01
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2025 Updated Guide
UK Student Visa & Admissions Guide
Everything you need to know about gaining admission to a UK university and securing your Student Visa — from application to arrival.
£363
Visa Application Fee
£776
Health Surcharge/year
~3 weeks
Processing Time
20 hrs
Max. Work Hours/week
Step by Step
UK Admissions & Visa Application Process
Follow this straightforward 6-step process from university selection to arriving in the UK.
02
Submit Your Application (UCAS / Direct)
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS (deadline January). Postgraduate applications are made directly to universities, typically 6–12 months in advance.
03
Receive Your Offer & CAS
Once accepted, your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This unique reference number is required for your visa application.
04
Gather Required Documents
Collect your passport, IELTS certificate, financial evidence, academic transcripts, and any other required documents. Our team reviews everything before submission.
05
Apply for Your Student Visa
Apply online at the UKVI portal. Pay the visa fee (£363) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year). Book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.
06
Receive Your Decision & Travel
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks. Once approved, travel to the UK and begin your exciting academic journey!
Visa Checklist
Required Documents for UK Student Visa
Ensure you have all the following documents ready before submitting your visa application.
IIdentity
- Valid passport (must cover entire study period)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Previous UK visas (if any)
AAcademic & Language
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from your university
- IELTS Academic or equivalent English test result (6.0–7.5 overall)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Personal statement or reference letters (if requested)
FFinancial Evidence
- Bank statements showing required funds (last 28 days)
- London students: £1,334/month for up to 9 months (£12,006)
- Outside London: £1,023/month for up to 9 months (£9,207)
- Tuition fees balance if not yet paid
- Scholarship letters (if applicable)
HHealth
- TB test certificate (required from specific countries)
- Medical records (if studying medicine/healthcare)
Important Note on Financial Evidence
Your bank funds must have been held continuously for 28 days before you apply. The statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application date. Student loans or bursary letters are acceptable as evidence of funds.
English Language
IELTS Requirements by Course Level
Most UK universities require IELTS Academic. Below are typical score thresholds — always confirm with your specific institution.
| Course Level | Overall Score | Minimum per Band |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0–6.5 | 5.5 per band |
| Postgraduate | 6.5–7.0 | 6.0 per band |
| Oxford & Cambridge | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 per band |
| Medicine / Law | 7.0–7.5 | 7.0 per band |
TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1/C2 Advanced are also accepted by most UK universities. Pre-sessional English courses are available at many institutions for borderline scores.
After Graduation
UK Graduate Route: Work After Your Degree
The UK Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa) allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing your degree — or 3 years for PhD graduates. No employer sponsorship required.
- Work for any UK employer in any role
- 2 years for Bachelor's & Master's graduates
- 3 years for PhD graduates
- Can switch to Skilled Worker Visa from within the UK
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
£822
Graduate Route Fee
2 Years
Duration (UG/PG)
3 Years
Duration (PhD)
Not Required
Employer Sponsorship
Common Questions
UK Student Visa FAQs
- When should I apply for a UK Student Visa?
- You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date. We recommend applying at least 8–12 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any queries.
- How long does it take to get a UK Student Visa?
- Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date of your biometrics appointment. A priority service (£250 extra) can give a decision within 5 working days.
- What is a CAS number and how do I get it?
- A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique reference number issued by your UK university once you have accepted their offer. You cannot apply for a visa without a CAS.
- How much money do I need to show for a UK Student Visa?
- You need to show you can cover your tuition fees (if not already paid) plus living costs: £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London, for up to 9 months. Funds must have been held continuously for 28 days.
- Can family members join me in the UK on a Student Visa?
- If you are a government-sponsored student or studying at postgraduate level for 9+ months, your spouse/partner and children may be able to apply as your dependants.
- What IELTS score do I need for a UK university?
- Requirements vary by university and course: typically 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate, 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate. Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine/law programmes often require 7.0–7.5.
Need personal visa guidance?
Our visa team is available Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm GMT.
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