UK student visas
Most international students study in the UK on the Student route (formerly the Tier 4 visa). After you graduate, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work without sponsorship. Visa rules have shifted significantly since 2024 — always confirm current figures on gov.uk before you apply.
The Student route
The Student visa is for people aged 16 and over who have a confirmed place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. You'll need:
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution.
- Financial maintenance — course fees plus living costs held for 28 consecutive days. As of the 2025–26 year that's roughly £1,529/month (up to 9 months) for study in London and £1,171/month outside London. These amounts change — check gov.uk.
- English language ability to the required level.
Dependants
Since January 2024, only students on postgraduate research programmes (PhD or doctoral/research-based) can bring dependants. Taught master's and undergraduate students cannot. This restriction remains in force.
The Graduate Route
- Bachelor's and master's graduates: 2 years — but this reduces to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
- PhD and doctoral graduates: 3 years (unchanged).
The Graduate Route requires no job offer and no sponsorship — you can work, look for work, or be self-employed during it. See our working in the UK guide for what comes next.
Healthcare on your visa
Student visa applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront, which grants NHS access for the length of the visa.
Official sources: gov.uk — Student visa, gov.uk — Graduate visa, UKCISA.