Studying in the UK: Compare Your Visa Options
Student Immigration · IAA-regulated advice in Birmingham and London
Studying in the UK
Student, Child Student and Graduate visas. We check your CAS, money and documents, and prepare the application with you.
Overview
What is Student Immigration?
Student Immigration encompasses the various visa routes established by the UK Home Office to allow international nationals to enter and reside in the UK for educational purposes. This category is designed for individuals of all ages—from children entering independent schools to adults pursuing higher education or professional training.
Securing the correct immigration status is critical, as it dictates your rights regarding work, bringing dependants, and the duration of your stay. We advise on each of these routes and check your application against the current Immigration Rules before it is submitted.
Visa Categories
Key Pathways to Student Immigration
Student Visa
The primary route for individuals aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. This route allows for long-term study at degree level and below.
Read moreChild Student Visa
Designed for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. This route often involves specific arrangements for care and accommodation.
Read moreSide by side
Compare UK student visa options
A short summary of the main ways to study in the UK, and the Graduate route that can follow a degree. The right option depends on your age, course and length of study, so check with us before applying.
Student visa Who it’s forPeople aged 16 or over with an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor, usually for a further or higher education course. Work allowedDegree level: up to 20 hours a week in term; less or none otherwise. DependantsSince 1 Jan 2024: research postgraduates or government-sponsored students only. Key points
- Living costs: £1,529 a month in London, £1,171 elsewhere (up to 9 months)*
- English: B2 at degree level or above; B1 below degree level
- Not open from outside the UK to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan
Child Student visa Who it’s forChildren aged 4 to 17 with an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed independent school. Those aged 16 or 17 can choose the Student route instead. Work allowedFrom age 16: up to 10 hours a week in term, full-time in holidays. DependantsNone. A parent may qualify if the child is under 12. Key points
- Up to 6 years if under 16, 3 years if 16-17, plus 4 months
- No English language requirement on this route
- Parental consent and suitable care and living arrangements needed
Short-term study visa (English language) Who it’s forPeople aged 16 or over taking an English language course only, lasting between 6 and 11 months, at an accredited institution. Work allowedNo work, including unpaid work, work experience or work placements. DependantsNo dependants on this visa. Key points
- Must leave within 30 days of the course ending; 11 months maximum
- Cannot be extended or used to study other subjects
- Apply from outside the UK; fee £228 plus healthcare surcharge
Study as a Standard Visitor Who it’s forPeople taking a course of up to 6 months at an accredited institution (not a state school or academy, unless on Erasmus+). Work allowedNo paid or unpaid work, apart from limited permitted activities. DependantsNo dependant route; family members must qualify as visitors themselves. Key points
- Visit visa £135, or an ETA, depending on nationality
- Cannot switch to Student or Child Student from inside the UK
- Recreational courses of up to 30 days are also allowed
Graduate route (after study) Who it’s forStudents in the UK who have successfully completed a UK bachelor’s, master’s, PhD or other eligible course with a sponsor that has a track record of compliance. Work allowedMost jobs and self-employment; not as a professional sportsperson. DependantsOnly family already here as your Student dependants, or UK-born children. Key points
- 2 years if applying by 31 Dec 2026; 18 months from 1 Jan 2027
- PhD or other doctorate: 3 years
- Apply in the UK before your Student visa expires; fee £937
* Current figures for Student visa applications made before 30 November 2026. For applications made on or after 30 November 2026 they rise to £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (elsewhere) a month (Statement of Changes HC 584). Not needed if you have lived in the UK with permission for 12 months or more.
Summary of the Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance as at 9 October 2026. Rules change often; this is general information, not advice on your case.
Eligibility
UK Student Immigration Eligibility Requirements
To successfully apply for a student visa, applicants must meet a rigorous set of criteria set out by the Home Office. While specific requirements vary by route, the core eligibility standards include:
Licensed Sponsor Offer
You must have a valid and unconditional offer from an approved educational institution in the UK before making your application.
Core Conditions:
- Your place on the course must be fully confirmed by a licensed student sponsor.
- You must obtain a unique Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
- The CAS must be used within its validity period to successfully submit your visa application.
CAS Essential: The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference number is completely mandatory and acts as the central pillar of your immigration application.
English Language Requirement
Most applicants must prove they can read, write, speak, and understand English to a specific level required for their course.
Language Competency Standards:
- Must meet the benchmark set on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Acceptable validation methods include:
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Holding an academic degree that was taught and assessed in English
- Meeting specific exemptions based on your nationality
CEFR Standards: The specific language level required varies depending on whether you are studying at a degree level or below degree level.
Financial Maintenance
You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your academic fees and support yourself independently while living in the UK.
Funding Criteria:
- You must prove you can comfortably pay for your tuition costs for the first academic year.
- You must possess a set amount of monthly maintenance funds to handle personal living costs.
- The total required liquid balance shifts depending directly on your campus location (inside London vs. outside London) and total course length.
Location Dynamic: Studying in London carries a higher monthly maintenance requirement due to the increased cost of living in the capital region.
Academic Progression & Genuineness
The Home Office looks at your academic history and motivations to verify that you are coming to the UK for legitimate educational purposes.
Assessment Metrics:
- If you have previous UK studies, your new course must typically show real academic progression (e.g., stepping up from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s degree).
- Applicants must meet the genuine student requirement.
- You must clear any mandatory visa interviews to fully convince immigration officers of your educational intent.
Genuine Student Test: The Home Office may interview you directly to confirm your study plans, knowledge of your course, and future career path aspirations.
Required Supporting Documents
A successful student application relies on submitting accurate, comprehensive, and clear paperwork to immigration authorities.
Mandatory Documentation List:
- A valid current passport or alternative official travel documentation.
- Certified Tuberculosis (TB) test results, depending strictly on your country of residence.
- Formal written parental or legal guardian consent documentation for any applicant under the age of 18.
- Official birth certificates or legal paperwork proving relationships to any accompanying dependants.
All criteria detailed above perfectly match the current UK Home Office student immigration framework. To ensure a smooth process, make sure your supporting records—such as bank statements, official academic certificates, and your CAS reference—are completely ready before submitting your visa case.
How we help
Our Student Immigration Services
We advise on each student route below, from your first application to extensions, switching after your course, and dependants where the rules allow them.
Eligibility Assessment: Comprehensive review of your academic offer, financial standing, and immigration history to confirm your eligibility.
Book a consultation →SubmissionsVisa Applications: Careful preparation and submission of Student, Child Student, and Visitor visa applications.
Read more →ComplianceDocument Checking: Meticulous verification of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial evidence, and educational certificates.
Book a consultation →Stay ExtensionExtensions & Switching: Guidance on extending your stay or switching into the Student route from another visa category within the UK.
Book a consultation →Family CareDependants Support: Assisting partners and children with their applications to join you in the UK.
Book a consultation →RefusalsRefusals & Reapplications: Advice on administrative reviews (within our Level 1 scope) or reapplying after a visa refusal.
Book a consultation →Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for a UK Student Visa?
Most people aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support themselves, and meet the English language requirements can apply (nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan cannot currently apply from outside the UK).
Is there an age limit for student visas?
There is no upper age limit for the general Student Visa. However, the Child Student Visa is strictly for applicants aged between 4 and 17.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, most students on a full-time degree-level course can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Students at lower levels may have more restricted work rights.
Can I bring my family with me?
Only full-time students on a PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree lasting 9 months or longer, or government-sponsored students on courses lasting longer than six months, are typically permitted to bring dependants.
How long does the visa processing take?
Standard processing is usually 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for those inside the UK. Priority services are available for faster decisions.
Can I switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK?
Yes, you can usually switch to a Student Visa if you are already in the UK on a valid visa that allows switching, provided you meet the course and eligibility requirements.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your application is refused, you may be able to apply for an Administrative Review if you believe a mistake was made. Alternatively, you can address the reasons for refusal and submit a new application.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Student Visa?
The duration of your stay depends on the length of your course. Degree-level students are usually granted the length of the course plus a short wrap-up period (usually 4 months).
Can I extend my Student Visa?
Yes, you can extend your visa to continue your studies or start a new course, provided you meet the academic progression rules and apply before your current visa expires.
Can I switch to another visa after studying in the UK?
Many students are able to switch to other UK visa routes, such as the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker visa, upon successful completion of their studies, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
No questions match. Ask us instead.
Talk to us about studying in the UK
Book a consultation and we’ll check your CAS, funds and documents before you apply. We’re regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (F202638454).