UK Student Visa Guide: Cost, Money Needed and How to Apply

The UK Student visa is the route for international students who want to study at a licensed UK course provider. This guide summarises what the UK government publishes on GOV.UK about eligibility, cost, money, documents and timing. Rules change, so always confirm on the linked official pages before you apply.

Who can apply for a UK Student visa?

You can apply if you are 16 or over and have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. You must also have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and meet the English language requirement. If you are 16 or 17, you need consent from your parents and must provide evidence of it.

How much does the UK Student visa cost?

Visa application fee: £558 to apply from outside the UK, and £558 to extend or switch to this visa from inside the UK.

You must pay the visa fee for each person who joins you.

Immigration Health Surcharge: GOV.UK lists £776 per year for students and their dependants. The total depends on how long your visa lasts.

How much money do you need?

You need enough to pay for one academic year of course fees (up to 9 months), and the amount is shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). On top of that you must show living costs for up to 9 months:

London: £1,529 per month

Outside London: £1,171 per month

How long must you hold the money?

You must have held the money for at least 28 days in a row, and the end date of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your application date.

Dependants

GOV.UK says you will need extra money for each family member you bring but does not give a single amount on the page we reviewed. It also says you may be able to bring a partner and children, with the eligibility rules on a separate Family members page. Check that page before planning.

When you may not need to show money

You may not need to show it if you have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying, if you are applying as a student union sabbatical officer, or if you are a British National Overseas or from a country on the "differential evidence requirement" list. You may still be asked for the evidence after applying.

Documents you need

Required

A current passport or other valid travel documentation

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

You may also need

Proof of funds, as above

Proof of your knowledge of English

An ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality require one (relevant mainly for master's level or above)

Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you need a TB test

Consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent with sole responsibility) and proof of your relationship, if you are under 18

Written consent from your financial sponsor, if they funded your course fees or living costs in the last 12 months

When to apply

From outside the UK: the earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts.

From inside the UK: the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts, and it must be before your current visa expires.

How to apply

1. Check you meet the eligibility rules above.

2. Gather your evidence: documents, proof of English, TB test if required, and ATAS if required.

3. Apply online and pay the fee and healthcare surcharge. You will need to prove your identity as part of the application.

How long does a decision take?

Decisions usually take about 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision; you will be told if you are eligible when you apply.

After you are approved

You will get an eVisa, an online record of your immigration status. Set up a UKVI account to access it and link the travel document you will use to enter the UK. You can arrive up to 1 week before your course starts if it lasts 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before if it lasts longer. Do not travel before the start date on your visa. If you break the conditions of your visa, you may not be able to return to the UK.

FAQ

Can I apply before I get my CAS?

A CAS from your course provider is a required document, so you need it before you can complete the application.

How early can I apply?

Up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK.

Do I have to pay the healthcare surcharge?

GOV.UK states you also pay the healthcare surcharge, and the amount depends on how long your visa lasts.

Do I need an ATAS certificate?

Only if your course and nationality require one; check this if you are doing a master's or above.

What if I am under 18?

Students aged 16 or 17 need parental consent and evidence of it.