Official UK Government Updates
For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:
Core Eligibility
To qualify, you must demonstrate the following to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI):
- Sponsorship: An unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, evidenced by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Language Proficiency: Proof of English skills, typically CEFR Level B2 for degree-level studies or B1 for lower levels.
- Financial Standing: Sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and monthly living costs without public assistance.
- Consent: If you are 16 or 17, you must have formal permission from your parents or legal guardian.
Eligible Courses
You can apply for this visa if your course is:
- Full-time and leads to a degree-level qualification or higher (RQF levels 6–8).
- Full-time and below degree level (RQF levels 3–5) with at least 15 hours of daytime study per week.
- A recognized foundation program for postgraduate medical or dental professionals.
- An English language course at Level B2 or above.
2026 Financial Requirements
Under the updated 2026 rules, maintenance funds must be held in a regulated bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.
| Requirement | London Rate (per month) | Outside London (per month) |
| Main Applicant | £1,529 | £1,171 |
| Dependant | £845 | £680 |
- Calculation: You must show funds for up to a maximum of 9 months.
- Exemptions: You do not need to provide financial evidence if you have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or are from a “differential evidence requirement” country.
The Application Process
- Timing: Apply up to 6 months before your course starts if abroad, or 3 months before if you are already in the UK.
- Fees: The application fee is £524 (regardless of whether you apply from inside or outside the UK).
- Health Surcharge: You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is approximately £776 per year for students.
- Decisions: Expect a result within 3 weeks for international applications and 8 weeks for UK-based ones.
Rules for Dependants
Not all students can bring family. Only those on full-time postgraduate research programs (like a PhD) or government-sponsored courses lasting at least 9 months are typically eligible to bring a partner or children.
Working While Studying
- Degree Level: Up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
- Below Degree Level: Up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
- Restrictions: You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy.
Switching and Next Steps
The Student route does not lead directly to permanent residency, but you can switch to other routes once your course is finished.
- Graduate Visa: Stay for 2 years (or 3 years for PhDs) to work or look for work. Note: For applications made after January 1, 2027, the Graduate visa duration is expected to shorten to 18 months.
- Skilled Worker: Switch to a sponsored work visa once you have a qualifying job offer.
Student Visa
Consultancy support for UK Student visa applications, CAS verification, and appointments.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Service Fees: Our quotes are for professional consulting only and exclude Home Office fees, IHS, biometrics, and third-party costs.
Estimated Quotes: Prices shown are indicative. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific scale of your documentation.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are exclusive of VAT.
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