How to get a UK student visa

The current fee for a student visa is £490 (~US$620) if you apply outside of the UK or if you extend or switch to a student visa from inside the UK. You’ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge per year to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. This is an additional cost of £470 (~US$594) per year.   

When you enter the UK, a UK Border Agency officer will put a stamp on your passport that states the duration of your stay in the UK. For example, if your course is 12 months or more, you can stay for the full duration of the course plus an additional four months. You cannot extend your stay beyond this period. 

Before you arrive, you must make sure you are fully immunised, and make sure to pack your immunisation record in your hand luggage in case you are asked to show the border agency officer at your UK port of entry. You should also carry the documents relating to your studies (including your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS number), your proof of finances and your proof of accommodation. 

For EU, EEA, and Swiss students, working while studying in the UK is a viable option. Those enrolled in publicly funded higher education institutions under student visas can engage in part-time work, up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during Christmas and Easter breaks. (Note: For students aged 16 or 17, the maximum is 10 hours per week during term time). 

However, there are certain restrictions in place for students on a UK student visa. They cannot undertake full-time employment (40 hours per week) and are also prohibited from claiming public funds (benefits) and pensions. Additionally, specific activities such as working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, being self-employed, and studying at an academy or local authority-funded school are restricted. 

Before commencing work, students are required to apply for a National Insurance Number to pay National Insurance contributions from their pay to qualify for certain benefits and the state pension. Additionally, students will also be required to produce evidence of right to work in the UK, using a share code to secure part-time employment during their course of study. 

As per the latest regulations imposed in 2024, partner and children of a student can apply to come and stay in the UK only if it is a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months or is a full-time student on a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) course or a research-based higher degree.  

How much is UK visa fee? 

The UK student visa fee is £490 when applying from both outside and inside of the UK. As per the 2024 January currency rate, it converts to approximately €570 in Europe, 533,990 Nigerian Nairas, 51,670 Indian Rupees, 9,700,600 Indonesian Rupiahs and 34,700 Philippine Pesos. 

In addition to the visa fee, applicants must pay a health surcharge fee of £490 per each year of their stay in the UK. This may convert to an annual fee of approximately €570 in Europe, 533,990 Nigerian Nairas, 51,670 Indian Rupees, 9,700,600 Indonesian Rupiahs and 34,700 Philippine Pesos.  

How to apply for UK student visa? 

Applying for a UK student visa can be done completely online, where the applicants will have to first create an account with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). When applying from outside the UK, applicants will be required to prove their identity and it will depend on where the applicant is from and the type of passport they have.  

Applicants can give their fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity documents.  

How long can I stay in the UK with a student visa? 

The duration of your stay in the UK with a student visa usually depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK. Generally, for individuals aged 18 or above enrolled in a degree-level course, the duration of stay is typically for up to five years.  

However, if your course is below degree level, the usual duration is up to two years. If you are applying for a one-year taught postgraduate programme, the duration of stay you will be permitted from your student visa is one year.  

It's essential to note that this duration is subject to your individual circumstances, and you should refer to the specific details provided by the UK immigration authorities for precise information tailored to your case. Always ensure to comply with visa regulations and seek guidance if needed to make the most of your study experience in the UK. 

Can I work while studying on a UK student visa? 

Absolutely, student visa holders in the UK usually can work, but the extent depends on your field of study and whether you're in or out of term time. While you can engage in roles such as a student union sabbatical officer, there are restrictions on being self-employed, employed as a sportsperson or coach, and claiming public funds. 

In many cases, working part-time for up to 20 hours a week is permissible for most UK student visa holders. However, it's wise to adhere to the specific details provided by the UK immigration authorities upon visa issuance to ensure you make the most of the opportunities available to you. 

How do I extend my stay in the UK with a student visa? 

If you currently hold a Tier 4 (General) student visa, you will have the opportunity to extend your visa and continue your existing course or pursue a new one in the UK. Applicants should be in the UK on either a student or Tier 4 (General) student visa, should have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, and should demonstrate that your new course surpasses the academic level of your current one, with certain exceptions at the time of applying.  

Additionally, if your stay in the UK has been less than 12 months, you'll need to show sufficient funds to support yourself during the extension.