UK Student Visa Guide 2026
How to apply for the UK Student Route visa — requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step process for international students from UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Pakistan and beyond.
What is the UK Student visa?
The Student Route visa (officially the “Student visa”) replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa in October 2021. The process is similar to Tier 4 but with some updated requirements.
To be eligible, you need:
- An unconditional offer from a UK university that holds a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office
- A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from that university
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living costs and tuition
- An English language certificate (unless exempt)
Financial requirements
You must demonstrate you can cover your living costs for up to 9 months, plus your first-year tuition fees (unless tuition is already confirmed as paid on your CAS). Funds must have been held continuously for 28 days ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date.
London
£12,006
£1,334/month × 9 months
Plus first-year tuition fees
Outside London
£9,207
£1,023/month × 9 months
Plus first-year tuition fees
These figures are accurate for 2024/25. Check gov.uk for the most current maintenance requirements as they are updated annually.
Documents checklist
Valid passport (must be valid for the full duration of your course)
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) reference number from your university
Financial evidence — bank statements covering 28 consecutive days (see below)
English language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent) — if not already satisfied through your CAS
TB test results from a UKVI-approved clinic (if required for your country — check gov.uk)
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate — if studying certain sensitive postgraduate subjects
Proof of parental consent if under 18
Key costs to budget for
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £490 | For applications from outside UK for courses over 6 months. Check gov.uk for current fee. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776/year | Paid upfront for full course duration. For a 2-year course: £1,552 total. |
| Priority processing (optional) | Check gov.uk | Available in most countries; significantly reduces waiting time. |
| TB test (if required) | Approx. £60–£100 | Required for students from India, Pakistan, China and other listed countries. |
All fees are indicative. Check gov.uk for current amounts before applying.
Graduate Route — post-study work visa
What happens after you finish your degree?
After completing a qualifying degree at a UK university, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa — a 2-year post-study work visa (3 years for PhD graduates). This allows you to work in any job at any skill level with no job offer or sponsorship required.
The Graduate Route is one of the main reasons students from India and China choose the UK over other destinations. Check our full Graduate Route guide for full details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK Student visa (Student Route)?
The Student Route is the official name for the UK student visa that replaced the old Tier 4 visa in October 2021. It allows international students to study at UK Higher Education providers. You apply online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal at gov.uk.
How long does a UK Student visa application take?
Standard processing is typically around 3 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment. During peak periods (June–September) it may take longer. Priority services (typically 5 working days) and super-priority services (next working day) are available at additional cost where available — check gov.uk for current availability in your country.
How much does a UK Student visa cost?
The visa application fee is currently £490 for applications from outside the UK for courses over 6 months (check gov.uk for the most current fee as this changes). The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is charged separately — currently £776 per year of study. For a 2-year Master's, the IHS alone would be £1,552. These are significant costs to factor into your budget.
What is the CAS number?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is a unique reference number issued by your UK university after you have accepted an unconditional offer. The CAS is required before you can submit your visa application. It contains details about your course, start date, and tuition fees.
Do I need a TB test for the UK Student visa?
Students from certain countries are required to have a tuberculosis (TB) test from a UKVI-approved clinic before applying for a UK visa. Countries where this is required include India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and many others. Check the full list on gov.uk. TB test results are valid for 6 months.
What is the Graduate Route visa?
The Graduate Route is the UK's post-study work visa. After completing a qualifying degree at a UK university, you can apply for a 2-year visa (3 years for PhD graduates) that allows you to work in any job at any skill level with no sponsorship required. It is one of the main reasons students from India, China, and other countries choose the UK over the USA.
Check your eligibility
Talk to Lumi — our AI advisor — for guidance on your visa requirements based on your country, course, and situation.