How to get a student visa in the UK

• Child student visa: For applicants aged four to 17 attending an independent school in the UK.
• Short-term study visa: For courses or study programmes that lasts 11 months or less. Typically include short courses like English language programmes. 
• Student visa: For students who are aged 16 and over and enrolled in a full-time higher education programme within a recognised UK institution. 

To become eligible to apply for a student visa, you will need to have; 

• A place secured on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor in the UK
• Enough money to support your daily expenses and the tuition fee for your course 
• A good level of English proficiency in speaking, reading and writing 
• Consent from your parents if you are aged 16 or 17 

Place to study

When looking for a university or an educational institution in the UK to study in, always make sure to check if they are listed in the register of student sponsors. This will help you save a lot of trouble when applying for a student visa, as it’s essential for your course provider to hold the license to sponsor migrant students. 

Explore top universities in the UK

English tests accepted  

Another essential part of your UK student visa application is to show proof that you can understand, read, speak, and write English.  

• If the course you are applying for is degree level or above, you are expected to achieve a level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  
• If the course is below degree level, CEFR level B1 is considered sufficient. 

There are a couple of ways by which you can prove your English language proficiency: 

• Taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider 
• If you studied in the UK before turning 18 and earned a GCSE, A level, or Scottish English qualification. 
• Holding a degree-level qualification taught in English. If it was earned outside the UK, you’ll need confirmation from Ecctis that it’s equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD. 

Learn more about English proficiency requirements here. 

Minimum funds you need 

The exact amount of money you need will depend on your circumstances and the type of course you are applying for.  

You will typically need to show that you hold enough funds to cover the tuition fees for one academic year (up to nine months), of which the actual amount will be mentioned on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). 

Unless you have been in the UK for at least 12 months on the date of your application, you will also need to show proof of funds to show that you're able to support yourself during your studies. The exact amount will vary slightly with where in the UK you will be studying from.  

• For students within London: Proof of funds for up to nine months amounting to around £1,483 per month. 
• For students outside London: Proof of funds for up to nine months with a cost of £1,136 per month. 

Visit the official website for the latest numbers. 

Parental consent

Required for applicants under the age of 18. 

Medical tests 

A tuberculosis test is a mandatory requirement for most applicants depending on where you have resided. You’ll need to take this test if you’ve lived in one of the listed countries for six months or more, and you were there (or in another listed country) within the last six months before applying.  

This applies to anyone coming to the UK for six months or longer. 

Learn more about TB testing for your UK visa here. 

1. Current passport or other valid travel documentation 
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider 
3. Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course 
4. A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it 
5. Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18 
6. Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18 
7. Tuberculosis test results 
8. Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months 

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances. 

• Apply to a recognised UK university and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you’ve been offered a place. 
• Check if you need a visa (most international students do, unless you have UK or Irish citizenship or certain other exemptions). 
• Prepare all your documents (the full list mentioned above). 
• Complete the online visa application on the official UK government website. 
• Pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge (IHS). 
• Book and attend a biometrics appointment (at a visa application centre), unless you can use the UK Immigration ID Check app. 
• Wait for a decision, most applications are processed within three to eight weeks, depending on where you apply from. 
• Access your eVisa once your application is approved. 
• You can usually arrive up to one month before your course starts if your course lasts more than six months, or up to one week if your course lasts six months or less. 

Note: In case your application is complex and takes time to process, UKVI will contact you to verify the supporting documents, invite you for an interview, or to check your personal circumstances. 

Can: 

• Study 
• Work as a student union sabbatical officer  
• Be employed (your hours will depend on what’s specified on your visa) 

Cannot: 

• Claim benefits and pensions 
• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach 
• Be self-employed 
• Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)