Study in the United Kingdom

The Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows you to study full-time courses at licensed student sponsors in the UK for programs longer than 6 months.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an electronic reference number from your UK educational institution confirming your place. You need a CAS to apply for student visa.

You need to show course fees (at least the first year) plus living costs for up to 9 months. For applications made before 30 November 2026 the living costs figure is £1,529 per month in London and £1,171 per month outside London. For applications made on or after 30 November 2026 it is £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London. The date that matters is the date you apply, not the CAS date or the bank statement date.

Yes, within limits. Students on a degree-level or higher course at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time outside term time. Students on a course below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week in term time. Part-time students have no work entitlement. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

The Graduate route lets you stay in the UK to work, or look for work, without sponsorship after completing an eligible course. It lasts 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027, and 2 years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026. Doctoral graduates (PhD) get 3 years. Anyone starting a course now will normally apply under the 18-month rule. The application fee is £937, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year.

The Home Office requires CEFR level B2 for degree-level courses and above, and B1 for courses below degree level. For degree-level study your university can assess your English itself, or you can use a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) or other accepted evidence. A SELT is mandatory only for courses below degree level. Entry scores such as an IELTS band requirement are set by each university and can be higher than the visa minimum.

Only students on a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree, and government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months, can bring a partner and children under 18. Students on taught courses, including one-year taught master's degrees, cannot bring dependants. Dependants' work rights depend on the student's course and permission length and are not unrestricted, and professional sportsperson or coaching work is not allowed.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance is required for certain sensitive subjects before applying for student visa. Check if your course requires it.

You can arrive up to 1 week before course start if course is 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before if course is longer than 6 months.

Student visa time does not count towards settlement, and neither does time on the Graduate Route. The settlement clock starts once you switch to a qualifying route such as Skilled Worker. Under the earned settlement model confirmed by the Home Secretary on 2 November 2026, the default qualifying period there is 10 years, or 5 years for earners above GBP 50,271 in 3 of the last 5 years and for specified public service roles. The detailed Immigration Rules are expected from the December 2026 Statement of Changes.