UK Student Visa

The Student visa is for courses with a licensed UK student sponsor. You apply once the sponsor gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Read the Student visa rules on GOV.UK

Rules change often. Last checked 18 October 2026; each figure links to the page we read it on.

What you need

  • A CAS from a licensed student sponsor; apply within 6 months of getting it. gov.uk · read
  • Money for living costs: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. gov.uk · read
  • English at CEFR B2 for degree level and above, B1 below degree level. gov.uk · read
  • Apply up to 6 months before your course from outside the UK, or 3 months from inside. gov.uk · read

Official fees

  • Fee: £558. gov.uk · read
  • Healthcare surcharge: £776 a year. gov.uk · read

Family

  • Each dependant needs £845 a month in London or £680 elsewhere. gov.uk · read
  • Most students cannot bring dependants. Government-sponsored students and some postgraduate research students can. gov.uk · read

English test

  • Skilled Worker visa: English at CEFR level B2, usually shown by a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. B1 if you had the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it. gov.uk · read
  • Student visa: CEFR level B2 for a degree or above, B1 below degree level. A university may assess your English itself. gov.uk · read
  • Approved tests: IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills, LanguageCert SELTs, PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home, Skills for English UKVI and Trinity SELTs. Results must be from the last 2 years. gov.uk · read

Not legal or immigration advice. Check every figure against the government page. What changed