Student Visa Basics

To be eligible for a Student visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an institution with a valid Student sponsor licence
• Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from that institution — a unique reference number assigned in the sponsoring institution's sponsorship management system
• Be studying a course at an appropriate academic level — for most students, this means at or above NQF/QCF Level 4 (foundation degree level or above)
• Be 16 or over (those under 18 may be subject to additional child-safeguarding requirements)
• Have sufficient funds to cover fees and living costs for the first year of study
• Meet the English language requirement — typically at B2 CEFR level for degree-level courses, evidenced by a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or a degree taught in English
• Have no general grounds for refusal (criminal record, previous immigration history, etc.)

You must show you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself during your studies. The financial requirement covers:

• Tuition fees — You must have funds equal to the first year's tuition fees (or the full course fees for courses under a year) available in your bank account.
• Living costs — For the first year of a course lasting more than nine months: £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London (total £12,006), or £1,023 per month outside London (total £9,207). For shorter courses, the amount is calculated proportionally.
• Official financial sponsor — If your government, your institution, or another official body is sponsoring your studies, their sponsorship letter may substitute for personal funds evidence.

Funds must have been held in your account (or in the accounts of parents if you are under 18) for at least 28 consecutive days before the closing date specified in your application. You will need to provide bank statements covering this 28-day period. UKVI does not accept overdraft facilities or borrowed funds as genuine savings.

Student visa holders have limited rights to work in the UK:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time — If you are studying at degree level or above at a higher education institution. Students on courses below degree level may be restricted to fewer hours or may not be permitted to work at all.
• Full-time during vacations — Including summer holidays and other official vacation periods recognised by your institution.
• Work placement — If it is a formal, assessed part of your course, you can work full-time on a work placement.

You cannot be self-employed, take a second job that would take you over the weekly limit, or do certain types of work (such as professional sport or entertainment) on a Student visa. Your institution's international student team can advise on working rights specific to your course level and visa conditions.

Since January 2024, the rules on bringing family members (dependants) to the UK with a Student visa have been significantly tightened. From January 2024, most international students can no longer bring dependants unless:

• You are a government-sponsored student (e.g., a Chevening Scholar or Commonwealth Scholar), or
• You are studying at postgraduate level (Master's or PhD) and you are a student sponsored by a higher education institution (HEI) that is also a government-sponsored student

In practice, this means most international students on standard self-funded programmes — including most Master's and taught PhD students — can no longer bring their spouse, partner, or children to the UK during their studies. This was one of the most significant changes to the student route in recent years and affects the financial and family planning of many international students.