A Guide to UK Student Visas for International Students
If you’re thinking about studying in the UK, but feel a bit overwhelmed by the UK student visa process, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
Getting a study visa for UK universities is a must if you want to study here, so we’ve put together this handy guide to give you the lowdown on everything from visa requirements to the application process to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
What is a UK student visa?#
Put simply, a UK student visa allows international students to study in the UK. It’s vital no matter which university you want to attend or which course you want to study, and it’s important to get your visa sorted as soon as possible once you’ve been offered a place on a course.
What are the UK Student Visa Requirements?#
According to the UK government’s student visa information, the UK student visa requirements state that you must:
- Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
- Be able to speak, read, write and understand English
- Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17
You will need to provide evidence to prove that you meet each requirement, so be sure to gather any necessary documents in advance.
Application costs of a UK student visa#
It costs £490 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK, and if you want to extend or switch your student visa inside the UK, it’s also £490.
Academics and language requirements #
When you study in the UK, your course will be in English. That’s why to study at degree level or above, you must provide evidence that you have a B2 level of English.
The most common way to demonstrate your English language ability is with a Secure English Language Test (SELT), which you can take via Trinity College London, IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert or Pearson Education Ltd at test centres around the world.
However, not everyone needs to provide evidence of their English language abilities – you can find the exemption criteria here.
The 70-point requirement explained#
While it may sound complicated, the 70-point requirement for UK student visas is surprisingly simple. As long as you meet the main UK student visa requirements, you will easily hit the 70-point threshold.
Your 70 points will be split as follows:
50 points for receiving a confirmation of acceptance for studies (i.e. a university offer letter)
10 points for meeting the financial requirements
10 points for being able to demonstrate that your English language ability is at level B2 or higher
How much money do I need for my UK student visa?#
To secure a UK student visa, you must be able to prove you have enough money to support yourself throughout your studies. This includes:
- Enough money to pay for your course for one academic year, which you will find on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Enough money to support yourself (for housing, food, transport, books, entertainment etc.) depending on where you’re studying:
- £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
There are some circumstances where you won’t have to prove you meet the financial requirements for a UK student visa, such as if you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months, or if you’re from certain countries. More information about these circumstances can be found here.
Financial evidence required for a student visa#
To prove you have the money you need to study in the UK, you will need to provide financial evidence. This could be:
- A student loan
- Official financial sponsorship (with a reference number from your CAS and/or a letter of confirmation)
- Proof of money in a relevant bank account
Find the specific evidence required depending on how you will be funding your UK study here. We also have a full guide explaining everything you need to know about tuition fees for international students.
Required documents and evidence #
All students will need to provide a current passport and other valid travel documentation, as well as their CAS, to secure their UK study visa.
Depending on your circumstances, your chosen course or your home country, you may also need to provide:
- Proof of finances
- A valid ATAS certificate
- Proof of parental or legal guardian consent (for under 18s)
- Proof of parental or legal guardian relationship (for under 18s)
- Your tuberculosis test results
- Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor
While not every student will need to provide every required document, it’s sensible to know where you can get hold of the right documentation in case it’s needed.
How to apply for a UK Student Visa#
Ready to apply for your UK student visa? Exciting!
The good news is that it’s all done online, so you don’t need to worry about booking time-consuming appointments. Most international students choose to apply from their home country, so you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
You’ll need to complete a straightforward online application form, then pay your £490 application fee. After that, all that’s left to do is wait for your decision from the UK government. Don't forget we also have a full guide showing how to prepare for uni life as an international student.
Step-by-step guide to applying from outside the UK #
Still feeling overwhelmed by the process? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Let’s go through it step by step.
1. Apply to your chosen universities and receive an unconditional offer (meaning it’s not dependent on anything like exam results).
2. Get your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) once you have accepted your university offer. This will cost £25, and comes directly from your university.
3. Begin the application process up to six months before your course starts. You’ll need to pay £490 and have a current passport.
4. Pay your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to allow you to use NHS services while you’re studying in the UK. The amount you pay depends on the length of your stay, which you can calculate here.
5. Prove your knowledge of the English language, if required – most likely with a SELT.
6. Complete your application and make sure it’s accepted before you arrive in the UK. If you’ve submitted your application six months before your course starts, you should have plenty of time to get a final decision.
After the application: next steps and waiting periods #
The waiting period can be a nerve-wracking time, but you shouldn’t need to wait too long for a decision. As long as you’ve submitted everything correctly, along with any supporting evidence, you should get your decision within three weeks if you’ve applied from outside the UK, or eight weeks if you’ve applied from inside the UK.
Where can I study on a UK student visa?#
With a UK student visa, you can study with any licensed sponsor in the UK. This list comprises of universities, higher education institutes (HEIs) and private providers. These can be found all over the country, so think about where you might like to be based when you study in the UK.
Family dependents: can I apply for a student dependant visa?
In some circumstances, international students can apply for student dependant visas, allowing them to bring children or partners with them while they study in the UK so they can keep their families together while they study.
This is a complex area, so take a look here for more detailed advice.
Handling challenges: delays, refusals, and appeals #
Hopefully everything will go smoothly with your UK student visa application, but occasionally things don’t quite go to plan. If that’s the case, don’t panic! There may be things you can do to get your application back on track.
How do I appeal a student visa refusal?#
There are occasions where a UK student visa may be refused – usually for reasons such as insufficient financial support or missing documentation. If this happens to you, it’s natural that you might feel worried, but you have a right to appeal within 28 days of the refusal if you’re outside the UK or 14 days if you’re already in the UK.
You could also reapply for your UK student visa – but previous refusals could impact reapplications, so it could be worth appealing your original application before you start again from scratch.
How do I get a refund for a withdrawn student visa application?#
Unfortunately, if your UK student visa is refused, you won’t get a refund. However, if you choose to withdraw from the UK student visa application process (for instance, if you change your mind about studying in the UK), you may be able to get some of your money refunded. Take a look here for more information about withdrawn visa refunds.
How to extend a student visa in the UK#
If you love your time in the UK and want to continue your studies here, you’re in luck! Many international students successfully extend their visas every year. Again, you will need to prove that you still have an unconditional offer to study in the UK, and in most cases, you need to prove that your continued study is at a higher level than your original application (called the ‘academic progress requirement’).
You’ll need to pay £490 to extend your current visa, and you have to apply before your current student visa expires, within the three months before your new course starts.
Benefits of a student visa and studying in the UK#
Studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity to study at a world-leading institution, live in a new country and improve your English, and getting a UK student visa is the first step to achieving this dream.
Securing your UK student visa will enable you to study at hundreds of universities and education centres across the country, whether that’s in the heart of bustling London, in the stunning Scottish Highlands or in one of the many vibrant student towns and cities all over the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK student visas:#
Which countries can I visit with a UK student visa?
You can travel with a UK student visa outside term time (unless your course requires a trip to another country during term time), but as you won’t have the same rights as permanent UK citizens, you will need to get additional travel rights, such as a Schengen visa to visit many European countries.
International students on a UK student visa can visit the four UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) without an additional visa during their stay.
Can you work on a student visa in the UK?
Yes, you can work on a student visa in the UK. For most courses, you can work for up to 20 hours a week during term time, whether that’s a part-time job, work placement or internship. Many UK students find work in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Does a student visa count towards residency in the UK?
Time in the UK on a student visa doe sn’t count towards UK residency (also known as indefinite leave to remain, or ILR status), but it is possible to switch from a student visa to another visa to enable you to stay in the UK for longer.
How long does a student visa last?
For over 18s studying at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to five years, but the exact length of your UK student visa depends on your course length and any previous study completed in the UK. More information is available here.
How to switch from a student visa to a different visa in the UK
If you have a UK student visa and want to stay for longer, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. For international students already in the UK on a student visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your job meets the eligibility requirements, such as minimum salary and approved employers
- You can speak, read, write and understand English
And one of the following:
- You have completed the course you were sponsored to study
- Your job start date is after your course has finished
- You have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months
Find out more about the Skilled Worker visa here.
Ready to apply? Head to the UK Government website for everything you need to know, or to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) for more in-depth advice.
