A UK Student visa allows eligible international students to study in the United Kingdom at an approved education provider. Applying for a Student visa involves more than completing an online form. Applicants must meet the relevant immigration requirements, have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), satisfy the financial and English language requirements where applicable, and provide the correct supporting evidence.
The requirements can vary depending on your nationality, course, education provider, age, previous immigration history and individual circumstances.
UK Student Visa Requirements at a Glance
Before starting your application, you should generally be prepared to provide or demonstrate:
- A valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Evidence of sufficient funds, where the financial requirement applies
- Evidence of your English language ability, where required
- A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if your course and nationality require one
- A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applicable
- Parental or legal guardian consent and relevant evidence if you are under 18
- Evidence relating to financial sponsorship, where applicable
- Your identity and biometric information, where required
Not every applicant will need every document. Your exact requirements depend on your circumstances.
1. What are the essential documents required for a UK Student visa application?
The documents required for a UK Student visa depend on your individual circumstances. However, there are several important documents that most applicants should expect to deal with.
Passport or Other Valid Travel Document
You will normally need a current passport or other valid travel document when applying for a Student visa.
Your passport is used to establish your identity and nationality. You will also need to complete the identity verification process required for your application.
Depending on your circumstances and where you apply, this may involve:
- using the UK Immigration: ID Check app; or
- attending a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
The online application process will tell you which procedure applies to you.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The CAS is one of the most important documents in a Student visa application.
Your education provider must normally be authorised to sponsor students under the Student route. Once your place and course arrangements have been confirmed, the provider issues your CAS.
The CAS contains information about:
- your education provider;
- your course;
- the course start and end dates;
- tuition fees;
- payments already made towards your tuition fees, where applicable; and
- other information relevant to your Student visa application.
You should carefully check the information on your CAS before submitting your visa application.
If information on your application does not correspond with the information recorded on your CAS, this may require further explanation or evidence.
Financial Evidence
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to demonstrate that you have enough money to:
- pay the required course fees; and
- support yourself while living in the UK.
The amount required depends on where you will study.
For most students, the current maintenance requirement is:
Place of study | Required maintenance |
London | £1,529 per month |
Outside London | £1,171 per month |
The requirement is calculated for a maximum of nine months. You may also need to demonstrate the required amount for your course fees.
Important: the 28-day financial requirement
Where financial evidence is required, the funds generally need to have been held for at least 28 consecutive days.
The end of that 28-day period must normally fall within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.
This is an important area to check before submitting your application. Having enough money in your account on the day you apply does not necessarily satisfy the requirement if the funds have not been held for the required period.
Acceptable financial evidence can include certain:
- bank statements;
- building society records;
- certificates of deposit;
- student loans; and
- official financial sponsorship evidence.
There are restrictions on the types of financial evidence that can be used. For example, certain investments, pensions, overdrafts and cryptocurrency cannot be used to satisfy the financial requirement.
Do all students have to provide financial evidence?
No.
There are circumstances in which an applicant does not have to prove the financial requirement at the application stage.
For example, you may not need to provide financial evidence if you have been living in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months immediately before the Student visa application.
There is also a differential evidence requirement for nationals of certain countries and territories. Applicants who qualify under this provision may not need to submit financial evidence with their initial application, although UKVI can still request the evidence before making a decision.
This distinction is important because not having to submit financial evidence does not necessarily mean that you are not required to have the required funds.
English Language Evidence
You must normally demonstrate the required level of English for your Student visa application.
The method of proving your English depends on your circumstances.
You may be able to demonstrate English through:
- a qualifying UK school qualification;
- a degree from a UK institution;
- a degree taught in English from an institution outside the UK, subject to the relevant requirements; or
- an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
If your overseas degree was taught in English, an assessment from Ecctis may be required to confirm the qualification and English-language elements.
The required English level depends on the course.
For applicants who need to demonstrate English through a test:
- degree level or above: normally CEFR B2
- below degree level: normally CEFR B1
For degree-level study, a Higher Education Provider may assess the student’s English itself, provided the assessment is equivalent to the required CEFR level.
This is why there is no single IELTS score that applies to every UK Student visa applicant.
Your university or college may also have its own English-language admission requirements, which can be different from the immigration requirement.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
Depending on your country of residence and circumstances, you may need to provide a TB test certificate.
Not every Student visa applicant needs a TB test.
You should check whether the TB requirement applies to you before submitting your application. If it does, the test should be completed through the appropriate process and the relevant certificate provided.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Some students studying certain subjects at master’s level or above may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Whether ATAS applies depends on the course and your nationality.
If you require an ATAS certificate, you should obtain it before submitting the Student visa application.
The online Student visa application process also directs applicants to check whether ATAS applies to their course.
Applicants Under 18
Students under 18 have additional requirements.
You may need to provide:
- written consent from your parent or legal guardian;
- consent to your visa application;
- consent to your travel to the UK;
- consent to your living and care arrangements in the UK; and
- evidence of your relationship with your parent or guardian.
A birth certificate or another government-issued document may be required to demonstrate the relationship.
Where relevant, the consent requirements can be more detailed depending on the applicant’s living and travel arrangements.
Financial Sponsorship
If your tuition fees or living costs are being covered by an official financial sponsor, you may need evidence confirming the sponsorship.
Where a financial sponsor has sponsored your course fees and living costs during the previous 12 months, written consent from the sponsor may be required in certain circumstances.
You should therefore identify the source of your funding early and establish what evidence is required.
2. How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?
Financial requirements are separate from the cost of the visa application itself.
If you need to satisfy the financial requirement, you generally need to show enough money to cover:
What You Need to Show for the Financial Requirement
Your outstanding course fees
The relevant tuition fee information will normally appear on your CAS.
You generally need to demonstrate sufficient funds for the required period of your course fees, subject to the applicable rules and any payments already recorded by your education provider.
Your living costs
The current maintenance requirement is:
Studying in London: £1,529 per month, for up to nine months.
Studying outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to nine months.
For example, a student who has to demonstrate nine months of maintenance would need:
- London: £13,761
- Outside London: £10,539
These figures relate to the immigration financial requirement and should not be confused with the actual amount you may need for accommodation, food, transport and other living expenses.
Your actual cost of living may be higher.
Dependants
If eligible dependants are applying with you, additional maintenance funds are required for them.
The current requirement for each dependant is:
- £845 per month in London, for up to nine months; or
- £680 per month outside London, for up to nine months.
3. What is the cost breakdown for a UK Student visa application?
The total cost of a UK Student visa application depends on more than the visa application fee. Applicants may also need to budget for healthcare charges, required tests, document preparation, visa centre services and other related expenses.
Breakdown of UK Student Visa Costs
Cost | Current amount / consideration |
Student visa application fee | £558 |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year for students |
English language test | Depends on provider and test |
TB test | Depends on country and test provider |
Document translations | Depends on documents and translator |
Visa application centre expenses | Depends on location and services |
Priority processing | Additional fee where available |
Travel to visa application centre | Depends on location |
The current Student visa application fee is £558, whether applying from outside the UK or extending/switching from inside the UK. The fee is also payable for each dependant who applies.
These government charges are separate from:
- tuition fees;
- accommodation;
- living expenses;
- flights;
- university or college costs; and
- professional immigration advice.
Priority and faster processing
Some applicants may be offered the option of paying for a faster processing service.
Availability depends on the application and location. It should not be assumed that priority or super-priority processing will always be available.
If offered, the additional fee is separate from the standard Student visa application fee.
4. How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge for a Student visa?
Most Student visa applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application.
The current IHS rate for students is:
£776 per year
The £776 student rate also applies to eligible Student visa dependants and certain other categories.
The total amount you pay depends on the length of immigration permission granted. It is therefore not necessarily calculated simply by looking at the number of academic years of your course.
For example:
2-year visa × £776 = £1,552
The actual amount calculated during your application depends on the period of immigration permission granted and the applicable IHS calculation rules.
Important: IHS is separate from the visa fee
A Student visa applicant should budget for both:
Student visa application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge
The IHS is not included in the £558 visa application fee.
Other expenses, such as an English test, TB test, document translation or optional priority service, are also separate.
Some applicants or types of immigration permission may be exempt from the IHS or subject to different rules. The amount calculated during the official application should therefore be checked before payment.
5. What is the Student visa processing time for the UK?
The standard processing time depends on where you submit your Student visa application.
Application | Usual processing time |
Applying from outside the UK | 3 weeks |
Applying from inside the UK | 8 weeks |
These are standard processing times rather than a guarantee that every application will be decided within that period.
Why can a Student visa application take longer?
An application may take longer if UKVI needs to:
- verify supporting documents;
- request additional information;
- conduct further checks;
- invite you to an interview; or
- investigate an issue relating to your application.
For this reason, applicants should avoid leaving their application until shortly before their course starts.
UKVI advises applicants not to book travel until they have received a decision because processing can sometimes take longer than the standard service time.
When can you apply for a Student visa?
If you are applying from outside the UK, you can normally apply up to six months before your course starts.
If you are applying from inside the UK, you can normally apply up to three months before your course starts, subject to the rules governing your particular application.
The application must also be made before your current immigration permission expires if you are extending or switching from inside the UK.
When can you travel to the UK?
If your application is successful, the date from which you are permitted to travel is important.
For a course lasting more than six months, you can normally arrive up to one month before the course starts, but you must not travel before the start date shown on your immigration permission.
6. What is the minimum IELTS score for a UK Student visa?
There is no single minimum IELTS score for every UK Student visa application.
This is one of the most important points for prospective students because the English-language requirement depends on the level and type of course and the way you are proving your English.
Where a Secure English Language Test is required, the Student route generally requires:
Degree-level study or above CEFR B2
Below degree level CEFR B1
The exact IELTS score corresponding to the required level can depend on the test and how the result is assessed. Therefore, applicants should not assume that a general statement such as “IELTS 5.5 is required for a UK Student visa” applies to everyone.
Can you prove English without IELTS?
In some circumstances, yes.
You may be able to prove your English through:
- a UK school qualification;
- a degree from a UK institution;
- an overseas degree taught in English, subject to the relevant requirements; or
- another permitted form of evidence.
If you have a degree from outside the UK that was taught in English, you may need an Ecctis assessment.
Your university's English requirement may be different
It is important to distinguish between:
University admission requirement
and
UK immigration requirement
A university may require a particular IELTS score for admission even where the immigration rules do not specify that exact score.
Conversely, satisfying the university’s admission requirements does not automatically mean that every immigration requirement has been satisfied.
Before booking an English test, you should establish:
- the English level required for your course;
- whether your education provider has already assessed your English;
- whether you need a SELT;
- whether another form of evidence can be used; and
- whether the test and provider meet the applicable UK immigration requirements.
This can help prevent applicants from taking an unsuitable test or relying on an incorrect IELTS score.
7. Can I bring dependants on a UK Student visa?
Some Student visa holders can bring eligible dependants to the UK, but having a Student visa does not automatically give your partner or children the right to accompany you.
The dependant rules depend heavily on the type and level of course you are studying.
Who can potentially qualify as a dependant?
A dependant can generally be:
- a spouse;
- a civil partner;
- a qualifying unmarried partner; or
- a qualifying child.
The dependant must meet the applicable immigration requirements in their own right.
Which students can bring dependants?
Under the current rules, dependants may generally qualify where the student is:
A government-sponsored student
The student must generally be sponsored by a government for a course lasting six months or longer.
A qualifying postgraduate student
For postgraduate study, the rules are more restrictive.
For courses beginning on or after 1 January 2024, a postgraduate student generally needs to be studying a PhD or other doctoral qualification, or a qualifying research-based higher degree, and the relevant higher education provider must meet the applicable requirements.
This means that simply studying a master’s degree does not automatically mean that your partner or children can apply as your Student dependants.
Financial requirements for dependants
Eligible dependants may need to demonstrate additional maintenance funds.
The current requirement is:
- £845 per month per dependant in London, for up to nine months; or
- £680 per month per dependant outside London, for up to nine months.
These amounts are in addition to the maintenance funds required for the student.
Evidence for children
Where a child is applying as a dependant, evidence may be required to establish that the child meets the relevant relationship and dependency requirements.
This can include evidence concerning:
- the child’s identity;
- relationship to the student;
- living arrangements; and
- other circumstances relevant to the dependant application.
Students should check the dependant rules carefully before making travel or accommodation arrangements for family members.
8. What happens after you apply?
After submitting your Student visa application, you must complete the identity verification process required for your application.
This may involve:
- using the UK Immigration: ID Check app; or
- attending a visa application centre to provide biometric information.
If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status. You will need to set up or use your UKVI account and link your travel document where required.
You should check your immigration status and the conditions attached to your Student visa before travelling.
9. Common issues to check before submitting a UK Student visa application
A Student visa application can involve several requirements that must be considered together.
Key Requirements to Review Before Applying
Your CAS
Make sure the information on your application is consistent with the CAS issued by your education provider.
Your finances
If you need to provide financial evidence, check that:
- the required amount is available;
- the money has been held for the required 28-day period;
- the evidence is recent enough;
- the account and financial institution meet the requirements; and
- the evidence clearly identifies the account holder and balance.
Your English evidence
Check whether you need IELTS, another approved SELT, or whether another form of evidence can be used.
Your TB certificate
Check whether your nationality and circumstances require a TB test.
ATAS
If your course and nationality require ATAS clearance, obtain the certificate before applying.
Your dependant eligibility
If you intend to bring your partner or children, check their eligibility before making arrangements for them to travel to the UK.
Your application timing
Allow enough time for the application, identity verification and processing before your intended course start date.
10. UK Student Visa Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, consider the following checklist:
Identity
☐ Valid passport or travel document
☐ Identity verification completed as required
Education
☐ Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
☐ Course and institution details checked
Finance
☐ Course fee requirement checked
☐ Maintenance requirement checked
☐ Required funds held for the relevant 28-day period, where applicable
☐ Appropriate financial evidence prepared
English language
☐ Required English level identified
☐ IELTS/SELT evidence prepared if required
☐ Alternative English evidence considered where applicable
Additional documents
☐ TB certificate, if required
☐ ATAS certificate, if required
☐ Sponsorship evidence, if applicable
☐ Parental/guardian consent, if under 18
☐ Evidence of relationship to parent/guardian, if required
Family
☐ Dependant eligibility checked
☐ Additional dependant maintenance funds checked
☐ Dependant documents prepared, where applicable
Costs
☐ Student visa application fee budgeted
☐ Immigration Health Surcharge budgeted
☐ Other application expenses considered
How SWM Solicitors Can Assist With a UK Student Visa Application
A UK Student visa application requires careful attention to the interaction between your course, CAS, finances, English language evidence, immigration history and supporting documents.
SWM Solicitors can assist with reviewing the requirements applicable to your circumstances, preparing and checking supporting evidence, identifying potential issues and providing legal guidance throughout the application process.
Professional assistance can be particularly useful where an applicant has:
- complex immigration history;
- previous visa refusals;
- questions about financial evidence;
- uncertainty about English language evidence;
- an issue concerning their CAS or course;
- questions about ATAS or TB requirements;
- a family member who may wish to apply as a dependant; or
- other circumstances that may affect their eligibility.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual circumstances of each applicant.
Because UK immigration rules, Home Office fees and application procedures can change, applicants should check the requirements and charges applicable on the date they apply.