The student visa: everything you need to know to study in the UK

The UK continues to be one of the most popular countries for studying, having hosted 685,565 international students in the 2024/25 academic year.

Home to some of the most scenic landscapes, several top institutions and an amazing student life, the UK is an obvious choice to pursue a degree.

So, what exactly is the process for studying in the UK? Below is a checklist of everything you need to know before you start your studies in the UK.

Who can apply for a student visa?

You can apply for a student visa if you are 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK. To make a successful application you must achieve at least 70 points on the points-based immigration system and apply for a visa online.

A step-by-step guide to applying for a student visa

Step 1 — eligible course

You must have been offered a place on a course by a licenced student provider. Your education provider will send you a reference number called a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (“CAS”). This confirms you have met the course requirements.

You must enter this reference number on your online application form and apply within six months of receiving your CAS.

50 points = Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies

Step 2 — financial requirements

You need to show that you have enough money to pay your course fees for the first academic year (or entire course if it is less than a year long) and living costs for up to nine months.

The amount depends on where you're studying:

The money must be held in a bank account for 28 consecutive days, and the end-date of this period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for the visa.

For example, if you submit an application on 1 August 2026, you will have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-period ending on 1 July 2026. If you have a student loan or are financially sponsored by someone, you must provide evidence of this.

You will automatically meet the financial requirement and be awarded 10 points if:

• You’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your student visa application — you must currently be in the UK.
• You are applying for permission as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.
• Where you are applying for permission to study on a recognised foundation programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist in training.

You do not need to prove the financial requirement if you’re a British national overseas or from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’, for example, USA, China and Hong Kong. View a full list of applicable countries.

10 points = Financial requirement 

Step 3 — knowledge of the English language

If you want to study in the UK, you must be able to demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of the English language. Those studying below degree level need to prove a level of B1, whereas those studying at degree level or above must prove B2 level.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider — Trinity College London, ITELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert and Pearson Education Ltd.
• Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18.

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if:

• You are from an exempt country or territory or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of them.
• You are applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA.
• You are a national of Canada.
  
  
• You proved your level of English in a previous visa application.

10 points = English requirement

Step 4 — supporting documents

To make a successful application, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Current passport or other valid travel document (necessary).
• Proof you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself, such as bank statements (if applicable).
• TB test results (if applicable). View the list of required countries.
• Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
• CAS number from your course provider (necessary).
• A valid Academic and Technology Approval Scheme (“ATAS”) if your course and nationality requires it. Check if you need an ATAS certificate.
• Written consent from parent/legal guardian if you are under 18 showing they consent to the application, your living and care arrangements in the UK and travel to the UK.
• All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

Step 5 — making the application

You must apply online and there are two different applications depending on whether you are applying outside or inside the UK.

You will need to prove your identity by either attending a visa application centre and giving your fingerprints and a photograph or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document. Again, this will depend on where you are from and your passport type.

The application costs £558.

You will usually receive a decision within three weeks if the application is made outside or within eight weeks from inside the UK. You may be able to receive a decision quicker and will be told when you apply.

For example, if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app you may be able to get a faster decision within five working days.

Step 6 — receive the visa

Once your application is successful, you can travel to the UK from the ‘valid from’ date on your visa and start enjoying student life!