How to Get a UK Student Visa in 10 Steps
Complete UK Student Visa guide covering CAS letters, the 70-point visa system, financial evidence, IHS fees, credibility interviews, and the application timeline for 2026.
How to get a UK Student Visa in 2026 — The process involves 10 steps: (1) Choose your course and a licensed UK university (tuition typically £12,000-£25,000 per year), (2) Meet English language requirements with IELTS for UKVI (6.0-7.0 overall), PTE Academic UKVI (50-65), or TOEFL iBT, (3) Submit your university application via UCAS or directly and receive an unconditional offer, (4) Pay your tuition deposit (£1,000-£5,000), (5) Receive your CAS letter — a unique 14-character reference number from your university valid for 6 months, (6) Prepare financial evidence showing tuition fees plus living costs of £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London held for 28 consecutive days, (7) Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year, (8) Complete the online visa application including a £490 fee and biometrics appointment, (9) Attend a credibility interview if required to verify genuine student intent, and (10) Receive your visa decision — standard processing takes 3 weeks, priority 5 working days (£500), or super priority 24 hours (£800). The 70-point system requires 50 points for a valid CAS, 10 for finances, and 10 for English proficiency. After graduation, you can apply for the Graduate Route Visa to work in the UK for 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD).
Calculate Your UK Visa Points
Use our free UK Student Visa points calculator to check your eligibility before applying.
10 Steps to a UK Student Visa
Follow these steps in order. Each step builds on the previous one, and skipping ahead can result in application delays or refusal.
Choose Your Course and UK University
Select a course at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Your university must be a licensed Student Sponsor on the Home Office register. Consider course content, tuition fees (typically £12,000-£25,000 per year), location, and post-study Graduate Route eligibility.
Meet English Language Requirements
Take an approved English test accepted by the UK Home Office. Accepted tests include IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, and TOEFL iBT. Most UK universities require IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall (or equivalent PTE 50-65) with minimum scores in each skill depending on the program level.
Submit Your University Application
Apply through UCAS (for undergraduate) or directly to the university (for postgraduate). Submit academic transcripts, English test scores, reference letters, and a Statement of Purpose. Upon acceptance, you will receive an unconditional offer letter.
Pay Your Tuition Deposit
Pay the required tuition deposit (typically £1,000 to £5,000 depending on the university) to secure your place. Some universities require full first-year tuition payment before issuing the CAS. Deposit amounts vary by institution and program level.
Receive Your CAS Letter
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your university through the Home Office Sponsor Management System (SMS). According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the CAS contains your personal details, course information, tuition fees, and the academic qualifications used to obtain your offer. The CAS is valid for 6 months and can only be used for one visa application.
Prepare Financial Evidence
Show you have sufficient funds to cover your first year's tuition fees (minus any deposits paid) plus living costs. According to UKVI requirements, you need £1,334 per month for living costs if studying in London (up to 9 months) or £1,023 per month if studying outside London. Funds must have been held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Pay the IHS fee as part of your visa application. According to the UK Home Office 2026 fee schedule, the IHS is £1,035 per year for students. For a 3-year bachelor's degree, the total IHS is £3,105. The IHS gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as a UK resident.
Complete the Online Visa Application
Submit your UK Student Visa application online through the UK Visas and Immigration portal. You need your CAS reference number, passport, financial documents, English test certificate, and academic qualifications. The visa fee is currently £490 for applications made from outside the UK. Book your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
Attend Your Credibility Interview
Some applicants are required to attend a credibility interview, either via video call or in person. The interview tests your knowledge of your course, university, and study plans. Be prepared to explain your choice of course, why the UK, your career goals, and your financial arrangements. According to UKVI, credibility interviews are used to assess genuine student intent under paragraph 9.7.1 of the Immigration Rules.
Receive Your Visa Decision and Prepare for Travel
Standard UK Student Visa processing takes 3 weeks for applications made from outside the UK. Priority processing takes 5 working days (additional £500 fee). Super Priority processing takes 24 hours (additional £800 fee). Once approved, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport valid for 90 days for travel. You must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or activate your eVisa within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Key Resources for UK Student Visa
Use these free tools and guides to prepare your application.
Visa Points Calculator
Calculate your UK Student Visa points against the 70-point requirement system.
IELTS to CLB Converter
Convert your IELTS scores to Canadian Language Benchmark levels.
Proof of Funds Calculator
Calculate your settlement funds requirement based on family size.
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UK Student Visa FAQs
Common questions about the UK Student Visa application process.
Q. What is a CAS letter and why do I need it?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your UK university confirming they will sponsor your student visa. You cannot apply for a UK Student Visa without a valid CAS.
Q. How much money do I need for a UK student visa?
You need first-year tuition fees (minus deposits paid) plus living costs of £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London for up to 9 months. Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
Q. What is the 70-point UK student visa system?
The 70 points are: 50 points for a valid CAS, 10 points for meeting the financial requirement, and 10 points for English language proficiency. All three requirements must be met.
Q. How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is £1,035 per year for students. For a 3-year degree, the total is £3,105. The fee is paid upfront for the entire visa duration.
Q. What IELTS score do I need for a UK student visa?
Most UK universities require IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall depending on the program. The UKVI minimum is B2 level (IELTS 5.5-6.5) for degree-level courses.
Q. How long does a UK student visa take to process?
Standard processing takes 3 weeks. Priority processing takes 5 working days (£500 extra). Super Priority takes 24 hours (£800 extra).
Q. Can I work while studying on a UK student visa?
Yes. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
Q. What is a Pre-CAS Credibility Interview?
Some universities conduct a credibility interview before issuing your CAS to verify your genuine student intent, academic preparedness, and financial readiness.
Q. Can I extend my UK student visa?
Yes, you can apply to extend your visa if you progress to a higher-level course. You must apply before your current visa expires with a new CAS.
Q. What happens after I graduate?
You can apply for the Graduate Route Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD) without employer sponsorship.
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