UK Student Visa + Graduate Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
What is the UK Student Visa?
The UK hosts over 750,000 international students per year — the second-largest international student population after the US. The Student Visa route is one of the most predictable and accessible ways into the UK, and the Graduate Visa (launched 2021) gives graduates a true two-year work-rights cushion to find employment.
Unlike some countries that cap student visas, the UK has no numerical cap. If you have an offer from a licensed Student Sponsor university, meet the English and financial requirements, and pass checks, you get your visa. The application itself is typically decided in 3 weeks.
After graduation, the Graduate Visa lets you work in any role (not just graduate-level) for any employer, with no minimum salary. It is by far the best post-study work offer of any major anglophone destination.
Who qualifies
Three layers: admission to a licensed university, English language, and financial resources.
✅ Eligibility checklist
- CAS from licensed Student Sponsor: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from an institution on the Home Office register of Student Sponsors. Valid for 6 months.
- Genuine Student requirement: You must genuinely intend to study. Some nationalities face an interview where this is assessed.
- English language: B1 minimum (higher for some courses — B2 or C1). IELTS UKVI, PTE UKVI, or Trinity ISE. Waived if you are from a majority-English country or completed a degree in English.
- Financial requirement: Tuition for first year (or full course if shorter) + £1,334/month living costs in London (£1,023 outside London) for up to 9 months. Must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
- TB test: Required from certain countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, etc.).
- ATAS certificate: For certain sensitive subjects — physics, engineering, some areas of chemistry and materials science. Usually required for PhD.
- Age 16+: For 16–17 year olds, parental consent and specific course requirements apply.
Required documents
Applications are filed online at gov.uk. You upload most documents.
📄 Document checklist
- Valid passport with blank page
- CAS reference from university
- English test certificate or nationality-exempt proof
- Bank statements or letter showing required funds held 28 days
- Tuition fee receipt if already paid (reduces maintenance requirement)
- TB test certificate (if from listed country)
- ATAS certificate (for some subjects)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Parental consent and birth certificate (if under 18)
- Biometric appointment confirmation
- Passport-style digital photo
Step-by-step application process
- Apply to UK universities. Undergraduate via UCAS (one application, up to 5 choices); postgraduate direct to university. Deadlines vary by university and course.
- Receive offer and CAS. Unconditional offer triggers CAS issuance. Pay deposit to the university.
- Book English test if needed. SELT-approved tests only. Book 2–6 weeks out.
- Save required funds in your account 28 days before applying. Statements must show funds continuously held. One-day dips disqualify.
- Apply online at gov.uk. Pay application fee (£490) and NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year).
- Attend biometric appointment. At VFS Global or TLScontact. Fingerprints + photo.
- Submit supporting documents. Upload online or bring to biometrics depending on country.
- Receive decision (3 weeks). Priority service (£500 extra) reduces to 5 working days.
- Travel to UK before course start. Can enter up to 1 week before course start (1 month for courses over 6 months).
- Near graduation, apply for Graduate Visa. Must apply from inside the UK before your Student Visa expires. Graduate Visa: 2 years (3 for PhD). Fee: £822 + NHS surcharge £776/year.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa application fee | £490 | Outside UK; £490 inside UK for extensions |
| NHS Immigration Health Surcharge | £776/year | Reduced rate for students |
| English language test | £150–£210 | IELTS UKVI / PTE UKVI |
| TB test | £80–£150 | If required |
| ATAS certificate | £0 | Free but processing time 20+ days |
| Tuition (regional university, undergrad) | £11,000–£18,000/yr | Budget options |
| Tuition (Oxford/Cambridge/LSE) | £29,000–£38,000/yr | Top institutions |
| Tuition (Master’s, most universities) | £15,000–£35,000/yr | One-year programmes |
| Living costs (London) | £1,334/month | For visa proof |
| Living costs (outside London) | £1,023/month | For visa proof |
| Graduate Visa application | £822 | Plus NHS surcharge £776/yr for 2 years |
| Total cost (3-year Bachelor) | £60,000–£130,000 | Tuition + 3 years living |
| Total cost (1-year Master) | £27,000–£50,000 | Tuition + 12 months living |
Timeline from start to arrival
- 10–15 months before start: Research universities, take SAT or UCAS applicable test
- 8–12 months before: Submit university applications; take English test
- 4–8 months before: Receive offers; confirm place; pay deposit
- 3–5 months before: Receive CAS; prepare finances (28-day rule)
- 2–3 months before: Submit visa application and biometrics
- 3–5 weeks before: Visa decision
- Course start: Travel to UK (up to 1 month early for long courses)
- Before course ends: Apply for Graduate Visa (if eligible)
Plan 12+ months ahead for the whole process. Universities typically close applications 3–6 months before course start, and visa processing adds another 4–6 weeks.
Do I need a lawyer?
UK Student Visas are almost always self-filed. Universities offer free international student advising that covers visa applications.
You might want a licensed immigration professional in these cases:
- Prior UK refusals, particularly on credibility or finances
- Complex financial situations (self-sponsor with business income, etc.)
- ATAS-required subjects with timing issues
- Previous overstays or removals
- Switching from another UK visa category
- Dependents with their own complex immigration history
Start with your university’s international student office. They handle thousands of Student Visa applications annually and are often better than general immigration lawyers for routine cases.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a Student Visa?
Yes, with restrictions. Up to 20 hours/week during term time, full-time during official holidays. No self-employment, no professional sports or entertainment. Internships tied to your course are allowed.
What is the Graduate Visa?
A 2-year (3 for PhD) post-study work visa launched July 2021. No employer sponsor needed, no minimum salary, any type of work allowed. Most significant post-study offer from any Western country. You must apply from inside the UK before your Student Visa expires.
Can I bring my family?
Only if you are a PhD student or on a government-sponsored course of 6+ months. Master’s and undergraduate students can no longer bring dependents (rule change from 2024).
What happens after the 2-year Graduate Visa?
Switch to Skilled Worker if you have a licensed sponsor and a qualifying job at £38,700+ (or £30,960 for new entrants — Graduate Visa holders usually qualify as new entrants). 5 years on Skilled Worker leads to ILR.
Can I apply for ILR directly from Student status?
No. Student visa years do not count toward the 5-year Long Residence route for ILR. You need to switch to a work visa or other settlement route first.
Can I study a part-time degree on a Student Visa?
Only at postgraduate level, and only at universities (not colleges). Undergrad courses must be full-time.
What is the NHS surcharge for students?
Reduced rate of £776/year (vs. £1,035 for workers). Paid upfront for the full visa period. A 3-year Bachelor visa means £2,328 upfront.
Do I need to speak English if my degree is taught in English?
If your prior degree was taught in English at a recognized institution, you may be exempt from SELT testing. The university confirms this on your CAS. Otherwise, IELTS UKVI or PTE UKVI are the most common tests.
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