Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 60 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 6 years
Overview
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Visa name
- Student Visa
- Status
- Active
- Max duration
- 60 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The main visa route for international students studying full-time courses at degree level or above in the UK. Replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa in October 2020 under the points-based immigration system. Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $13,000 – $50,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $17,100/total
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
International student fees are unregulated and vary by institution: undergraduate £10,000–£38,000/yr, postgraduate £11,000–£45,000/yr, MBA programs £20,000–£60,000+. Significantly higher than home student fees (£9,250 cap).
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Degree-level students: 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during vacations. Further education students may be limited to 10 hrs/week. Cannot be self-employed, fill a permanent full-time vacancy, or work as a professional sportsperson/entertainer. Work must not interfere with studies.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Route | Job seeker | 24 mo–36 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Work permit | 60 mo | Any | No | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic) | Visa | English | 5.5 | Minimum B2 level (CEFR) for degree-level courses. B1 for below-degree level. |
| TOEFL iBT | Visa | English | 72 | Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17 (B2 equivalent) |
| PTE Academic | Visa | English | 59 | Accepted for visa and university admissions. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Health | $960 | Annual |
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $700 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Since January 2024, only postgraduate research students (PhD/doctoral) or those with government-funded scholarships can bring dependents. Taught master's and undergraduate students cannot bring dependents.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Eligible dependents over 16 can work full-time in any job except as a professional sportsperson/coach. Only available to dependents of PhD/research students or government scholarship holders.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 6 years
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Processing
- 15-21 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.gov.uk
- Health insurance
- Included
Notes and caveats
TB test required for applicants from certain countries. ATAS certificate required for certain research subjects. Since July 2025, dependent applications only permitted after main student visa is granted. A new International Student Levy is under consultation for future implementation.
Also in United Kingdom
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source