UK Student Visa Guide for International Students (2025)

For international students planning to study in the United Kingdom, the Student visa is a mandatory requirement. This visa allows students aged 16 and above to enroll in full-time education at a UK institution that holds a sponsor licence from the Home Office. It replaces the former Tier 4 (General) student visa.

To apply, students must first receive an unconditional offer of admission from a licensed institution. The institution will then issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is a unique reference number required for the visa application.

Visa Application Process

Applicants can submit their visa application up to six months before the start of their course if applying from outside the UK. The decision typically takes around three weeks. For those applying from inside the UK, either to extend their current visa or switch from another category the application window opens three months before the course start date, with decisions taking up to eight weeks.

The application fee is £524, regardless of whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. This fee must be paid for each applicant, including dependants.

In addition to the application fee, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service. The current IHS rate is approximately £776 per year.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees for the first academic year and living expenses for up to nine months. The required amount for living costs is:

• £1,334 per month if the course is in London
• £1,023 per month for courses outside London

These funds must be held in the applicant’s account for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the date of the visa application. Students who have held a valid UK visa for at least 12 months before applying may be exempt from this requirement.

English Language Requirement

If you are applying for a UK Student visa, you must prove your English proficiency in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The required level is typically CEFR level B2 for degree-level courses and B1 for below-degree study.

Which Test to Take

You must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office. The test must:

• Be taken with an approved provider
• Be taken at an approved location
• Be awarded no more than two years before your visa application

Accepted SELT Providers:

• IELTS SELT Consortium – take “IELTS for UKVI”
• Pearson – take “PTE Academic UKVI”
• LANGUAGECERT – from Jan 2025, take “Academic SELT” or “General SELT”
• PSI Services (UK) Ltd – take “Skills for English UKVI”
• Trinity College London (UK only) – take “Integrated Skills in English (ISE)”

Tests taken with these providers must include all four skills in a combined test unless otherwise allowed. If you fail one component, some providers allow retakes for that section only (check their policy first).

Exemptions

You don’t need to take a SELT if:

• You’re from an English-speaking country (as listed by UKVI)
• You’ve completed a degree taught in English (verified via Ecctis if outside the UK)
• Your university (a Higher Education Provider with a track record) has assessed your English at B2 and confirms this on your CAS

Booking & Identity

When booking your SELT:

• The name you use must match your passport or ID
• You must bring valid, original ID (passport, BRP, etc.) on test day
• Emergency travel documents and photocopies are not accepted

If your passport is held by the Home Office or you have sensitive information (e.g., previous gender), contact the Home Office in advance.

After the Test

Once you pass:

• You’ll receive a unique SELT reference number, which must be included in your visa application
• You do not need to submit test documents; UKVI verifies your score directly using the reference number
• Your result is valid for 2 years and can be used for applications made both inside and outside the UK

Tuberculosis tests for visa applicants

You’ll need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your UK Student visa application if all of the following conditions apply:

• You’re coming to the UK for more than 6 months
• You’ve lived in a listed country with high TB risk for at least 6 months
• You were living in that country (or another listed one) within the last 6 months

If these apply, you must book an appointment at a Home Office–approved clinic for a chest X-ray. If the X-ray result is unclear, the clinic may request a sputum (phlegm) sample for further testing.

If you’re found to be free of TB, you’ll receive a certificate valid for 6 months. This certificate must be included in your visa application.

Exceptions – Who Doesn’t Need a TB Test

You don’t need to take a TB test if:

• You’re a diplomat accredited to the UK
• You’re a returning UK resident and have not been outside the UK for more than 2 years
• You’re part of a special humanitarian scheme, such as those supporting people from Ukraine

If you're unsure whether your country is on the TB testing list, you can check the official UK government site here.

Work Rights

Holders of a Student visa enrolled in full-time degree-level courses are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. However, they are not permitted to be self-employed, work as professional athletes, or access public funds.

Post-Study Options

Graduates may be eligible for the Graduate visa, which allows them to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) to work or look for work. The Graduate visa application fee is £822, and the standard IHS applies.

Final Thought

Studying in the UK offers world-class academic opportunities—but the application and visa process can be demanding. It's important to stay updated with the latest requirements and prepare thoroughly to avoid delays or refusals.If you're planning to study in the UK and need support with university selection, application strategies, or preparing for international admission requirements, you can join EduALL’s Admission Mentoring Program. We help students prepare competitive applications and get into top universities abroad.

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