UK Student visa: the complete guide
Most international students come to the UK on the Student visa (Student route). You apply once a licensed student sponsor has issued you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Check gov.uk before you apply: fees and funds amounts are revised from time to time.
The process, step by step
- Choose a course at a licensed student sponsor. Only a university or college on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors can issue a CAS.
- Apply for the course. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; postgraduate applications usually go direct to the university.
- Accept an offer and meet its conditions, such as exam results or an English test score.
- Receive your CAS. It is a reference number the university issues; the visa application is built around it.
- Prepare your maintenance funds and your English evidence (a Secure English Language Test such as IELTS for UKVI, unless you are exempt).
- Apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Prove your identity (biometrics) and wait for the decision.
Fees
As shown on gov.uk in October 2026, the Student visa application fee is £558 whether you apply from outside the UK or extend or switch inside it. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid in addition, and is covered on its own page. Check gov.uk before you apply.
Working while you study
Work rights depend on what you study and on whether it is term-time. For degree-level study the usual limit is 20 hours a week in term-time, with full-time work generally allowed in official vacations. Conditions are printed on your visa, so read it, and treat any work as a bonus: it cannot count towards the funds you must show.
Bringing family
Dependants are restricted. In general only students on postgraduate research courses (PGR) and some government-sponsored students may bring a partner or children. Check gov.uk for the exact rules before planning a family move.
After you graduate: the Graduate visa
The Graduate visa lets eligible graduates stay and work or look for work after their course. The fee is £937. For applications made on or before 31 December 2026 it lasts 2 years (3 years for doctorate holders). For applications made from 1 January 2027 it lasts 18 months (doctorate holders keep 3 years). Because the date you apply matters, check the current rules on gov.uk.
Documents you will typically need
- A valid passport.
- Your CAS reference number.
- Evidence of maintenance funds held for the required period.
- Proof of your English level, if you are not exempt.
- Academic documents used for your offer, and ATAS clearance where your subject requires it.
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from a country where this is required.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Rules, fees and funds amounts change; always check gov.uk and your university’s international office before you apply. This site is independent and is not affiliated with gov.uk, UCAS or the Office for Students.
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