Do Chinese students need a TB test for a UK Student Visa?

Yes. China is on the UK mandatory TB testing list. You must get a chest X-ray at an approved clinic in China before you apply for a Student visa of more than 6 months. The certificate is valid for 6 months.

How much financial evidence do Chinese students need?

You need to show course fees (minus deposits paid) plus living costs of 1,334 GBP per month for up to 9 months (London) or 1,023 GBP per month (outside London). The money must have been held for 28 consecutive days. The Home Office converts CNY to GBP at the exchange rate on the application date.

Do I need ATAS clearance as a Chinese student?

Chinese nationals studying certain postgraduate subjects related to technology, engineering, or science may need ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance. Your university will tell you if your course requires it, and the requirement will be noted on your CAS. ATAS clearance is free but can take several weeks, so apply early.

Which English tests are accepted for Chinese students?

Chinese students most commonly take IELTS for UKVI, which is available at British Council and IDP test centres across China. TOEFL iBT is also accepted by many universities. Some universities accept their own internal English assessments. The required score is stated on your CAS.

UK Student Visa from China: Complete Guide 2026

Chinese students applying for a UK Student Visa need a CAS, financial evidence showing 28 days of funds in CNY, a TB test certificate, and English language qualifications. Some postgraduate students also need ATAS clearance. This guide covers China-specific requirements and practical advice for navigating the application process.

Before You Apply

Your first step is to secure an offer from a UK university and receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS contains all the information the Home Office needs to assess your application. You cannot apply without one.

For the general Student visa process, see our complete UK Student Visa guide. This guide focuses on China-specific requirements and practical advice.

ATAS Clearance

Chinese nationals studying certain postgraduate subjects need ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance. This applies to courses in areas such as engineering, materials science, physics, computer science, and certain biological sciences. Your university will tell you if your course requires ATAS, and it will be noted on your CAS.

ATAS clearance is free but the application process can take several weeks. Apply as soon as you have your offer. You cannot get your CAS until ATAS clearance is granted, so delays here push back your entire visa timeline.

Apply through the ATAS page on GOV.UK.

Financial Evidence

You need to show that you can pay your course fees (minus any deposits already paid) plus living costs:

London: 1,334 GBP per month for up to 9 months
Outside London: 1,023 GBP per month for up to 9 months

The funds must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. Bank statements from major Chinese banks (Bank of China, ICBC, CCB, ABC, and others) are accepted. The Home Office converts your CNY balance to GBP at the exchange rate on the date of your application.

If your parents or guardians are funding your studies, you need a financial sponsorship letter confirming their relationship to you and their consent to fund your education, along with their bank statements showing the required funds. You may also need your birth certificate to prove the relationship. See our Student visa cost guide for a full breakdown.

TB Test

China is on the UK mandatory TB testing list. You must get a chest X-ray at an approved clinic before applying for a visa of more than 6 months. Approved clinics are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Jinan, and other major cities.

The test typically costs around 550 CNY. Book early, as popular clinics fill up during the peak application season (April-August).

English Language

The English language requirement for degree-level courses is B2. Most Chinese students take IELTS for UKVI, available at test centres across China. Some universities accept TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or their own internal assessments.

Check your CAS for the exact English requirement. If your university has assessed your English directly (for example, through an interview or their own test), this will be noted on the CAS and you may not need to submit a separate test result.

Applying Through VFS Global

You apply online through GOV.UK and then book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in China. Centres are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shenyang, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Changsha, Kunming, Jinan, and Fuzhou.

At your appointment, you provide fingerprints and a photograph. You can also submit your supporting documents at the centre or upload them online. VFS offers premium services including priority processing and document checking for an extra fee.

Standard processing takes 3 to 4 weeks from China. During peak season, it can take longer. Priority services can reduce this to 5 working days.

After You Arrive

When you arrive in the UK:

Collect your BRP from the Post Office within 10 days
Open a UK bank account
Register with a GP
Apply for your council tax exemption
Get a UK phone number

Most UK universities have active Chinese student societies that can help you settle in. For broader country guidance, see our guide to moving to the UK from China.

After Your Course

The Graduate Route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK without a sponsor after completing your degree. You can also switch to a Skilled Worker visa at any time. See our guide on what to do after your course ends.

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