UK Student Visa: Complete Guide for International Students

January 9, 2026 Uk Living Guide

So you’ve been accepted to a UK university—congratulations! Now comes the part that makes most international students nervous: the visa application. I’ve been through this process myself, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to piece together information from different sources. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting your UK student visa.

Understanding the Student Visa (Tier 4 Replacement)

First things first: the visa you’ll be applying for is officially called a “Student visa” (it replaced the old Tier 4 visa system). This allows you to study at a licensed institution in the UK for courses longer than six months. If your course is shorter, you might need a Short-term study visa instead, but that’s a different conversation.

The Student visa isn’t just for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. You can use it for a range of educational programs, including English language courses at certain levels, foundation courses, and even some preparatory programs.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for a Student visa if you’re 16 or older and you’ve been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. That last part is crucial—your institution must be on the UK government’s register of licensed sponsors. Most established universities are, but always verify this before accepting an offer.

You’ll also need to prove you can support yourself financially during your studies and that you’re competent in English. The financial requirement trips up a lot of applicants, so pay close attention to the details I’ll cover below.

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Here’s something you absolutely cannot skip: the CAS. This is a unique reference number your university provides once you’ve accepted their offer and met any conditions. Think of it as your golden ticket—you cannot apply for the visa without it.

Your CAS contains important information about your course, including its level, duration, and fees. The university will issue this electronically, and you’ll receive a CAS number along with details about what’s included in the document. Keep this safe because you’ll need to enter the number in your visa application.

One thing that surprised me: universities can only issue a CAS when your course starts within six months. So don’t panic if you get your acceptance letter early but have to wait for the CAS.

Financial Requirements Explained

This is where many applications hit a snag. You need to prove you have enough money to cover both your course fees and your living costs. The amount varies depending on where you’ll be studying.

For tuition, you need to show you can pay for one academic year (or the entire course if it’s less than a year). If you’ve already paid a deposit or fees to the university, these will be noted on your CAS, and you only need to prove you have the remaining amount.

For living costs, the UK government has set specific amounts:

£1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying in London
£1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying outside London

So if you’re heading to a university in Manchester, you’d need to show £9,207 for living expenses. In London? That jumps to £12,006. These amounts must have been in your bank account (or your parent’s account if you’re under 18) for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.

Here’s a pro tip: don’t move large sums of money around close to your application date. The Home Office wants to see stable funds, not suspicious last-minute deposits.

English Language Proficiency

Unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English, you’ll need to prove your English skills. Most universities require IELTS, but TOEFL and Pearson PTE Academic are also accepted.

The level you need depends on your course. Generally, it’s CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.5) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Some institutions ask for higher scores, so check your specific offer.

If you’ve completed a qualification in English, like an international foundation program or a degree from certain countries, you might be exempt. Your university will confirm this when they issue your CAS.

The Application Process

You’ll apply online through the UK government’s visa application website. The earliest you can apply is six months before your course starts. From experience, I’d recommend applying at least three months in advance if possible—processing times can vary.

You’ll need to:

Complete the online application form
Pay the visa fee (currently around £490, though check the latest fee)
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)—this gives you access to the NHS
Book an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometrics
Submit your supporting documents

The IHS is a separate cost many students forget about. It’s typically £470 per year of your visa, and you pay it upfront for the entire duration.

Documents You’ll Need

Get these ready before you start:

Valid passport
CAS number from your university
Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
English language test results (if applicable)
TB test results (required if you’re from certain countries)
Consent letter from parents if you’re under 18
Academic qualifications and transcripts

All documents not in English must be professionally translated. Don’t use Google Translate and your friend’s signature—it needs to be certified.

Processing Times and What Happens Next

From outside the UK, decisions usually take around three weeks, though this can stretch to eight weeks during peak periods (hello, summer!). If you’re applying from inside the UK, it’s typically faster—around eight weeks.

Once approved, you’ll get a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport that’s valid for 30 days. This allows you to enter the UK, where you’ll collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival. Your BRP is the actual proof of your visa status, so keep it safe.

Working While Studying

Good news: you can work on a Student visa. If you’re studying at degree level or higher, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. For lower-level courses, it’s usually 10 hours per week. Your BRP will specify your exact work allowance.

Final Thoughts

The UK student visa process isn’t as scary as it seems once you break it down. The key is organization—gather your documents early, double-check every requirement, and don’t rush your application. If something’s unclear, contact your university’s international student office. They deal with this constantly and can offer specific guidance.

Remember, this visa is your gateway to an incredible educational experience. Take the time to get it right, and soon you’ll be settling into campus life in the UK. Best of luck with your application!