How much money do I need in my bank account for a UK Student Visa from Bangladesh?

You need to show course fees (minus any amount already paid) plus living costs of 1,334 GBP per month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or 1,023 GBP per month outside London. The money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The Home Office converts BDT to GBP at the exchange rate on the date of your application, so build in a buffer for currency fluctuations.

Do I need a TB test for a UK Student Visa from Bangladesh?

Yes. Bangladesh is on the UK mandatory TB testing list. You must get a chest X-ray at an approved clinic in Bangladesh before you apply. The certificate is valid for 6 months. IOM (International Organization for Migration) operates the approved clinic in Dhaka.

How long does the UK Student Visa take to process from Bangladesh?

Standard processing takes 3 to 6 weeks from Bangladesh. Processing times can be longer during peak application periods (May to August). Priority processing may be available for an additional fee through VFS Global in Dhaka.

Can I work while studying in the UK on a Student Visa from Bangladesh?

Yes. If studying at degree level or above, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Below degree level, the limit is 10 hours per week during term time. You cannot be self-employed.

UK Student Visa from Bangladesh: Complete Guide 2026

Bangladeshi students applying for a UK Student Visa need a CAS from their university, financial evidence showing funds held for 28 days, a TB test certificate from an approved clinic, and an English language qualification. This guide covers the Bangladesh-specific requirements, costs in BDT, common mistakes, and how to give yourself the best chance of approval.

Before You Apply

Start by securing your place at a UK university and receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS is a digital reference number that contains your course details, fees, and confirmation that you meet the academic requirements. You cannot apply for a Student visa without it.

For a broader overview of the Student visa process, see our complete UK Student Visa guide. This guide focuses on Bangladesh-specific requirements and practical advice.

Financial Evidence

The financial evidence requirement is where many Bangladeshi applications run into problems. You need to show:

Course fees: The full amount stated on your CAS, minus any deposits already paid.
Living costs: 1,334 GBP per month for up to 9 months (London) or 1,023 GBP per month (outside London).

The money must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the date of your application. The Home Office will convert your BDT balance to GBP using the exchange rate on the date you apply.

Because the BDT/GBP exchange rate can fluctuate, hold at least 10-15% more than the minimum required. A sudden exchange rate movement on the day you apply could push you below the threshold.

Bank statements from established Bangladeshi banks are accepted. The statement must be on official bank letterhead and show your name, account number, and daily balances for the 28-day period. For more on financial evidence, see our Student visa cost guide.

TB Test

Bangladesh is on the UK's mandatory TB testing list. You must get a chest X-ray at the IOM clinic in Dhaka (or any other approved clinic) before you apply. The certificate is valid for 6 months.

Book your TB test early. During peak application season, the Dhaka clinic can have waiting times of a week or more. You need the certificate before you can submit your visa application.

English Language

You must meet the English language requirement set by your university, which must be at least B2 for degree-level courses. Most Bangladeshi students take IELTS for UKVI through the British Council in Dhaka. Some universities accept their own English tests or other qualifications.

The required score is stated on your CAS. Make sure your test certificate is still valid at the time of your visa application (IELTS scores are valid for 2 years).

The Application Process

You apply online through GOV.UK and book a biometrics appointment at the VFS Global centre in Dhaka. At your appointment, you provide fingerprints and a photograph and submit your supporting documents.

Documents to bring include:

Valid passport
CAS reference number
TB test certificate
Bank statements showing 28 days of funds
English language test certificate
Academic qualifications referenced on your CAS
IELTS or equivalent score report

All documents not in English need certified translations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient funds for the full 28 days. Even a one-day dip below the threshold can result in refusal.
Expired TB certificate. If your certificate expires before you apply, you need a new test.
Wrong English test. Make sure you take an approved SELT test, not the academic IELTS. Your university may accept academic IELTS, but the Home Office requires IELTS for UKVI for the visa application itself (unless your university assesses English directly).
Missing translations. Any document not in English must have a certified translation.

After You Arrive

Once you arrive in the UK, your priorities are:

Collect your BRP from the designated Post Office within 10 days
Open a UK bank account
Register with a GP
Check your council tax exemption status
Attend your university enrolment

For a complete list, see our first week in the UK checklist. For country-specific community advice, see our guide to moving to the UK from Bangladesh.

After Your Course

When your course ends, the Graduate Route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK without a sponsor. You can also switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsored job. See our guide on what to do after your course ends for all your options.

For official information, visit the GOV.UK Student visa page.