UK Student Visa: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to study in the UK — eligibility, exact costs, financial requirements and a daily-updated register of every licensed sponsor, all verified against official GOV.UK guidance.
Guide Contents
Planning to study in the United Kingdom? This guide covers everything you need to know about the UK Student visa in 2026 — who is eligible, exactly how much it costs, how much money you must show, how to apply step by step, and what changes (such as the shorter Graduate visa from 2027) you should plan around. All figures are taken from official GOV.UK guidance and were last reviewed on 20 August 2026.
What is the UK Student Visa?
The Student visa (which replaced the old Tier 4 student visa in 2020) allows people aged 16 or over from outside the UK and Ireland to study with a licensed education provider. Children aged 4 to 17 attending independent schools use the parallel Child Student visa.
The single most important requirement: your course offer must come from an institution on the Home Office register of licensed student sponsors. An unlicensed provider cannot sponsor you. Our site tracks the official register daily, so you can quickly check any university, college or school — or browse sponsors by city and institution type.
The Points-Based System
The Student visa sits under the UK's points-based immigration system. You need 70 points to qualify for approval.
Study Requirement
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Financial Requirement
Proof of ability to pay course fees and support yourself.
English Language
Proficiency at CEFR level B1 or B2 depending on course level.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Student visa, you must meet these foundational standards set by the Home Office for the 2026 academic year. Our full requirements guide covers every condition, document and common refusal reason.
Unconditional Offer
Must hold an offer from a licensed student sponsor, evidenced by a CAS reference number valid for 6 months.
English Knowledge
Prove proficiency through an approved test, a UK degree-equivalent qualification, or your nationality.
Required Funds
Demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees and maintenance for up to 9 months of study.
Financial Requirements (2026)
Unless you have been in the UK for 12+ months, you must show one year of fees plus living costs. The money must sit in your account for 28 consecutive days.
Crucial Note
"The 28-day period must end within 31 days of your application date."
Read the full financial requirements guide →Location
Inside London
£1,529 / month
£13,761 (9 month max)
Location
Outside London
£1,171 / month
£10,539 (9 month max)
Student Visa Fees & Costs in 2026
| Cost Item | Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application | £558 | Applying from outside or switching inside the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 / year | Discounted student rate; gives full NHS access |
| Each Dependant | £558 | Limited availability for dependants |
| Priority Decision | +£500 | Optional: decision within 5 working days |
| Super Priority Decision | +£1,000 | Optional: decision by end of next working day |
Need a personalised estimate?
Use our calculator to get your total immigration costs.
Application Process: Step by Step
- Get an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor.
- Receive your CAS — a reference number your institution issues, usually after you pay a deposit. Apply up to 6 months before your course starts (3 months if switching inside the UK).
- Prepare your evidence: passport, CAS number, financial evidence for the 28-day rule, English language proof, and ATAS/TB certificates where required.
- Apply online at GOV.UK and pay the £558 fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Prove your identity via the ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
- Wait for the decision: usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks inside — see the processing time guide for priority options.
- Receive your eVisa. Physical BRP cards are no longer issued — your status is a digital eVisa linked to your passport.
Working While You Study
- Degree-level students: up to 20 hours per week during term time, full-time during official vacations.
- Below degree level: up to 10 hours per week during term time.
- Not allowed: self-employment, professional sport, and permanent full-time roles while your course is running.
Your exact work conditions are printed in your eVisa — always check them before accepting a job.
Find Your Licensed Sponsor
Everything starts with choosing a licensed institution. Our database tracks 1,300+ universities, colleges, and schools across the UK.
After Your Studies: The Graduate Visa
Completing an eligible degree lets you switch to the Graduate visa — unsponsored permission to stay and work at any skill level.
Length
2 years (apply by 31 Dec 2026) or 18 months (from 1 Jan 2027). PhD grads get 3 years.
Cost
£937 application fee + £1,035/year health surcharge.
Flexibility
Freelancing allowed. Switch to the Skilled Worker route with a sponsoring employer.
Digital Status
Status issued as an eVisa linked to your passport.
Planning Your Stay?
See how the 2027 changes affect your timeline and eligibility, and read the full FAQs.
Read the Graduate Visa guideDisclaimer: this website provides general information, not immigration advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm details on GOV.UK or consult a regulated immigration adviser before applying.