Got your offer from a UK university? That’s the hard part. And now, the visa. The rules and costs are updated regularly by the Home Office. So this guide explains every requirement in plain English and directs you to the official GOV.UK pages for the exact, up-to-date figures.

UK Student Visa explained (in one minute)

The UK Student visa is for international students aged 16 or over who want to study an approved course with a licensed UK education provider. Now, most Student visa holders receive their immigration status digitally (eVisa). It also says how long you can stay in the UK, your work rights and if you can bring eligible family members under the current immigration rules..GOV.UK overview)

Who is eligible for a UK Student visa in 2026?

To apply you need to:

• Have an offer from a licensed UK sponsor (see the official UKVI sponsor register)

• Are currently taking a course at the required level

• Can afford your course and support yourself

• Meet the English language requirements. 

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You must meet all Student visa requirements before submitting your application. 

What you need to qualify

The visa is issued on a points-based system.You must meet the Student route requirements such as having a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), meeting the financial requirements where applicable and proving your English language ability to be eligible for a UK Student visa.

Documents checklist for your UK student visa

Have these handy before you start:

• A valid passport.

• Your CAS reference number 

• Bank statements (Proof of funds)

• English language test results (an approved test, i.e. IELTS for UKVI)

• Academic certificates, a TB test result or parental consent where relevant to you

Most refusals and delays are due to missing or mismatched documents, so get these sorted out early.

What is a CAS letter and how do you get one?

You’ll receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) electronically from your university after you’ve accepted an unconditional offer.You must have a valid CAS before submitting your Student visa application.  Valid for 6 months, so don't request it too early.

How much money do you need to show for a UK student visa?

You will need to show that you can pay for your tuition fees and living costs for your first year of study. The amount of living-cost depends on whether you are studying in London or elsewhere. These are figures regularly updated by the Home Office.The required funds must normally be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application. If the balance falls below the required amount during this period, it may affect your visa application. 

Check the exact current amounts here: GOV.UK  Student visa: money you need.

UK student visa fees and health surcharge

Factor in two initial expenses: the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which allows you to access the NHS for every year of study. Both are government-determined and change periodically.

English language requirements for a UK study visa

You will need to show you can read, write, speak and understand English at the level required by your course. Applicants will need to satisfy UK Student visa requirements for English language ability. This could be through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), qualifications taught in English or other acceptable evidence recognised by UKVI, depending on your circumstances.

Can you work in the UK on a student visa?

Yes, students taking degree level courses are generally allowed to work part-time during term and full-time during vacations. Your exact hours are confirmed when your visa is granted and going over the limit can get your visa cancelled so stay within the conditions you are given. (GOV.UK  work rights)

Can you bring your family on a UK student visa?

No, for most students. Only some post-graduate research and government-funded students can bring a partner or child as dependents. Each dependant is charged separately for the fee and health surcharge.

How long does a UK student visa take?

If you’re applying from outside the UK you’ll normally get a decision within a three to eight weeks. Applications from inside the UK take longer. Priority services might be quicker. You can apply up to six months before your course starts so apply early and avoid the peak season rush.