📋 Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Visa Type
- UK Student Route
- CAS Required
- Yes (from licensed sponsor)
- IHS Healthcare Surcharge
- £1,035 per year
- Visa Fee
- £490 (outside UK)
- Proof of Funds Period
- 28 consecutive days
- Processing Time
- 3 weeks (Standard)
Overview
The UK Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4 General) allows international students to study at a licensed UK educational institution. The UK remains one of the top study destinations, with over 600,000 international students enrolled annually. Programs range from short-term English courses to multi-year PhD research degrees.
You can apply for a Student visa up to 6 months before your course starts. Once you arrive, you can work part-time (20 hours/week during term time) and access the UK healthcare system through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Eligibility Requirements
- An unconditional offer from a licensed UK student sponsor (university)
- A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic, or equivalent)
- Sufficient financial funds to cover tuition and living costs
- A valid TB test certificate (required for certain nationalities)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Receive Your CAS
After accepting your offer and meeting conditions (e.g., IELTS score, deposit), your university issues a CAS number — a unique reference number linked to your details.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
Pay the IHS (£1,035/year) through the IHS online portal. This gives you access to NHS services. You'll receive a reference number for your visa application.
Complete the Online Visa Application
Apply online through the official UK Visas & Immigration website. Fill in personal details, travel history, and financial info. Upload supporting documents digitally.
Pay the Visa Application Fee
The visa fee is £490 for applications outside the UK. Pay online as part of your application submission on the UK Student Visa page.
Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
Book an appointment at a UKVCAS or VFS Global center to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Bring your passport and printed documents.
Wait for a Decision & Collect BRP
Standard processing takes 3 weeks. Priority (5 days) and super-priority (next day) options available. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival.
Required Documents
📋 Essential Documents
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- CAS number and reference details
- IHS payment reference number
- Passport-size photo (white background, no glasses)
- TB test certificate (for Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria)
💰 Financial Requirements
- Tuition fees — remaining balance after any deposits (shown on CAS)
- Living costs — £1,334/month for London, £1,023/month outside London (9 months)
- Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application
- Bank statements, official financial sponsorship letters, or loan approval letters accepted
English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate English proficiency at minimum CEFR Level B2 for degree-level courses:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic) | Overall 6.0 (minimum 5.5 per band) |
| PTE Academic | Overall 59 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 72 |
| LanguageCert | B2 Communicator |
Tips by Nationality
🇵🇰 Pakistani Students
Pakistani students must get a TB test from an IOM-approved clinic (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore). Processing at VFS Pakistan typically takes 3–4 weeks. Financial documents should be in English — use official bank letter format. Consider applying through the priority processing service (£500 extra) to avoid delays during peak season (June–August).
🇧🇩 Bangladeshi Students
The VFS center in Dhaka handles all UK visa applications. TB testing is mandatory. Bangladeshi bank statements should clearly show the account holder's name and balance in English. If you're being sponsored by a family member, provide certified translations of any Bengali-language documents and notarized affidavits. Learn more at VFS Bangladesh.
🇮🇳 Indian Students
India has VFS centers in multiple cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Processing times are generally faster than other South Asian countries. India falls under the UK's "Differential Evidence Requirement" — meaning you may not need to submit financial documents, but you must still hold the required funds in case of a check. Book your slot through VFS India.
🇳🇵 Nepalese Students
Nepalese applicants process visas through the VFS center in Kathmandu. TB test is required. Financial proof is strictly checked — ensure your bank statements show consistent balance over 28 days. If your sponsor is a family member working abroad, include their employment verification and remittance records. See VFS Nepal for more info.
🇳🇬 Nigerian Students
Nigerian applicants apply through VFS centers in Lagos and Abuja. TB testing is required. Nigeria does not benefit from the Differential Evidence Requirement, so you must submit all financial evidence upfront. Ensure bank statements are computer-generated (not handwritten) and include the bank's official stamp and signature. Schedule via VFS Nigeria.
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £490 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £1,035 |
| Priority Processing (optional) | £500 |
| Super Priority (optional) | £1,000 |
After Arrival in the UK
- Collect your BRP from the Post Office within 10 days of arrival
- Register with your university to activate your student status
- Register with a GP (doctor) using your BRP for NHS access
- Open a UK bank account — take your passport, BRP, university letter, and proof of address
- Get an Oyster card or travel pass if studying in London (student discounts available)