The UK Student Visa allows international students to study eligible courses at approved UK universities and other licensed education providers. Before applying, students must secure admission, receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), meet the financial requirements and prove their English-language ability where required.
For students planning to study in the UK in 2026 or 2027, understanding the latest visa requirements is important because the UK has introduced several changes affecting international students, including financial requirements and dependant rules.
UK Student Visa Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Visa | UK Student Visa |
| Admission | Offer from a licensed student sponsor |
| CAS | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies |
| Passport | Current passport or valid travel document |
| English | Usually required |
| Financial proof | Required in many cases |
| Visa fee | £558 |
| Healthcare surcharge | £776 per year for students |
| TB test | Required for applicants from certain countries, including Nigeria, when applicable |
| ATAS | Required for some courses and nationalities |
| Application from outside UK | Up to 6 months before course starts |
| Normal decision time | Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK |
What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa is the main immigration route for international students aged 16 or over who want to study an eligible further or higher education course in the UK.
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Have an offer from a licensed student sponsor.
- Have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself.
- Meet the English-language requirement.
- Provide the required documents.
- Obtain a CAS from your education provider.
- Meet any additional requirements that apply to your course or nationality.
The Student Visa replaced the former Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
1. Get Admission From a UK University or Approved Institution
You cannot normally apply for a UK Student Visa simply because you want to study in Britain.
You first need an offer from a licensed student sponsor.
Once you have accepted your offer and met your university’s conditions, the institution will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your CAS contains important information about your course, including details that UK Visas and Immigration uses to assess your Student Visa application.
You must provide your CAS reference number when applying.
2. Have a Valid Passport
You need a current passport or another valid travel document when applying for your Student Visa.
Make sure the personal information on your passport matches the information on your university application and visa application.
If your passport is close to expiring, consider renewing it before beginning the application process.
The UK government lists a current passport or valid travel document among the documents required for a Student Visa application.
3. Meet the Financial Requirements
One of the most important UK Student Visa requirements is proving that you have enough money to support yourself and pay your tuition fees.
You normally need to show enough money for:
- Your outstanding course fees for one academic year, as shown on your CAS.
- Your living expenses in the UK.
Current UK Student Visa Maintenance Funds
For students applying under the current rules, the maintenance requirement is:
- £1,529 per month for courses in London, for up to 9 months.
- £1,171 per month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months.
This means a student may need to demonstrate up to:
- £13,761 for London (£1,529 × 9)
- £10,539 outside London (£1,171 × 9)
These figures are in addition to the required tuition funds unless an exemption applies.
How Long Must the Money Be in Your Account?
Where financial evidence is required, you generally need to have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days.
The end date of that 28-day period must normally be within 31 days of your visa application date.
Students should therefore avoid transferring money into an account shortly before applying and assuming that the balance will automatically qualify as financial evidence.
4. Prove Your English Language Ability
Most Student Visa applicants need to prove their knowledge of English.
For degree-level study or above, the required level is generally CEFR B2.
For study below degree level, the requirement is generally CEFR B1.
You may be able to prove your English through:
- An approved English-language test.
- A qualifying UK school qualification.
- A UK degree.
- A degree taught in English from an overseas institution, where the relevant requirements are met.
- An English assessment conducted by an eligible higher education provider for certain degree-level courses.
Not every student needs to take IELTS specifically. The acceptable evidence depends on your circumstances and course.
5. Provide Your CAS
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is one of the most important documents in your Student Visa application.
Your education provider issues the CAS after you have accepted your place and satisfied its requirements.
The CAS provides UKVI with information about your:
- Course
- Institution
- Tuition fees
- Course start date
- Course end date
- Sponsorship details
Check your CAS carefully before submitting your visa application.
If there is incorrect information, contact your university before applying.
6. TB Test for Applicants From Nigeria
Applicants from Nigeria should pay particular attention to the tuberculosis requirement.
If you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months, have lived in Nigeria for at least 6 months and were living in Nigeria or another listed country within the relevant period, you will generally need a TB test.
Nigeria is currently on the UK’s list of countries where applicants may need TB screening.
The test must be completed at a Home Office-approved clinic.
The UK government currently lists an approved International Organization for Migration (IOM) clinic in Abuja for UK visa TB testing.
A TB certificate is generally valid for 6 months from the date of the chest X-ray when an X-ray is performed.
7. ATAS Certificate May Be Required
Some international students studying certain sensitive subjects at postgraduate level may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
This does not apply to every student or every master’s course.
If your course and nationality require ATAS clearance, you need to obtain the certificate before applying for your Student Visa.
The UK government specifically advises students studying a master’s degree or above to check whether ATAS applies to them.
8. Pay the UK Student Visa Fee
The current Student Visa application fee is £558 for applications made from outside the UK and for eligible applications to extend or switch from inside the UK.
The fee is separate from other costs associated with studying in the UK.
9. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
International students also normally pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa process.
The current student rate is £776 per year.
The total amount depends on the length of immigration permission granted.
Students should therefore budget for:
- Tuition fees
- Student Visa fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Maintenance funds
- TB test, where required
- Travel and accommodation costs
10. Prepare the Required Documents
Depending on your circumstances, your Student Visa application may require:
- Valid passport
- CAS reference
- Financial evidence
- TB certificate
- ATAS certificate, if required
- Evidence of English-language ability, where applicable
- Evidence of parental or guardian consent if under 18
- Evidence of relationship to a parent or guardian if under 18
- Financial sponsorship documents, where applicable
The UK government may request additional documents depending on your individual circumstances.
Documents that are not in English or Welsh may also require an appropriate certified translation.
UK Student Visa Application Process
The application process can be broken down into these steps:
1: Choose a UK University: Apply to a licensed UK education provider and secure admission to an eligible course.
2: Meet Your University’s Conditions: Complete any academic, financial, English-language or other conditions attached to your offer.
3: Receive Your CAS: Your university will provide your CAS once you are eligible for sponsorship.
4: Prepare Your Visa Documents: Prepare your passport, financial evidence and any other documents required for your circumstances.
5: Complete the Online Visa Application: Apply for the Student Visa through the official UK government website.
6: Prove Your Identity: You will be told how to prove your identity during the application process. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attending a visa application centre for fingerprints and a photograph.
7: Submit Your Application: Review your information carefully before submitting your application.
8: Wait for a Decision: Applicants applying from outside the UK will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks, although some applications can take longer.
Official application: Apply for a UK Student Visa on GOV.UK
When Can You Apply for a UK Student Visa?
If you are applying from outside the UK, you can normally apply up to 6 months before your course begins.
If you are applying from inside the UK, you can normally apply up to 3 months before your course starts, provided you meet the rules for applying from within the UK.
Do not wait until the last minute to prepare your application.
Students should allow enough time for:
- University admission
- CAS issuance
- Financial evidence
- TB testing
- ATAS clearance, if required
- Visa application
- Biometric appointment, where required
- Travel arrangements
Can International Students Bring Their Spouse or Children to the UK?
This is an important issue for international students in 2026.
Most international students cannot bring dependants under the Student Visa route.
There are exceptions.
Dependants may be permitted where the student is:
- A government-sponsored student studying a full-time course lasting more than 6 months; or
- A full-time postgraduate student studying a course of at least 9 months that meets the current research/doctoral requirements.
For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the course generally needs to be a PhD, another doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree to qualify for the dependant route.
This means that someone enrolling in a standard taught master’s degree should not assume that their spouse or children can automatically accompany them.
Check the current dependant rules before accepting an offer.
Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?
Students may be permitted to work while studying, but the amount and type of work permitted depends on their course and circumstances.
Some students may work up to a specified number of hours during term time, while others have more restricted work conditions.
Your visa or decision information will state the conditions that apply to you.
You must not assume that every international student has the same work rights.
The Student Visa also prohibits certain activities, including working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach and being self-employed.
UK Student Visa Tips for International Students
Before submitting your application:
- Check that your university is a licensed student sponsor.
- Make sure your CAS information is correct.
- Calculate your tuition and maintenance funds carefully.
- Keep required funds in the account for the required period.
- Check whether you need a TB certificate.
- Check whether your course requires ATAS.
- Make sure your passport is valid.
- Check your English-language evidence.
- Review every answer before submitting the application.
- Do not book non-refundable travel before your visa is approved.
The UK government advises visa applicants not to book travel until they receive a decision.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students
For Nigerian students, the basic Student Visa requirements are the same UK immigration requirements that apply to eligible international students.
However, Nigerian applicants should pay particular attention to the TB test requirement, because Nigeria is on the UK’s list of countries requiring TB screening in applicable cases.
Nigerian students should also make sure their financial evidence is prepared correctly and that all information provided to UKVI is accurate and consistent with their university documents.
UK Student Visa FAQs
How much money do I need for a UK Student Visa in 2026?
For students who need to demonstrate maintenance funds, the current requirement is £1,529 per month for courses in London and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months. You may also need to show money for outstanding tuition fees.
How much is the UK Student Visa fee?
The current Student Visa application fee is £558 for applications made from outside or inside the UK under the applicable Student Visa routes.
Do Nigerian students need a TB test for a UK Student Visa?
Generally, Nigerian applicants coming to the UK for more than 6 months who meet the residence conditions for TB screening need a certificate from an approved clinic.
Can I bring my spouse to the UK on a Student Visa?
Only certain students can bring dependants. Current rules mainly cover government-sponsored students meeting the relevant conditions and students on qualifying postgraduate research or doctoral programmes.
How long does a UK Student Visa take?
Applications made from outside the UK usually receive a decision within 3 weeks, although individual cases can take longer.
Can I apply for a UK Student Visa before receiving my CAS?
You need your CAS information for the Student Visa application, so students should wait until their sponsoring institution has issued the CAS before submitting the application.
Final Checklist
Before submitting your UK Student Visa application, make sure you have:
- Valid passport
- UK university admission
- CAS
- Required tuition funds
- Required maintenance funds
- English-language evidence where required
- TB certificate if applicable
- ATAS certificate if applicable
- Financial sponsorship evidence if applicable
- Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Identity/biometric requirements completed
The requirements can change, so applicants should always check the latest official GOV.UK guidance before submitting an application.
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