🔗 External and Internal Resources
- UK Government Visa Guide – Official Application Portal
- UKBloom Visa Calculators – Custom tools for eligibility checks
- UKBloom Income Tax Tool – Calculate your tax post-graduation
