UK Student Visa Requirements for 2026

Planning to study in the UK in 2026? The UK remains a popular study destination for international students worldwide. With an array of top-ranked universities and world-renowned institutions, the UK has earned its reputation as a go-to study destination, with an eventful student calendar that makes it a student favourite.

Most international students will need a student visa, and meeting the requirements involves more than simply receiving a university offer. From visa requirements and financial evidence to the application process and processing times, knowing what to expect can help make your journey to studying in the UK a little smoother.

Types of UK Study Visa

There are different study visas depending on your course, age, and length of study. Most international students coming to the UK to study at a university will need a student visa, while younger students may need a child student visa. For a breakdown of the different UK study visa options, see our guide to UK study visas.

Short-term Study Visa

If you want to study an English language course in the UK for more than six months but no more than 11 months, you may be eligible for a short-term study visa. Your course must be with an accredited institution. The visa costs £228, and you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application, which usually costs £776.

The IHS gives you access to NHS healthcare, although some services may still require payment. Short-term study visa holders cannot work, bring dependants, or extend their visa.

Student Visa

The student route is the main visa route for international students planning to study at a UK university or other eligible education provider. Your course must meet the student visa eligibility requirements, and your education provider must be a licensed student sponsor.

You’ll also need to meet the relevant financial, English language, and other eligibility requirements. The student visa costs £558, and you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application.

UK Student Visa Requirements

To apply for a UK student visa, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements and provide supporting documents. These may include:

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Once you’ve accepted an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and met its requirements, your university or education provider will issue your CAS, which you’ll need for your visa application.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You’ll generally need to show that you can cover your course fees and living costs while in the UK. The amount required depends on whether you’ll be studying in London or elsewhere in the UK.
• Proof of English language skills: You’ll usually need to demonstrate that you can read, write, speak, and understand English.
• A valid passport: You must provide a current passport or another valid travel document.
• Additional documents, if applicable: Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a TB test certificate, ATAS certificate, proof of parental consent if you're under 18, or evidence of financial sponsorship.

How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?

To apply for a UK student visa, you’ll generally need to show that you have enough money to cover your outstanding course fees and living costs while studying in the UK. The amount you need for living costs depends on where you’ll be studying:

• In London: £1,529 per month, for up to nine months
• Outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to nine months

You’ll usually need to have held the required funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application. If you’ve paid a deposit to your student sponsor for accommodation arranged by the sponsor, you may be able to deduct up to £1,529 from the maintenance funds you need to show.

You may not need to provide financial evidence if you meet certain exemptions, such as having been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying. Other exemptions may also apply depending on your circumstances, so check the latest GOV.UK guidance before applying.

English Language Requirements for a UK Student Visa

You’ll usually need to prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English to the required level for your course. The level you need depends on what you’ll be studying:

• Degree level or above: CEFR B2
• Below degree level: CEFR B1

You may be able to prove your English in several ways, depending on your circumstances. These include taking an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), using a qualifying English-language qualification, or having your university assess your English if you’re studying at degree level or above. Nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries may also meet the requirement without taking a test.

Additional UK Student Visa Requirements

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents or meet extra requirements when applying for a UK student visa.

• Tuberculosis (TB) test: You may need to provide a valid TB test certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK and have lived in a country where TB testing is required for six months or more. The test must be taken at an approved clinic.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS): You may need an ATAS certificate if you’re studying or researching certain sensitive subjects at RQF Level 7 or above. Whether you need one depends on your course and nationality.
• Parental consent: If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll need written consent from your parent or legal guardian for your visa application, travel to the UK, and living arrangements. You’ll also need evidence of your relationship with them.
• Financial sponsorship consent: If a government, international organisation, university, or another official sponsor has paid for your course fees and living costs within the previous 12 months, you may need written consent from your financial sponsor.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

If applying from outside the UK, you can usually apply up to six months before your course starts. If applying from inside the UK, you can usually apply up to three months before your course starts. You must also apply within six months of receiving your CAS. You must also apply before your current visa expires if you're switching to a student visa from inside the UK.

Once you have your university offer and meet the visa requirements, you can apply for your student visa online. The process generally involves:

1. Get your CAS: Your university will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
2. Prepare your documents: Gather your passport, CAS details, financial evidence, and any other required documents.
3. Apply online: Complete the student visa application on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Prove your identity: Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre for your biometrics, depending on your circumstances.
5. Wait for your decision: Once you’ve completed your application, wait for your visa decision.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

You’ll usually receive a decision on your student visa within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK or 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision, depending on your circumstances.

Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?

You may be able to work while studying in the UK on a student visa, depending on your course and education provider. Eligible students studying a full-time degree-level course can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time, while those studying certain full-time courses below degree level can generally work up to 10 hours per week. Full-time work may be permitted during vacations.

Your visa conditions will specify whether you’re allowed to work and how many hours you can work. You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, or claim public funds. Always check your visa conditions before starting work.

Can You Bring Dependants on a UK Student Visa?

Some student visa holders can bring their partner or children to the UK as dependants, but strict eligibility rules apply. Eligibility is limited and generally applies to government-sponsored students and students on certain postgraduate research programmes.

For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, this generally means a PhD or other doctorate or another research-based higher degree. Your dependants will need to make their own visa applications and meet the relevant requirements.

When Can You Travel to the UK?

If your UK student visa application is successful, you’ll receive an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status. You’ll need to set up a UKVI account and link your travel document to access it. You can then plan your arrival in the UK, keeping your visa start date in mind. Students can arrive:

• up to one week before your course starts if your course lasts six months or less
• up to one month before your course starts if your course lasts more than six months.

Important: You must not travel to the UK before the start date shown on your visa.

UK Student Visa Application Checklist

• Valid passport
• CAS reference number
• Financial evidence, if required
• English-language evidence, if required
• TB certificate, if required
• ATAS certificate, if required
• Parental consent and proof of your relationship to your parent/legal guardian, if under 18
• Written consent from your financial sponsor, if applicable
• Visa application fee and IHS

Ready to Start Your UK Study Journey?

Applying for a UK student visa may seem like a lot to take in, but getting familiar with the requirements early can make the process much easier. Taking it one step at a time can help you stay organised and on track. After completing your course, you may also be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa, which allows eligible graduates to stay and work in the UK for a limited period.

Once your visa is sorted, you can focus on the more exciting parts of your journey, from preparing for university to finding your ideal student accommodation in the UK.