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Study visa

Student Visa

Study at a UK-licensed education provider aged 16+.

Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026
The short answer

For students offered an unconditional place on an eligible course at a licensed Student sponsor. From January 2024, most taught Masters students cannot bring dependants; this remains in force.

£558Application fee from
£776IHS per year
3 weeksDecision (outside UK)
Up to 5 years (degree-level)Initial leave

Who can apply

  • Unconditional offer with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor
  • English language: B2 for degree-level courses, B1 below degree
  • Maintenance funds: £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month (outside London), up to 9 months
  • Funds held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before applying
  • Parental consent if under 18
  • Credibility interview may be required to demonstrate genuine intent

How to apply

  1. Accept an offer & receive CASYour institution issues a CAS reference once you accept an unconditional place.
  2. Prepare finances & EnglishHold maintenance funds for 28 days; take an approved SELT if needed.
  3. Apply onlineApply up to 6 months before course start (outside UK) or 3 months (inside).
  4. BiometricsBook a Visa Application Centre appointment for fingerprints and photograph.
  5. Receive eVisaFrom 2026, status is held digitally — link your passport to your UKVI account on arrival.

Documents you’ll need

  • Valid passport
  • CAS reference number (valid 6 months)
  • Bank statements showing maintenance funds held for 28 days
  • Academic qualifications listed on your CAS
  • Approved English language test certificate (if required by sponsor)
  • TB test results if from a listed country
  • ATAS certificate for sensitive research/science subjects

Good to know

Taught Masters students cannot bring dependants (except government-sponsored courses of 6+ months).
Students can work up to 20 hours/week during term time (degree-level).
Switching to Skilled Worker inside the UK is permitted after course completion.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

  • You need to prove first-year tuition (minus any paid) plus 9 months of maintenance: £1,483/month in London, £1,136/month elsewhere. So a London student with £28,000 tuition (£5,000 paid) needs to show £36,347 in savings or via a sponsor letter for 28 consecutive days.

  • Yes — up to 20 hours per week during term, full-time during vacations, if you're on a degree-level course at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or work as a doctor/dentist in training (except on a recognised foundation programme).

  • Almost certainly no. Since January 2024 most master's and undergraduate Student visa holders cannot bring dependants. Exceptions: government-sponsored students on courses 6+ months, and PhD or research doctorate students.

  • Application fee: £524. IHS: £776 per year for students (lower than the £1,035 standard rate). For a typical 3-year undergraduate visa: £524 + £3,104 IHS = £3,628 plus optional priority service £500. Tuition, maintenance and living costs are separate.

  • Yes, from inside the UK, provided you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, the role meets salary thresholds, and you apply before your Student visa expires. The new-entrant discount drops the minimum salary to £33,400. The course completion rule has timing catches — see our switching guide for the details.

Source: GOV.UK — Student Visa · Last verified April 2026

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Verified against gov.uk · April 2026·Editorial policy
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