UK STUDENT VISA
The UK Student visa, explained
A clear, up-to-date guide to the Student Route — what you need, what it costs, how the money requirement works, and what you can do after you graduate. Figures checked against GOV.UK.
What you need to qualify
An offer from a licensed student sponsor (your university or college), who issues you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — your electronic visa sponsor reference.
Proof you can pay your course fees and support yourself. See the money requirement below.
Evidence you can read, write, speak and understand English, usually via an approved test (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) unless you are exempt.
A current passport or travel document. If you are 16–17 you also need written parental consent.
The money requirement
You must show you can pay for your course and support yourself. The living-cost part is a fixed monthly figure for up to 9 months, on top of your unpaid course fees.
- You must hold the money for at least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application date.
- This is on top of your tuition fees for the first year, as stated on your CAS.
- Some applicants are exempt — for example if you have held a valid UK visa for 12 months, or are from a country on the differential evidence list.
Note: this is a Home Office proof figure, not your real budget. See our cost-of-living calculator for what a month actually costs in each city.
When and how to apply
- Apply up to 6 months before your course start date from outside the UK, or 3 months before if you are switching inside the UK.
- A decision usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside.
- Budget the £558 application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (about £1,035 per year), which gives you access to the NHS.
- You apply online, prove your identity, and upload your documents. Your sponsor (university) guides you once your CAS is issued.
AEN handles this end-to-end — see our step-by-step application guide.
After you graduate — the Graduate Route
The Graduate Route lets you stay and work — or look for work — in the UK after your course, with no job offer and no sponsor needed. You apply from inside the UK once your university confirms you have completed your course.
How long you get depends on when you apply: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD and doctoral graduates get 3 years.
- No sponsor and no minimum salary — you can work in almost any job, or be self-employed, while you build UK experience.
- The application costs £937 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (about £1,035 per year).
- It cannot be extended, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa once you have a sponsored job — the usual long-term route to staying in the UK.
Bringing your family
Most students can no longer bring dependants (a partner or children) on the Student visa. This is now limited to specific groups — mainly students on postgraduate research programmes (such as a PhD) and government-sponsored students. Rules here are strict and change, so always confirm your eligibility on GOV.UK before making plans.
Common questions
How much money do I need for a UK Student visa?
You must show living costs of £1,529 per month in London, or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months — that is £13,761 or £10,539 — plus your first year's tuition fees as stated on your CAS. You must have held the money for at least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application.
How early can I apply for a UK Student visa?
Up to 6 months before your course start date if you apply from outside the UK, or 3 months before if you are switching from inside the UK. A decision usually takes around 3 weeks from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside.
How much does the UK Student visa cost?
The application fee is £558 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of about £1,035 per year, which gives you access to the NHS during your stay.
Can I work on a UK Student visa?
Most students can work part-time during term (usually up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during holidays, but the exact conditions are printed on your visa — always check them. Some courses and sponsors do not permit work.
How long can I stay in the UK after graduating?
Via the Graduate Route you can stay 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD and doctoral graduates get 3 years. No job offer or sponsor is required, and you can later switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
Can I bring my family on a UK Student visa?
Most students can no longer bring dependants. It is now limited to specific groups — mainly students on postgraduate research programmes such as a PhD, and government-sponsored students. Always confirm your eligibility on GOV.UK.
Figures last verified against GOV.UK on 16 July 2026. Immigration rules change — always confirm the current requirements on the official GOV.UK pages before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Planning your move to the UK?
AEN guides international students through course choice, application, CAS and visa — for free. Talk to us before you start.