To study a course longer than six months in the UK you need a Student visa. You can apply once you have a CAS from a university licensed to sponsor students. Figures below are from GOV.UK as checked on 31 October 2026 — they change, so always confirm on the official page before you pay.
What it costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee (from outside the UK) | £558 | Paid online when you apply. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year | Paid for the length of your visa. Gives you NHS access. |
| TB test (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and other listed countries) | Set by the clinic | Only from a Home Office approved clinic. |
Money you must show
Unless you are exempt, you must show you can pay your outstanding course fees for the first year plus living costs for up to nine months:
| Where you will study | Per month | For 9 months |
|---|---|---|
| In London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
The money must have been in your account (or your parent’s or legal guardian’s) for at least 28 consecutive days, and the statement must be no more than 31 days old when you apply. Any tuition deposit you have paid is shown on your CAS and reduces the amount.
Step by step
- 1Accept your offer, meet the conditions and pay any deposit.
- 2Get your CAS and check every detail on it.
- 3Book a TB test if your country is on the list (Bangladesh, India and Pakistan all are).
- 4Check whether your course needs ATAS clearance — some master’s and PhD subjects do, depending on nationality.
- 5Make sure the money has been held for 28 days.
- 6Apply online, pay the fee and health surcharge.
- 7Prove your identity: at a visa application centre, or with the UK Immigration: ID Check app if you are eligible.
- 8Wait for a decision — usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK.
- 9Get your eVisa through your UKVI account. There is no physical card any more.
Timing
- You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
- For a course longer than six months, you can arrive up to 1 month before it starts.
- Peak season is July to September. Apply as soon as you have your CAS.
English
For a degree-level course you need English at CEFR level B2 (B1 below degree level). Usually your university assesses this and states it on your CAS; if not, you may need an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Working while you study
Students on a degree-level course at a university can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in vacations. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson. Your exact limit is printed on your visa — follow that.
After you graduate
The Graduate route lets you stay and work after a UK degree. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026 it lasts 2 years; if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 it lasts 18 months. PhD graduates get 3 years. The application fee is £937.
- Student visa (GOV.UK)
- Money you need (GOV.UK)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (GOV.UK)
- Countries where you need a TB test (GOV.UK)
- Graduate visa (GOV.UK)
Information only, not immigration advice. Check the official page or an authorised adviser. RightUni never says whether you are eligible or will get a visa.
