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Updated for 2026
UK Student Visa Guide 2026
Clear guidance on the UK Student route, CAS requirements, financial evidence, visa fees, dependant rules, permitted work, supporting documents, and common refusal risks.
£558
Student visa application fee
£776
Annual Immigration Health Surcharge for students
70 points
CAS, finance, and English language
2026
Aligned with current GOV.UK rules and fee structure
Overview
UK Student Visa: Whitehall Visa Services Guide 2026
The UK Student visa is for eligible international students aged 16 or over who have an offer from a licensed student sponsor. This route replaced Tier 4 and is based on sponsorship, finances, and English language requirements.
Licensed sponsor required
70-point route
CAS required
Work rights depend on course type
Many full-time students can work during term time, but hours and restrictions depend on the course level and visa conditions.
Dependant rules are stricter
Since courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, only certain student categories can bring dependants.
Financial evidence remains critical
Applicants usually need to show tuition fees plus maintenance funds held for the required period unless exempt.
Section A
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants aged 16 and over must score 70 points under Appendix Student. These points come from a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the financial requirement, and the English language requirement.
| Requirement | Points | What satisfies it |
|---|---|---|
| CAS from a licensed student sponsor | 50 | Valid CAS for an eligible course, usually used within 6 months of issue |
| Financial requirement | 10 | Funds for tuition fees and maintenance, unless exempt |
| English language requirement | 10 | CEFR B1 below degree level and CEFR B2 at degree level and above, or assessed by a higher education provider where permitted |
Dependants: Government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months and certain full-time postgraduate students on eligible courses lasting 9 months or more may be able to bring dependants. For courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, taught master’s students are generally no longer eligible unless the course falls within the permitted categories.
Eligible study
Eligible Course Types
| Course Type | Level / Notes |
|---|---|
| Full-time below degree level | RQF Levels 3 to 5 with at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study |
| Full-time degree level or above | RQF Levels 6 to 8, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes |
| Part-time above degree level | RQF Level 7 or above, but students on part-time Student permission are not allowed to work |
| Study abroad programme with a UK component | Part of an overseas course including a period of study in the UK |
| Foundation programme for doctors or dentists | Recognised UK postgraduate foundation programme in medicine or dentistry |
| Student Union Sabbatical Officer | Full-time elected sabbatical officer role at a UK institution |
Work conditions
Work Permission Snapshot
| Study Level / Status | Term-time limit | Vacation work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree level and above, full-time | Up to 20 hours a week | Usually full-time during official vacation periods | No self-employment, no business activity, and no work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer |
| Below degree level, full-time | Up to 10 hours a week | Usually full-time during official vacation periods | Restrictions still apply |
| Part-time Student route | Not permitted | Not permitted | Part-time Student permission does not allow work, including work placements unless specifically permitted by the route rules |
Money requirement
Financial Requirement
The maintenance requirement depends on where the student will study and whether they are applying from outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months. Some applicants are exempt from providing evidence, but they must still meet the requirement.
| Category | Amount | Duration / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | As stated on the CAS | Usually the first academic year | Any payments already made can normally be deducted if shown on the CAS |
| Living costs in London | £1,334 per month | Up to 9 months | Student’s own maintenance requirement |
| Living costs outside London | £1,023 per month | Up to 9 months | Student’s own maintenance requirement |
| Evidence period | 28 consecutive days | Ending no more than 31 days before application | Bank statements, student loans, or official sponsorship letters may be used where permitted |
2026 costs
Application Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Student visa from outside the UK | £558 |
| Extend or switch inside the UK | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year for students and their dependants |
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives access to NHS services during the visa period, although some services can still carry separate charges.
Application process
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
1
Receive your CAS
Your education provider issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once they are satisfied you meet their course requirements.
2
Prepare supporting documents
Gather your passport, finance evidence, CAS details, and any extra documents such as ATAS, TB certificate, or parental consent where needed.
3
Submit the online application
You can usually apply up to 6 months before the course starts from overseas, or up to 3 months before from inside the UK if eligible.
4
Prove your identity
You may attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.
5
Await the decision
Applications from outside the UK are often decided in around 3 weeks, although timings can vary.
Supporting evidence
Core Supporting Documents
Common documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Financial evidence where required
- English language evidence where applicable
- Tuberculosis certificate where required
Extra documents in some cases
- Parental consent for applicants under 18
- ATAS certificate for relevant courses
- Sponsor consent if officially sponsored in the last 12 months
- Relationship documents for dependants where applicable
Why choose us
Why clients choose Whitehall Visa Services
We focus on clear advice, careful document preparation, and a professional approach tailored to each application.
Application review
We help review documents and identify weaknesses before submission.
Clear guidance
We explain the route, the finance rules, and the practical steps in simple terms.
Client-focused support
Every case is handled with care, attention, and practical guidance from start to finish.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It allows eligible international students aged 16 or over to study in the UK with a licensed sponsor.
It costs £558 to apply from outside the UK and £558 to extend or switch inside the UK. Applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Many full-time students can work during term time, but the hours depend on the level of study and all students must follow visa restrictions.
Only certain student categories can bring dependants, including some government-sponsored students and some eligible postgraduate students.
Enquiry form
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