UK Student Visa 2026: Complete Guide
What you need to know
- •You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution before you can apply.
- •The visa costs £490 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year). Budget for the full course length.
- •A common mistake is not having enough money in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. Check the exact amount early.
- •In 2026, dependant rules are stricter. Only postgraduate students at universities can bring family members.
- •After graduating, the Graduate Route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK without a sponsor.
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is the route for international students who want to study at a UK university or college. It allows you to live in the UK for the duration of your course, work part-time, and access the Graduate Route after completing your degree. This guide covers every aspect of the Student Visa in 2026, including the CAS requirement, financial evidence, costs, work rights, processing times, and your options after graduation. Whether you are starting a bachelor's degree, a master's, or a PhD, this is your definitive resource.
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What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa is designed for international students aged 18 or over who have been accepted onto a course at a licensed UK education provider. It replaced the old Tier 4 (General) visa in 2020.
With a Student Visa, you can:
- Study your chosen course at the institution named on your visa
- Work part-time during term and full-time during holidays (see work rights for details)
- Access NHS services (after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge)
- Bring dependants if you are on a qualifying postgraduate course
- Switch to other visa routes (such as the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker) after your course
The visa is granted for the length of your course plus a short period before and after. For courses over 12 months, you typically get an extra 4 months at the end.
Eligibility Requirements
The full requirements for a Student Visa are set by both the Home Office and your chosen institution. Here is what you need.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The CAS is the most important document in your application. It is a unique reference number issued by your UK institution that confirms:
- Your personal details
- The course you have been accepted onto
- The tuition fees and any amounts already paid
- Your academic qualifications
- Your English language level
You must use your CAS within 6 months of it being issued. Your institution must hold a valid Student Sponsor Licence. You can check whether your institution is licensed on the GOV.UK register of student sponsors.
English Language
You must meet the English language requirement specified by your institution. For degree-level courses, this is typically CEFR B2 or above. For courses below degree level, B1 is usually required. The exact requirement is stated on your CAS.
You can meet this through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), your institution's own assessment, or a degree previously taught in English. Some nationalities are exempt.
Financial Requirement
You must prove you can pay for your course and support yourself while living in the UK. You need to show:
- Tuition fees: The full amount shown on your CAS, minus any amounts already paid
- Living costs (London): £1,334 per month for up to 9 months = £12,006
- Living costs (outside London): £1,023 per month for up to 9 months = £9,207
This money must be held in your bank account (or your parent's account with a supporting letter) for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application date. This is one of the most common areas where applications fail.
Costs and Fees
Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in a UK Student Visa application in 2026.
- Visa application fee: £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year (discounted rate for students)
- English language test (if needed): £150–£200
- Tuberculosis test (if required): approximately £50–£100
For a 3-year undergraduate course, the IHS alone costs £2,328. Combined with the application fee, the upfront immigration cost is approximately £2,818 before you add tuition fees and living costs.
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to NHS services for the duration of your visa. Students pay a reduced rate compared to other visa categories.
If your visa application is refused, the application fee is not refunded. The IHS will be refunded automatically if your visa is not granted.
Documents You Need
Preparing the right documents is essential for a successful application. Here is what you need.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (with at least one blank page)
- CAS reference number and the details it contains
- Proof of financial means (bank statements covering 28 consecutive days)
- Proof of English language ability
- Academic qualifications referenced on your CAS
- Tuberculosis test results (if you are from a country where this is required)
- ATAS certificate (if required for your course — mainly postgraduate research in sensitive subjects)
Parental Consent (If Under 18)
If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from your parents or legal guardians. This must confirm they consent to your visa application, your living arrangements in the UK, and your travel to the UK.
Translation Requirements
Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must include the translator's confirmation that it is an accurate translation, the date of the translation, and the translator's contact details.
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Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for a UK Student Visa.
- Accept your offer and receive your CAS. Confirm your place at your chosen institution. Once you have met all conditions (including paying any required deposit), they will issue your CAS.
- Prepare your financial evidence. Make sure you have the required funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. Do not move the money around.
- Complete the online application. Apply through the GOV.UK website. Enter your CAS reference number and personal details.
- Pay the fees. Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge online.
- Provide biometrics. Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your country. You will have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
- Submit supporting documents. Upload your documents online or submit them at the VAC.
- Wait for a decision. See the processing times section below.
You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Apply early, especially if your course begins in September or October, as this is the busiest period.
Processing Times
Student Visa processing times in 2026 are as follows:
- From outside the UK: up to 3 weeks (standard)
- Priority (from outside the UK): 5 working days
- From inside the UK (extension): up to 8 weeks
- Priority (inside the UK): 5 working days
- Super priority (inside the UK): next working day
During peak season (June to September), processing may take longer as thousands of students apply at the same time. If you need your visa before a specific date, consider paying for priority processing.
Working on a Student Visa
One of the most important aspects of the Student Visa is your right to work. The rules depend on the level of your course and the time of year.
Degree Level and Above (RQF 6+)
- During term time: up to 20 hours per week
- During holidays: full-time (no limit)
Below Degree Level
- During term time: up to 10 hours per week
- During holidays: full-time (no limit)
Restrictions
You cannot be self-employed, work as a doctor or dentist in training (unless your course is a recognised foundation programme), or work as a professional sportsperson or coach. Your work hours are checked strictly, and exceeding the limit can result in your visa being curtailed.
After Your Course: The Graduate Route and Other Options
When your course ends, you have several options for staying in the UK.
The Graduate Route
The Graduate Route is the most popular option for international students. If you successfully complete a degree at a UK university, you can apply for a Graduate visa. This gives you:
- 2 years of unrestricted work rights (for bachelor's and master's graduates)
- 3 years for PhD graduates
- No need for a sponsor — you can work in any job
Skilled Worker Visa
If you find an employer with a sponsor licence, you can switch directly from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa. You do not need to go home first. This is particularly attractive if you receive a job offer before your course ends.
Extending Your Student Visa
If you are continuing your studies (for example, progressing from a bachelor's to a master's degree), you can extend your Student Visa. Your new institution must issue a new CAS and you must apply before your current visa expires.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Student Visa refusals commonly happen because of:
- Insufficient funds: Not enough money, or not held for the required 28 days
- CAS issues: CAS has expired, or the information on it does not match your application
- Credibility concerns: The Home Office is not convinced you are a genuine student (for example, switching to an unrelated lower-level course)
- English language evidence: Test not from an approved provider or certificate has expired
- Previous immigration breaches: Overstaying or working more hours than permitted on a previous visa
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.