STUDENT VISA

The UK Student Visa is intended for individuals aged 16 or over who wish to undertake further or higher education studies in the United Kingdom, such as at a college or university.

If you are between 4 and 17 years old and plan to study at an independent school in the UK, you should apply for a Child Student Visa rather than a Student Visa.

1. Requirements for a UK Student Visa

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet the following requirements:

• You are aged 16 or over;
• You have been offered an unconditional place on a course of study with a student sponsor that holds a valid sponsor licence;
• You can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2 (if your course is at degree level or above) or CEFR Level B1 (if your course is below degree level);
• You have sufficient funds to pay for your course fees and support yourself financially while in the UK, without recourse to public funds;
• If you are aged 16 or 17, you have obtained the written consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian to live and study in the UK.

The specific requirements you must meet will depend on your individual circumstances. You may wish to seek advice from an immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is correctly prepared and fully compliant with the Immigration Rules.

2. Approved Courses Eligible for a UK Student Visa

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor to study on an eligible course. The Immigration Rules set out the types of courses that meet the eligibility requirements:

• Full-time courses at degree level or above: You can apply for a Student Visa if you are enrolled on a full-time course at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 or above in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 9 or above in Scotland. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, provided the course leads to an approved qualification.
• Full-time courses below degree level: If you wish to study below degree level, you may qualify provided your course involves at least 15 hours per week of organised classroom-based daytime study (between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday) and leads to an approved qualification.
• Pre-sessional English language courses: Full-time pre-sessional courses in English language are eligible if they are taught at a level equivalent to CEFR B2 or above. Shorter English language courses below this level may instead require a Short-term Study visa.
• Part-time postgraduate courses: A part-time course at postgraduate level (RQF level 7 or above, or SCQF level 11 or above) may also be eligible, provided that it leads to an approved qualification and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has been issued by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
• Overseas higher education courses: You may also qualify if you are undertaking a full-time course at degree level or above that is recognised by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK higher education course. In this case, the CAS must be issued either by your overseas higher education institution or by a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
• ACCA qualifications: Eligible courses also include the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) qualification and ACCA Foundations in Accountancy programmes, where your student sponsor is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner – Gold or Platinum level.
• Aviation qualifications: Aviation licences, ratings, or certificates issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority also qualify as eligible courses under the Student route.

Courses outside these categories will not normally qualify for a UK Student Visa.

3. Who Else Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You may also be eligible to apply for a UK Student Visa if you are:

• Taking up a full-time, elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer at a UK educational institution that holds a Student sponsor licence;
• Currently in the UK with permission as a Student (or under the former Tier 4 (General) Student route) and applying to complete a course of study, undertake a new course, or extend your stay for academic progression purposes.

Note: The Doctorate Extension Scheme has been closed and replaced by the Graduate Route. If you have completed a PhD in the UK and wish to remain for work purposes, you may wish to consider applying under the Graduate Visa route instead.

4. UK Student Visa: Place of Study Rules and Requirements

Unless you are undertaking a permitted work placement, participating in a study abroad programme, or enrolled on a pre-sessional course, all teaching and study that form part of your course must take place at the premises of your student sponsor or at a partner institution named on the sponsor’s licence.

5. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): What You Need to Know

Once you have been offered an unconditional place on a course of study, your education provider – which must be a licensed student sponsor – will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and provide a unique CAS reference number. You must apply for your Student Visa within six months of the date your CAS was issued.

The CAS must not have been used in a previous visa application that was either granted or refused, and your sponsor must not have withdrawn the offer of study.

Your CAS must include specific information, including:

• Details of the course of study;
• The level of the course (e.g. RQF level);
• The location where the course will be delivered;
• The course fees and any payments already made;
• Costs of accommodation, if applicable;
• How the English language requirement has been met.

6. UK Student Visa Financial Requirement

In order to qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have sufficient cash funds to pay your course fees and support yourself financially while studying in the UK, without recourse to public funds.

Course Fees for a UK Student Visa

Unless you fall within a special exemption category (outlined below), you will need to show that you have enough readily available funds to pay any outstanding tuition fees for one academic year of your course (up to 9 months). If the duration of your course includes part of a month, this will be rounded up to the next full month.

If you have already paid part or all of your course fees to your student sponsor, this amount may be deducted from the total funds required, provided that the payment is:

• Confirmed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS); or
• Supported by an official receipt issued by your student sponsor.

If you have paid a deposit to your student sponsor for accommodation, this may also be deducted from the total amount required, up to a maximum of £1,483.

Living Costs for a UK Student Visa

You must also show that you have sufficient funds to meet your living expenses in the UK, depending on the location of your studies:

• If you will study in London: You must have £1,483 per month for up to 9 months (maximum £13,347);
• If you will study outside London: You must have £1,136 per month for up to 9 months (maximum £10,224).

These amounts are current as of the latest UKVI guidance in May 2025 and reflect the cost-of-living thresholds used in assessing Student Visa applications.

The required funds must have been held in your name (or that of a parent/legal guardian if you are relying on their funds) for a consecutive 28-day period, ending no more than 31 days before the date of your Student Visa application.

If you have dependents applying at the same time, you will need to show additional funds to support them.

Special Categories Exempt from Student Visa Financial Requirements

Certain applicants are deemed to automatically meet the financial requirement and are not required to provide evidence of funds at the time of application. This includes:

• Applicants who have lawfully lived in the UK for 12 months or more immediately before the date of their Student Visa application;
• Student Union Sabbatical Officers;
• British Nationals (Overseas) and nationals of countries or territories listed under the differential evidence requirement (although UKVI may still request evidence of funds, so the required funds should be held).

7. Using Scholarships or Sponsorship to Meet the Financial Requirement

When preparing to apply for a UK Student Visa, international students must be able to demonstrate that they meet the financial requirement. For many, this will mean relying on personal savings or funds from family members. However, a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and other sources of student funding may also be available and can be used to help meet the UK Student Visa eligibility criteria.

If you have been awarded a scholarship or bursary, this may be used to meet the Student Visa financial requirement, provided it qualifies as official financial sponsorship under the Immigration Rules. An official financial sponsor includes a UK government department, your national government, an international scholarship agency, a university or an independent school. The sponsorship must cover all or part of your tuition fees and/or living costs, and this must be confirmed in an official letter from the sponsor.

Many UK universities offer funding opportunities specifically for international students. These may be merit-based, subject-specific or linked to financial need. The UK government also supports a number of prestigious international scholarship schemes, including:

• Chevening Scholarships, for postgraduate students with leadership potential;
• Commonwealth Scholarships, available to students from eligible countries;
• GREAT Scholarships, in partnership with UK universities and the British Council.

Students may also wish to explore funding from charities, trusts, or employer sponsorship in their home countries. It is important to research all available options well in advance of applying for your UK Student Visa.

If you are relying on a scholarship or bursary to meet the Student Visa financial requirement, it is essential to ensure that all required documentation is in order and meets the specifications set out by UK Visas and Immigration.

8. English Language Requirement for a UK Student Visa

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you can read, write, speak and understand English to the required standard. If you are applying to study at degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6 or higher), you must meet at least CEFR Level B2. If your course is below degree level (RQF level 3 to 5), you must meet at least CEFR Level B1.

In most cases, the English language requirement must be satisfied by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. However, there are several important exemptions. You will not be required to take a SELT if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration. Similarly, if you have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree that was taught in English in one of those countries, you may also be exempt. Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules also recognises GCSE/A Level/Scottish Higher qualifications in English, Welsh, Scots Gaelic or Irish language as meeting the English language requirement.

Additional exemptions apply if you are a national of Canada, or if you are applying to travel to the UK as part of a study abroad programme that forms part of a university degree course in the United States. You will also not be required to prove your English language ability if you have already met the requirement at the required level in a previous successful visa application and that evidence remains valid.

9. The Genuine Student Requirement for UK Student Visa Applicants

As part of the Student Visa application process, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may conduct an interview to assess whether you meet the Genuine Student requirement. This is more likely if UKVI has any credibility concerns.  

If you are interviewed, you may be asked questions about your immigration history, previous education, the course you intend to study, your chosen institution, your reasons for wishing to study in the UK, your plans after completing your studies, and your personal and financial circumstances. 

The Entry Clearance Officer must be satisfied that you are a genuine student who intends to study in the UK and who is capable of completing the proposed course. If the officer is not satisfied, your application may be refused on credibility grounds.

10. How to Prepare for a UK Student Visa Credibility Interview

UK Student Visa credibility interviews are conducted by UK Visas and Immigration to assess whether a Student Visa applicant is a genuine student with a credible intention to study in the UK.

If you are invited to a credibility interview, your interview will usually take place at a visa application centre, either in person or by video call. They typically last around 30 minutes. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your educational background, the course you intend to study, your reasons for choosing the UK, your financial circumstances and your long-term plans.

You should be prepared to explain:

• Why you chose your course and your institution;
• How your course fits into your career plans;
• How you will fund your studies and living costs;
• What research you have done about your university and accommodation;
• What you intend to do after completing your studies.

The Entry Clearance Officer will use the interview to assess whether your application meets the requirements of the Genuine Student Rule. A lack of preparation or inconsistent answers may lead to your UK Student Visa application being refused.

11. UK Student Visa Refusals: Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them

A UK Student Visa application may be refused for a number of reasons, often due to insufficient evidence or failure to meet one or more eligibility requirements. Understanding common refusal grounds can help prospective students avoid costly delays or rejections.

Typical reasons for refusal of a UK Student Visa application include:

• Inadequate proof of finances or inconsistencies in financial documentation;
• Failure to meet the English language requirement;
• An unsatisfactory credibility interview under the Genuine Student Rule;
• Concerns that the applicant is not a genuine student;
• Errors in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), such as course details or sponsor information.

If your UK Student Visa application has been refused, you may be able to challenge the decision by way of Administrative Review if you believe the refusal was due to a caseworker error.  In some situations, it may be more appropriate to submit a fresh application with improved supporting evidence. Where a refusal is procedurally unfair or legally flawed, a Judicial Review may also be considered.

12. UK Student Visa Conditions and Responsibilities While in the UK

Once you have been granted a UK Student Visa and arrived in the UK to begin your studies, you will be expected to comply with a number of important visa conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions may lead to your leave being curtailed and could negatively affect future visa applications.

As a Student Visa holder, you must:

• Study full-time at your licensed student sponsor, or a permitted partner institution;
• Attend your course as required and engage fully with your studies;
• Notify your education provider and UKVI of any changes in your circumstances (such as a change of course, address or withdrawal from study);
• Abide by your permitted working hours and not work in breach of your visa conditions;
• Ensure that your visa remains valid and submit any required extension applications before your current leave expires.

Your sponsor will have a duty to report certain events to UK Visas and Immigration, including poor attendance, unauthorised absences, or if you leave your course early. If your sponsor withdraws you from your course, UKVI may cancel your visa and require you to leave the UK.

To maintain your lawful status in the UK as an international student, it is vital to be aware of and meet your Student Visa responsibilities at all times.

13. Changing Courses or Sponsors on a UK Student Visa

If you hold a UK Student Visa, you will generally be expected to complete the course of study for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was issued. However, in some circumstances, you may be permitted to change your course or your education provider after arriving in the UK.

If you wish to change to a different course with the same education provider, you may be able to do so without needing to make a new visa application, provided the new course is at the same level or a higher level than your current course and can be completed within your existing visa period. You must also obtain permission from your sponsor to make this change. Certain changes, such as switching to a course at a lower level or to one with a longer duration, may require a fresh application for a new Student Visa.

If you wish to change to a different education provider, you will need to apply for a new Student Visa with a new CAS issued by your new sponsor. You must not start your new course or begin studying with the new provider until your new visa has been granted.

Changing course or sponsor without following the correct procedure can result in your immigration permission being cancelled.

14. Student Visa Sponsorship Withdrawals and Curtailment Explained

Your UK Student Visa is closely tied to your student sponsor. If your sponsor decides to withdraw its sponsorship – whether because you have withdrawn from your course, failed to meet academic or attendance requirements, or for another reason – UK Visas and Immigration will be notified and may curtail your leave to remain.

Curtailment means that your Student Visa will be shortened, typically to 60 calendar days. You must either leave the UK or submit a fresh immigration application before this period expires. If you wish to continue studying in the UK with a new sponsor, you will need to obtain a new CAS and apply for a new Student Visa.

Curtailment may also occur if your sponsor loses its sponsor licence. In such cases, affected students are normally given a grace period to find an alternative sponsor and apply for a new visa.

Being subject to visa curtailment can affect your immigration record and future applications. If you have received notification that your sponsorship has been withdrawn or your visa is being curtailed, we recommend that you seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

15. Switching into the Student Route from Within the UK

If you currently have valid leave to remain in the UK, you may be eligible to switch into the Student route. However, you cannot apply from within the UK if you currently have, or were last granted, permission to stay as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or if you have leave that was granted outside the Immigration Rules – unless that leave was expressly granted for the purpose of allowing you to find a new student sponsor.

You are also not permitted to switch into the Student route if you are currently on immigration bail.

16. How to Apply for a UK Student Visa: Inside or Outside the UK

If you are applying for a Student Visa from outside the UK, you may submit your application up to six months before the start date of your course, as stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you are applying from within the UK, the earliest you can submit your application is three months before your course is due to begin. Additionally, your new course must be scheduled to start no more than 28 days after the expiry of your current period of leave.

17. UK Student Visa Processing Times

If you apply for a UK Student Visa from outside the UK, you will normally receive a decision within three weeks of attending your biometric appointment or using the identity verification app, where applicable.

If you apply for permission to stay as a Student from within the UK, you should normally receive a decision within eight weeks of submitting your application and providing your biometrics.

18. Travelling to the UK on a Student Visa: What to Know

If your Student Visa application is approved, you will be permitted to travel to the UK up to 1 week before your course begins if your course lasts 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before your course begins if your course lasts more than 6 months.

19. Length of Stay on a UK Student Visa Based on Course Level

If you are aged 18 or over and studying at degree level (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6 or above), you will normally be permitted to stay in the UK on the Student route for up to five years. If your course is below degree level (RQF level 3 to 5), the maximum period of stay is generally two years.

There are exceptions to these time limits for certain courses and subject areas, including architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and science, music at Conservatoires UK, and certain law courses such as law conversion courses, MLaw in NI and the accelerated graduate LLB in Scotland. These exceptions reflect the longer duration of training typically required in such fields.

The time limit is calculated based on the total period of leave granted under the Student route, not the actual period of study or the length of the course. Any additional time granted under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 – where leave is extended pending a decision on a new application – also counts towards the maximum permitted duration.

The cap applies regardless of whether the leave was granted for a single course or multiple courses and applies to Student Visa applications made both inside and outside the UK.

20. Working in the UK on a Student Visa: Permitted Hours and Conditions

The ability of a Student Visa holder to undertake employment in the United Kingdom is strictly regulated and is contingent upon the nature of the course of study and the status of the sponsoring institution.

A Student Visa holder enrolled on a full-time course of study at degree level or above, at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, will ordinarily be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and to undertake full-time employment during official vacation periods.

A Student Visa holder enrolled on a full-time course of study below degree level, at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, will generally be permitted to work up to 10 hours per week during term time and to undertake full-time employment during official vacation periods.

By contrast, no employment is permitted for students who:

• Are enrolled on a part-time course of study; or
• Are enrolled at an institution which is not a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.

Accordingly, employment in the United Kingdom under the Student route is only permissible where the student is enrolled on a full-time course at a compliant higher education provider. In such cases, the weekly limit will be 20 hours where the course is at degree level or above and 10 hours where the course is below degree level.

• A Guide to Working in the UK on a Student Visa

21. Support for Students with Disabilities on a UK Student Visa

International students with disabilities or long-term medical conditions are welcome to study in the UK and are protected under the Equality Act 2010. UK universities are required to offer reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled students are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

As a prospective Student Visa applicant, you should notify your education provider as early as possible about your condition so that appropriate support can be arranged. This may include academic adjustments, accessible accommodation or assistive technologies.

From an immigration perspective, if your disability or health condition affects your living or support costs, you may need to demonstrate that you have additional funds to meet those needs as part of the Student Visa financial requirement. UK Visas and Immigration will expect evidence that you can maintain and accommodate yourself adequately in the UK without recourse to public funds.

22. UK Student Visa Rules for Dependants 

Courses Starting Before 1 January 2024

If the main Student Visa holder’s course started before 1 January 2024, the following categories of students are eligible to bring a dependant partner and/or dependant child to the UK:

• Full-time students enrolled on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) lasting 9 months or more;
• Students in receipt of an official financial sponsorship from a government or international scholarship agency and studying a course lasting longer than 6 months;
• Students on the Doctorate Extension Scheme (for those granted leave prior to the scheme’s closure on 1 July 2021).

Each dependent must demonstrate access to sufficient maintenance funds. The required level is:

• £845 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months) if the main applicant is studying in London;
• £680 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months) if the main applicant is studying outside London.

These funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the date of the dependent visa application.

Dependants are exempt from the maintenance funds requirement if they have held valid leave in the UK for at least 12 months at the time of application, or if they are a national of a country listed under the differential evidence requirement, and the main applicant is applying at the same time.

Courses Starting On or After 1 January 2024

International students whose course starts on or after 1 January 2024 are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK under the Student route.

An exception applies to students enrolled on a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree at RQF level 7 or above, as defined in the Immigration Rules. These students may continue to bring dependent partners and children to the UK even after the rule change.

Dependants who are already in the UK may continue to extend their stay, provided they continue to meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

23. UK Child Student Visa and Parental Visa Options

If you are between 4 and 17 years old and wish to study at an independent school in the UK, you should apply for a Child Student Visa rather than a general UK Student Visa. The Child Student Visa is a separate immigration route designed specifically for younger international students who intend to study at a fee-paying independent school that holds a sponsor licence.

Applicants under 18 must have suitable arrangements in place for their care and accommodation during their stay in the UK. This includes providing written parental consent and naming an adult responsible for the child’s welfare, if they will not be living with their parent or legal guardian.

Parents of children under 12 may also be eligible to apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa to accompany their child to the UK. This visa allows one parent to stay with the child for the duration of their studies at primary school level but does not permit employment or switching into other visa categories.

24. Extending Your Stay on a UK Student Visa

If you are currently in the UK with valid leave as a Student or under the former Tier 4 (General) Student route, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of stay under the Student route. Eligible dependent partners and children may also be able to extend their leave at the same time.

To qualify, you must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course of study with a licensed student sponsor. In most cases, you will also need to show that the new course represents academic progression, meaning it is at a higher academic level than your previous course. There are limited exceptions to this requirement, including where the new course is related and supports your career aspirations, or where you are resitting exams or repeating modules.

If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months at the time of application, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your studies, in accordance with the financial requirements set out in the Immigration Rules.

25. Does the UK Student Visa Lead to Settlement?

The Student route is not a route to settlement. However, Student Visa holders may be eligible to extend their stay into other immigration routes which can lead to settlement.

26. Switching from a UK Student Visa to a Work Visa Route

Students who are enrolled on a course at degree level or above may apply to switch into a sponsored work route before completing their course, provided that their employment start date is not earlier than the date of course completion. This allows students to begin the transition into employment while still holding valid Student leave, so long as they do not commence work before finishing their studies.

Students undertaking a PhD or other doctoral qualification may apply to switch into a work route after completing 24 months of study on the course. Eligible work visa categories that permit switching from the Student route include the Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, Global Talent, High Potential Individual, Scale-Up, Innovator Founder and International Sportsperson routes.

27. UK Student Visa Applicants FAQs

Who is eligible for a UK Student Visa?

You must be aged 16 or over, have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, meet the English language requirement, and demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course. Additional parental consent is required if you are under 18.

What types of courses qualify for a UK Student Visa?

Eligible courses include full-time study at RQF level 3 or above, pre-sessional English language courses at CEFR B2 or higher, and part-time postgraduate courses (RQF 7+) with an approved higher education provider. Certain specialist courses, such as ACCA qualifications with approved partners and aviation licences issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, also qualify.

When should I apply for a UK Student Visa?

You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK, or up to 3 months before if applying from inside the UK. Your course must begin no more than 28 days after the expiry of your current visa if applying from within the UK.

How much money do I need for a UK Student Visa?

You must show sufficient funds to cover your outstanding course fees and up to 9 months of living costs. As of 2025, the monthly maintenance requirement is £1,483 in London or £1,136 outside London, held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

Do I need to prove my English language ability?

Yes, unless exempt, you must prove your English proficiency by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR Level B2 for degree-level courses or B1 for below degree-level. Exemptions apply to nationals of majority English-speaking countries or those with eligible qualifications.

Can I work while on a UK Student Visa?

Students enrolled full-time at degree level or above may work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during vacations. Students below degree level may work up to 10 hours per week. Part-time students and those at non-compliant institutions cannot work.

Can my family join me in the UK on a Student Visa?

Only certain students may bring dependants, such as those on postgraduate courses lasting at least 9 months or studying research-based doctoral programmes. As of 1 January 2024, dependants are no longer permitted for most students starting new courses unless specific exemptions apply.

What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

A CAS is a unique reference number issued by your education provider once you have an unconditional offer. It includes course details, fees, and English language assessment. Your Student Visa application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the CAS.

What are common reasons for Student Visa refusal?

Applications may be refused due to insufficient funds, incorrect documentation, failing the English language requirement, or not meeting the Genuine Student test. Inconsistencies during credibility interviews or errors in the CAS can also lead to refusal.

Can I switch from a Student Visa to another visa route?

Yes, you may switch to other routes such as the Skilled Worker or Graduate route, provided you meet the relevant requirements. Applications to switch must generally be made before your Student Visa expires and from within the UK.