UK Student Visa 2027
Planning to study at a university or other educational institution in the United Kingdom in 2027? If you are an international student, you may need a UK Student visa before you can begin your course.
The UK Student visa allows eligible international students to study in the UK with an institution that holds a student sponsor licence. Depending on your course and visa conditions, you may also be permitted to work while studying.
Understanding the requirements before submitting your application is important. You will normally need an offer of admission, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), evidence that you can financially support yourself, a valid passport and other supporting documents. Some applicants may also need to meet English-language, tuberculosis (TB) testing or additional immigration requirements.
This guide explains the UK Student Visa 2027 requirements, fees, financial requirements, documents, application process, processing time and work rules for international students.
Important: UK immigration rules, fees and financial requirements can change. Always check the latest information on the official GOV.UK website before submitting your application.
What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student visa is the main immigration route for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom for a course that requires student immigration permission.
It replaced the former Tier 4 (General) Student visa route.
To apply, students normally need to have been accepted onto an eligible course by a UK education provider that is licensed to sponsor international students.
The university or education provider issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after the student has accepted the offer and met the institution’s conditions.
The CAS contains important information about the student’s course and sponsorship and is normally required when applying for the visa.
The Student visa can cover different types of eligible study, including qualifying undergraduate, postgraduate and other approved courses.
The exact requirements can vary depending on:
- Your nationality
- Where you are applying from
- Your course
- Your education provider
- Your age
- The length and level of your course
- Whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK
- Whether you need to provide financial evidence
- Whether you need a TB test
UK Student Visa Requirements 2027
The UK student visa requirements 2027 depend on the applicant’s circumstances, but most international students need to satisfy several core conditions.
1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You normally need a CAS from a licensed UK student sponsor before applying.
The CAS is an electronic reference issued by your education provider. It contains information about your course, tuition fees and sponsorship.
You cannot normally submit a Student visa application without the required CAS information.
Your university should tell you how and when it will issue your CAS.
2. Valid Passport
You need a valid passport or another accepted travel document.
Your application will use information from your passport, so make sure your personal details are entered correctly.
If your name or other personal information has changed, you should make sure the documentation supporting the change is available where required.
3. Proof of Funds
Applicants who are required to demonstrate financial maintenance must show that they have enough money to pay their outstanding course fees and support themselves during their stay.
The UK has specific rules about the amount of money required and how long the funds must have been held.
Financial evidence is one of the areas where applications can be affected by incorrect documentation, insufficient funds or evidence that does not meet the immigration rules.
4. English-Language Requirement
Student visa applicants may need to demonstrate their knowledge of English.
The required level depends on the type and level of the course and the circumstances of the applicant.
For many degree-level courses, the required standard is B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For certain below-degree-level courses, the requirement can be different.
Some applicants may be exempt or may be able to rely on previous qualifications or other accepted evidence.
Your university can also provide information about the English-language evidence used for your admission and CAS.
5. Academic Admission
You must have been accepted onto an eligible course by a licensed student sponsor.
Your university or college will normally assess your academic qualifications before issuing your CAS.
The visa application is therefore connected to the course and institution stated on your CAS.
6. Tuberculosis Test
Some applicants must provide a TB test certificate when applying for a UK visa.
Whether you need a TB test depends on factors including your nationality and where you have been living before the application.
Applicants from countries on the UK’s TB testing list may need to obtain a certificate from an approved clinic.
Students should check the official GOV.UK TB testing guidance rather than assuming that a test is or is not required.
7. Immigration Requirements
You must satisfy the requirements of the Student route and provide the information requested during the application.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:
- Immigration history
- Previous UK visa information
- Biometric information
- Financial evidence
- Academic documents
- ATAS certificate, where applicable
- Parental or guardian consent for applicants under 18
- Additional documents requested by UK Visas and Immigration
Not every applicant needs every document.
UK Student Visa Financial Requirements
The UK student visa financial requirements are designed to show that an applicant can pay their outstanding tuition fees and support themselves while in the UK.
For students applying under the current rules reflected in this guide, the maintenance requirement is:
| Study location | Maintenance requirement |
|---|---|
| London | £1,529 per month |
| Outside London | £1,171 per month |
The amount can normally be required for up to 9 months, depending on the circumstances.
This means the maintenance calculation can be as high as:
- London: £13,761 for 9 months
- Outside London: £10,539 for 9 months
These amounts are in addition to any outstanding tuition fees that the student needs to demonstrate.
How Can You Prove Your Funds?
Where financial evidence is required, acceptable evidence can include qualifying funds held in a bank account or other permitted financial arrangements under the immigration rules.
The funds generally need to have been held for the required period before the application.
The account must meet the requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. Documents should clearly show the account holder, account number, balance, date and relevant financial information.
Some students may be exempt from having to provide financial evidence with the application because of their circumstances. However, UKVI can still request evidence.
Students should therefore check the current GOV.UK financial evidence rules before applying.
UK Student Visa Fees
The UK Student visa fees consist primarily of the visa application fee and, where applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The Student visa application fee has been £524 for applications from outside the UK under the fee level available for this guide.
Students may also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access NHS services during their immigration permission.
The student IHS rate has been £776 per year under the applicable rate.
The total amount paid can therefore depend on the length of immigration permission granted and how the surcharge is calculated.
Additional costs may include:
- TB testing, where required
- English-language testing, if required
- Document translation
- Travel to a visa application centre
- Optional priority or super-priority services, where available
Government fees can change. Check the official GOV.UK visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge pages before paying.
UK Student Visa Documents Checklist
Before submitting your UK student visa application, prepare the documents relevant to your circumstances.
General checklist
- Valid passport or travel document
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof of financial funds, if required
- Evidence of English-language ability, where required
- Academic or qualification documents, where required
- TB test certificate, if required
- ATAS certificate, if required for your course
- Written consent from a parent or guardian if required
- Previous immigration documents, where relevant
- Biometric information
- Certified translations for documents that are not accepted in English or Welsh, where required
Your CAS should be checked carefully before applying.
If information on your passport, application and CAS does not match, contact your university before submitting the application where necessary.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
The UK Student visa application process can be completed through the official UK government visa system.
Step 1: Apply to a UK University
First, apply to an eligible UK university or education provider.
If you receive an offer, complete the institution’s admission requirements.
Step 2: Receive Your CAS
After meeting the university’s conditions and completing its CAS process, you should receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Check the CAS details carefully.
Step 3: Check Your Visa Requirements
Before completing the visa application, check:
- Whether you need financial evidence
- How much money you need
- Whether you need a TB test
- Whether you need an English-language test
- Whether ATAS applies to your course
- Whether additional documents are required
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Submit the Student visa application through the official GOV.UK website.
You will need to provide personal information, passport details, CAS information and other information requested by the application.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
Pay the applicable visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, where required.
The final amount depends on the current government rates and your circumstances.
Step 6: Complete Biometrics
Depending on your application process, you may need to attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Some applicants may instead use an available digital identity process.
Follow the instructions provided during your application.
Step 7: Submit Supporting Evidence
Upload or provide the documents requested by the application process.
Do not submit random documents simply because another applicant was asked for them. Requirements can differ between applicants.
Step 8: Wait for a Decision
UK Visas and Immigration will assess the application.
You should not make non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on the expectation that your application will be approved.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
The UK Student visa processing time depends on where and how you apply and whether you use an optional priority service.
The standard processing time for a Student visa application made outside the UK is normally around 3 weeks.
Applications made from inside the UK can have a different standard processing time, commonly around 8 weeks.
These are standard service targets, not guarantees.
Processing can take longer if UKVI needs additional information, documents or verification, or if demand is unusually high.
Students should apply within the permitted application window and allow enough time before the course start date.
Always check the current GOV.UK processing information when preparing your application.
UK Student Visa Interview
Some students may be asked to attend an interview as part of the visa process.
The purpose can include assessing whether the applicant meets the Student route requirements and whether they genuinely intend to study.
Students should be prepared to explain:
- Why they chose the UK
- Why they selected their university
- Why they selected their course
- How the course relates to their academic or career plans
- How they will finance their studies
- Where they expect to live
- What they understand about their course
- Their previous education
Answer questions honestly and consistently with the information in your application, CAS and supporting documents.
Do not memorise artificial answers. Focus on understanding your own application and being able to explain your study plans clearly.
Can International Students Work in the UK?
Some Student visa holders can work in the UK, but work rights depend on the visa conditions, course and education provider.
For eligible degree-level students studying at a higher education provider with an appropriate sponsor status, the Student route can allow up to 20 hours of work per week during term time, with different rules applying outside term time.
Some students may have a lower limit, while others may not be permitted to work.
There are also restrictions on the type of work that Student visa holders can undertake.
For example, students should not assume that self-employment, professional sport, entertainment work or permanent full-time employment is permitted simply because they hold a Student visa.
Always check the work conditions attached to your immigration permission.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Problems
A visa application can encounter problems when an applicant does not meet one or more immigration requirements.
Common issues can include:
Incomplete application information
Incorrect or inconsistent information can cause delays or lead to questions from UKVI.
Financial evidence problems
Examples include insufficient funds, funds not being held for the required period or bank evidence that does not satisfy the rules.
CAS information problems
If the CAS contains incorrect information, the applicant should contact the sponsoring institution.
Missing documents
Some applicants need additional documents because of their nationality, course or personal circumstances.
TB certificate problems
Applicants who require a TB certificate should use an approved testing centre and ensure the certificate meets the relevant requirements.
English-language requirements
Applicants should confirm that their evidence meets the requirement applicable to their particular course and circumstances.
Failure to meet Student route conditions
Applicants must satisfy the full immigration rules rather than relying only on university admission.
A university offer does not automatically guarantee a Student visa.
UK Student Visa FAQs
1. How much money do I need for a UK Student visa in 2027?
Under the maintenance amounts reflected in this guide, students need £1,529 per month for study in London or £1,171 per month outside London, normally for up to 9 months where the financial requirement applies. You may also need to show outstanding tuition fees.
Because maintenance requirements can change, check GOV.UK before applying for a 2027 visa.
2. How much is the UK Student visa fee?
The Student visa application fee has been £524 under the fee level reflected in this guide. Students may also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Government fees can change, so check the official UK visa fee page before submitting your application.
3. How long does a UK Student visa take?
The standard processing target is normally around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK. Applications made inside the UK normally have a different standard service time.
Processing can take longer in individual cases.
4. Do all international students need to show bank statements?
Not necessarily. Some applicants are exempt from providing financial evidence with their application based on their circumstances.
However, UKVI can still request evidence. Students should therefore understand the financial rules even when they do not initially need to upload bank statements.
5. Do I need a TB test for a UK Student visa?
It depends on your nationality and where you have been living. Applicants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate when required by the UK immigration rules.
Check the official GOV.UK TB testing requirements before applying.
6. Can I work while studying in the UK?
Some Student visa holders can work, subject to their visa conditions and course circumstances. Eligible degree-level students may generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time, while different restrictions apply to other students.
Check the conditions attached to your visa before starting work.
7. Can I bring my family on a UK Student visa?
Dependants are only permitted in specific circumstances under the current Student route rules. Eligibility has been significantly restricted for many students, particularly on ordinary taught postgraduate courses.
Students who intend to bring a spouse, partner or children should check the latest dependant rules on GOV.UK before applying.
8. Can I apply for a UK Student visa without a CAS?
Generally, you need a CAS from your licensed Student sponsor before you can make a Student visa application.
Your university should provide instructions about obtaining your CAS after you have satisfied its admission and enrolment conditions.
Official UK Student Visa Sources
For the latest requirements, applicants should use official UK government sources rather than relying solely on university blogs, social media posts or third-party visa websites.
Key official resources include:
- UK Student visa: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
- Student visa financial requirements: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-evidence-for-student-and-child-student-route-applicants
- UK visa application: https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Visa fees: https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
- TB testing for UK visas: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-your-country
- UK visa processing times: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-inside-the-uk
- Student visa work conditions: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/work
Conclusion
Applying for a UK Student Visa 2027 involves more than receiving admission from a UK university. International students must make sure they meet the Student route requirements and provide the correct information and supporting evidence.
The main steps are to secure admission, receive your CAS, check your financial and document requirements, complete the online application, pay the required fees, complete biometrics or the applicable identity process, and wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration.
Financial evidence, passport information, CAS details and other supporting documents should be checked carefully before submission. Requirements can vary depending on nationality, course, education provider and individual circumstances.
Most importantly, immigration rules and government fees can change. Before submitting a UK Student visa application for 2027, check the latest requirements, fees, financial thresholds, processing information and work conditions directly on GOV.UK.
For international students planning to study in the UK, preparing early and using official immigration information can help ensure that the application is based on the rules that apply at the time of submission.
World Scholarship Finder provides scholarship and study-abroad information for international students. For immigration decisions, always use the latest official UK government guidance as the final source of information.
