UK Student Visa

The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)allows international students to study at accredited UK institutions.

Key Features

Category	Details
Visa Type	Temporary study permit
Eligibility	Offer from licensed UK institution
Duration	Course length + extra time (see below)
Work Rights	Part-time during term (20 hrs/week)
Application Fee	£490 (outside UK)
Healthcare Surcharge	£776/year

Eligibility Requirements

For Applicants

• Unconditional offerfrom a Student Route-licensedUK institution
• Proof of finances(£1,334/month for London, £1,023/month outside)
• English proficiency(CEFR B2 for degree level, B1 for below degree)
• Academic qualificationsmeeting course requirements

For Institutions

• Must be a UKVI-licensed Tier 4 sponsor
• Issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Required Documents

• Passport(valid for entire stay)
• CAS statement(from university)
• Financial evidence(bank statements/loan letters)
• Academic certificates(translated if not in English)
• TB test(if from listed country)
• ATAS certificate(for sensitive subjects)

Application Process Step-by-Step

• Receive unconditional offer & CAS(from university)
• Prepare financial documents* (28-day rule applies)
• Complete online application(gov.uk)
• Pay fees:
  • £490 visa fee
  • £776/year IHS surcharge
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Submit supporting documents
• Receive decision(usually within 3 weeks)

Work Rights & Restrictions

• Undergraduates: 20 hrs/week during term
• Postgraduates: Full-time in vacations
• Work placements: Up to 50% of course (if part of degree)
• Banned jobs: Professional sportsperson, entertainer

Bringing Dependents

• Only postgraduate students(Master's/PhD) can bring family
• Dependents can work full-time
• Additional £680/month per dependentfinancial requirement

Visa Duration

Course Length	Visa Duration
≤12 months	Course + 1 month
12+ months	Course + 4 months
PhD	Course + 6 months

Post-Study Options

After studies, you may be eligible for:

• Graduate Route(2-3 years work)
• Skilled Worker Visa(with job offer)
• PhD students: 3-year post-study work

Comparison With Other Study Visas

Visa	For	Work Rights	PR Pathway
Student Visa	Degree courses	Part-time	Via work visas
Child Student	Under 18s	Limited	No
Short-Term Study	6-11 month courses	None	No

Common Refusal Reasons

• Insufficient funds
• Invalid CAS
• Failed credibility interview
• Incomplete documentation