Student Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 29, 2025
4 weeks
$707
3 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
The UK Student Visa is your permission to live, study, and work part-time in the United Kingdom. You use it to pursue a full-time degree—bachelor's, master's, or PhD—at a UK university. What it lets you do: Attend classes at any licensed UK institution, work 20 hours per week during the school year, work full-time during university holidays, access free NHS healthcare (doctors, hospital, mental health), travel within the UK without restrictions, change universities or courses if needed. After finishing: Stay for 2 years to work (3 years if PhD). Why it's special: It's the main way international students come to the UK, and it has one of the highest success rates (95%) among UK visas. The government clearly publishes all requirements, so if you prepare properly, you'll likely be approved.
Key Benefits
- Work 20 hours/week during school year
- Work full-time during university holidays
- Free NHS healthcare (doctors, hospital, mental health)
- 2-3 years to work after graduation via Graduate Route
- Travel freely within UK
- Change universities or courses with approval
- Access to university facilities and support services
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 16 or older (no upper age limit)
- Have unconditional offer from UK university for full-time degree course
- Prove English proficiency (usually IELTS 5.5-6.5+)
- Course must require at least 15 hours/week classroom study
- Have enough funds for tuition plus living costs
- Pass TB test if required by nationality
- No serious criminal record
- Be a genuine student with intent to study
Financial Requirement
Must prove funds for full first-year tuition plus living costs ($1,940/month in London OR $1,485/month outside London). Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days in bank account. For dependents (if applicable): $1,070/month (London) or $862/month (outside London).
Documents
- Valid passportMust have blank pages for visa sticker
- Offer letter from universityCAS - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Bank statementsLast 28 days proving required funds
- English test resultsIELTS, PTE, or LanguageCert (must still be valid)
- Academic qualificationsDiplomas, degrees, transcripts from previous education
- IHS payment receiptProof of healthcare fee payment
- TB test certificateIf required by your nationality
- Parental consentIf applicant is 16-17 years old
- ATAS certificateIf studying sensitive tech subjects at postgraduate level
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.