Visa & Arrival - Study in United Kingdom

UK Student Visa and Arrival: Everything You Need to Know

The UK Student visa (formally known as the Student route, replacing the old Tier 4 visa) is your gateway to studying in the United Kingdom. The application process is structured and predictable, but it requires careful preparation of documents, finances, and timing.

This guide walks you through every stage: from understanding eligibility to collecting your Biometric Residence Permit and settling in during your first weeks.

Student Visa Eligibility

To apply for a UK Student visa, you must:

1. Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor (your university)
2. Have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
3. Meet the English language requirement (usually demonstrated through your CAS, which records your English qualification)
4. Be at least 16 years old (for a Student visa; under-16s need a Child Student visa)
5. Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay

Your university must hold a Student sponsor licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). All UK universities that recruit international students hold this licence.

Dependent Visa Restrictions

Since January 1, 2024, only students on PhD or other doctoral-level research programs can bring dependents (partner and children) to the UK on a Student visa. Students on taught Master's programs, Bachelor's degrees, and all other courses can no longer bring dependents. This is a significant change from previous rules. If you are on a research-based doctoral program, your dependents can apply for a Dependant visa, but they must show they can be maintained and accommodated without relying on public funds.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Step 1: Accept your offer and receive your CAS

After receiving an unconditional offer (or meeting the conditions of a conditional offer), accept the offer and pay any required deposit. Your university will then issue your CAS -- an electronic reference number containing your details, course information, and confirmation of qualifications.

Your CAS includes:

• CAS reference number (needed for the visa application)
• Your personal details and passport number
• Course title, level, start and end dates
• Tuition fee amount and any fees already paid
• Evidence of your qualifications used for admission
• Confirmation of English language ability

Step 2: Gather your documents

You will need the following documents for your visa application:

Essential documents:

Financial evidence must show:

• Funds held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the visa application date
• The account must be in your name (or your parent/legal guardian's name, with proof of relationship)
• Bank statements or an official bank letter showing the required amount

Step 3: Calculate your financial requirements

The financial requirement has two components:

1. Outstanding tuition fees

Your CAS states the total course fee and any amount already paid. You must show funds to cover the remaining balance (up to a maximum of one year's fees for multi-year courses).

2. Living costs (maintenance)

Example calculation for a Master's student studying in London:

Example for a Bachelor's student outside London (first year):

Accepted forms of financial evidence:

• Personal bank statements (or parent's, with proof of relationship)
• Bank letter on headed paper showing account holder, account number, date, and available funds
• Official financial sponsorship letter from a government or international organization
• Student loan letter from a government or recognized loan provider

Currencies: If funds are in a foreign currency, UKVI uses the OANDA exchange rate on the date of your application to convert to GBP. Ensure you hold slightly more than required to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

Step 4: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Before submitting your visa application, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:

• Cost: GBP 776 per year for students
• Duration: Paid for the full length of your visa (e.g., 3 years for a Bachelor's = approximately GBP 2,328)
• Payment: Online at gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
• What it covers: Full access to NHS healthcare (GP, hospital, A&E, mental health)
• Refund: If your visa is refused, the IHS is automatically refunded

You receive an IHS reference number after payment, which you enter in your visa application form.

Find the right student health insurance for the UK →

Step 5: Complete the online application

Apply online at gov.uk/student-visa:

1. Create an account on the UK government visa website
2. Complete the application form with personal details, travel history, and course information
3. Enter your CAS reference number
4. Enter your IHS reference number
5. Pay the visa application fee: GBP 490 (standard rate from outside the UK)
6. Upload supporting documents
7. Book a biometric appointment

Step 6: Attend your biometric appointment

After submitting your online application, you must attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide:

• Fingerprints (10 fingers)
• Photograph
• Original documents for verification (passport, qualification certificates, etc.)

Some countries now use the UKVI smartphone app for biometric enrollment, allowing you to scan your passport and take a selfie without visiting a VAC. Check if this is available in your country.

Processing times:

Step 7: Receive your visa decision

If approved, you receive:

• A vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 90 days, allowing you to enter the UK
• A decision letter confirming your visa grant
• Access to your digital eVisa via your UKVI online account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status (physical BRP cards were fully replaced by digital eVisas from July 2025)

If refused, you receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common refusal reasons include insufficient funds, document errors, or discrepancies between your application and CAS.

TB Test Requirements

You must have a tuberculosis (TB) test before applying if you are from a country on the UK government's TB testing list. This includes most countries in:

• Africa
• Asia (including India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines)
• Parts of South America and Eastern Europe

The test must be conducted at an approved clinic and involves a chest X-ray. Results are available within a few days, and the certificate is valid for 6 months.

Cost: approximately GBP 50-100 depending on the country and clinic.

Check the full list of countries at gov.uk/tb-test-visa.

ATAS Certificate

Some postgraduate courses in sensitive subjects (such as certain engineering, science, and technology programs) require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Your university will tell you if this applies.

• Apply online at gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
• Processing takes approximately 30 working days (sometimes longer)
• Apply as soon as you accept your offer -- do not wait until your visa application stage
• The ATAS certificate is free

Arriving in the UK

When can I arrive?

• You can arrive up to 1 month before your course start date (for courses longer than 6 months)
• For courses of 6 months or less, you can arrive up to 1 week before
• Arriving early is recommended to settle in, attend orientation, and complete administrative tasks

At the UK border

When you arrive at a UK airport or port, you pass through UK Border Force. Have the following ready:

• Valid passport with visa vignette
• CAS confirmation or printout
• Proof of accommodation (university halls letter or tenancy agreement)
• Financial evidence (in case asked)
• University contact details

Border officers may ask about your studies, course, and plans. Answer honestly and directly. Entry is usually straightforward with a valid Student visa.

Your Digital eVisa

Since July 2025, the UK has fully replaced physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with digital eVisas. Your immigration status is now stored entirely online. There is no physical card to collect.

How to access your eVisa:

1. Log in to your UKVI account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
2. Your eVisa shows your immigration status, conditions of stay, and visa expiry date
3. Use your eVisa to prove your right to study and work to your university, employers, and landlords
4. Share your status digitally when needed by generating a share code through your UKVI account

First Week Checklist

Use this checklist for your first 7-10 days in the UK:

Day 1-3: Immediate priorities

• Verify your eVisa status online at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
• Move into accommodation and set up your room
• Buy a UK SIM card (Giffgaff, Three, Voxi, and Lebara are popular student choices)
• Note emergency numbers: 999 (emergency), 111 (NHS non-emergency), your university security number

Day 3-7: Essential admin

• Register with a GP surgery near your accommodation
• Open a UK bank account (or set up a digital bank account like Monzo)
• Attend university enrollment and orientation events
• Get your student ID card
• Register for your course and access online learning platforms
• Explore campus, locate key buildings (library, student union, department)

Day 7-14: Getting settled

• Register with the police (if required -- your visa conditions will state this)
• Buy a 16-25 Railcard for train discounts
• Get a student Oyster card (London) or local transport pass
• Attend freshers' fair and join societies
• Set up council tax exemption (your university provides a letter)
• Familiarize yourself with local supermarkets and amenities

Police registration

Nationals of certain countries must register with the police within 7 days of arriving. Your visa conditions (viewable via your eVisa) will clearly state if this requirement applies to you. Registration costs GBP 34 and is done at a local police station or designated registration office.

Countries whose nationals typically need to register include Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

Visa Conditions and Responsibilities

While studying in the UK on a Student visa, you must:

• Attend your course and maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not work more than 20 hours per week during term time (see Work & Career guide)
• Not access public funds (welfare benefits)
• Report changes to your university (address changes, passport renewal, course changes)
• Not switch to some visa categories from within the UK without leaving first

If you withdraw from your course or are suspended, your university must report this to UKVI, and your visa may be curtailed (shortened).

Extending Your Visa

If your course takes longer than expected (e.g., you need to resit exams or your thesis is delayed), you can apply to extend your Student visa from within the UK. You will need:

• A new CAS from your university
• Financial evidence (same requirements as the initial application)
• Payment of a new IHS surcharge
• Visa application fee (GBP 490)

Apply before your current visa expires. You can continue studying while your extension application is being processed.

After Your Course: Graduate Route

Upon completing your degree, you are eligible for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK after graduation:

• 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's graduates (current rules)
• 3 years for PhD graduates

Important change from January 1, 2027: The Graduate Route will be shortened from 24 months to 18 months for Bachelor's and Master's graduates. This applies to students who start courses from January 2026 onward. PhD graduates continue to receive 36 months. This makes it even more important to begin your job search early during your studies.

The Graduate Route does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, or a minimum salary. For full details, see our Work & Career guide.

Next Steps

With your visa knowledge in place, continue preparing for your UK journey:

• Living in the UK -- Arrange accommodation and understand daily life
• Costs & Funding -- Finalize your budget and funding arrangements
• Work & Career -- Understand work rights and post-study options
• Plan Your Studies -- Review your overall timeline
• Admissions & Application -- Ensure your CAS and offer are in order
• Why Study in the UK -- Revisit the key advantages of UK study