How to get a United Kingdom student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Student visa at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Student visa |
| Application fee | £524 |
| Health cover | £776 a year Immigration Health Surcharge, paid upfront for the whole course |
| Funds to show | £1,483 a month for London or £1,136 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, on top of the first year's fees, held for 28 days |
| Validity | Length of the course plus 4 months (2 months for courses under 6 months) |
| Post-study route | Graduate Route: 2 years after a bachelor's or master's, 3 years after a PhD |
How to apply, step by step
- Accept your unconditional offer and pay the deposit the university asks for
- Receive your CAS statement, usually 3 to 4 months before the course starts
- Apply online at gov.uk, pay the fee and the health surcharge
- Give biometrics at a visa application centre or through the app
- Decision usually within 3 weeks; priority services are available in most countries
Documents checklist
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university
- Passport
- Proof of funds held for 28 consecutive days
- English test or degree in English, as your CAS states
- TB test certificate if you live in a listed country
- ATAS certificate for some science and engineering master's
Financial evidence
£1,483 a month for London or £1,136 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, on top of the first year's fees, held for 28 days. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted. Money must be in your name or a parent's with a consent letter, and statements must be recent. Our loan partners issue sanction letters that visa offices recognise.
After you graduate
Graduate Route: 2 years after a bachelor's or master's, 3 years after a PhD. Unsponsored. You can work in any job or be self-employed. Apply from inside the UK before your student visa ends.
Working on a student visa
20 hours a week in term time, full time in vacations. Minimum wages of £10.00 to £12.21 an hour (National Minimum and Living Wage rates).
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much study gap is accepted for a UK master's?
Most universities accept a gap of two to five years if you can explain it: work, family, an exam attempt, or a business. Gaps longer than that are still possible with relevant work experience. We help you write the explanation the university and the visa officer both want to see.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Your first year's tuition fees (minus anything already paid) plus living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 elsewhere for up to nine months. The money must sit in your or your parents' account for 28 days before you apply. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in the UK?
Not directly from a student visa. The usual path is Student visa, then Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa with an employer, and after five years on qualifying visas you can apply for settlement. The rules changed in 2025 and may change again, so treat this as the current picture, not a promise.
Do I need IELTS for the UK?
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter, or your school English marks, instead of IELTS, especially for students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Others insist on IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. We check each course before you spend money on a test.