How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
Get accepted by a licensed student sponsor, receive your CASConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies — The electronic number a UK licensed sponsor (university) issues so you can apply for a Student visa.Click for official info ↗, prove £1,483/month (London) in maintenance funds for 28 days, apply online, and give biometrics. After graduation the Graduate route lets you stay 2 years to work.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Months (apply by January for autumn)
Get an offer and accept it
Apply directly to universities (usually via UCAS for undergraduates). You must have an unconditional (or conditional-met) offer from a licensed Student sponsor, and the course must be full-time. Once you accept, the university issues your CASConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies — The electronic number a UK licensed sponsor (university) issues so you can apply for a Student visa.Click for official info ↗ — a unique reference number required for the visa application.
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- Before You Go 28 days minimum
Hold the maintenance money for 28 days
You must show £1,483 per month (London) or £1,136 (elsewhere) for up to 9 months, held in your (or a parent/legal guardian's) account for 28 CONSECUTIVE days, ending within 31 days of the application. The balance cannot dip below the threshold during that window — bank statements or a letter from the bank proving this. "Established presence" students (already studying 6+ months) need only 2 months.
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- Fill / Prepare 1–2 hours
Apply online and pay
Apply at gov.uk — the Student visa fee is £524 (2025) plus the immigration health surchargeIHS — The fee most UK visa applicants pay upfront to use the NHS — £1,035 per year for most adults (2025 rate).Click for official info ↗ of £776 per year of the visa (refundable if refused). Apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Answer carefully: refusals for careless errors (wrong course dates, mismatched names) are common.
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- Go Appointment: 30 min
Give biometrics and submit documents
Book a VAC appointment (or use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app with a biometric passport in some countries). Fingerprints, photo, and document scans. Priority service (5 working days, around £250) is available at most VACs.
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- Wait About 3 weeks
Wait for the decision
Standard processing: about 3 weeks. You may get an email asking for an interview (credibility interview about your course and funds). Decision letter arrives by email; successful applicants get a 90-day vignette or eVisaUK eVisa — The digital record of UK immigration status, accessed through a UKVI account. Replaces BRPs.Click for official info ↗ confirmation.
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- Receive Ongoing
Arrive, enrol, and plan the Graduate route
You can arrive up to 1 month before the course starts. Enrol with your university and keep your attendance — universities report to the Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗. After successfully completing your degree, the Graduate route lets you stay 2 years (3 for PhD) to work at any skill level — apply before your Student visa expires.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse or children come with me?
Only if you are on a postgraduate course of 9+ months at a recognised body (or a government-sponsored student), or a new entrant on a Student visa with an eligible partner. Dependants pay their own visa fee and health surcharge, and must show additional maintenance funds (£845/month if in London, £680 elsewhere).
Can I work on a Student visa?
Yes, within limits: 20 hours per week in term-time for degree-level students (full-time in vacations), plus a work placement as part of the course. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson. Breaching the hours can cancel your visa.
What if my visa is refused?
You get a refusal letter stating reasons. Common ones: maintenance funds not held 28 days, CASConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies — The electronic number a UK licensed sponsor (university) issues so you can apply for a Student visa.Click for official info ↗ expired (they lapse 6 months after issue), or credibility-interview doubts. You can reapply (new fee) or request administrative review (£80) for casework errors. Fix the exact reason before reapplying — repeat refusals damage your record.
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