Moving Abroad

UK Student Visa: Eligibility, When to Apply, Fees and Rules

4 min read

In this guide
  1. Who can apply for a UK Student visa?
  2. When should you apply?
  3. How much does it cost?
  4. How long can you stay?
  5. When can you travel to the UK?
  6. What can you do on a Student visa?
  7. Step by step: before you apply
  8. Common mistakes to avoid
  9. FAQ
    1. How early can I apply for a UK Student visa?
    2. How much is the UK Student visa fee?
    3. How long does a decision take?
    4. Can I bring my family?
    5. Can I claim benefits on a Student visa?
  10. Key takeaways
  11. Related guides
  12. Sources

Quick answer: To get a UK Student visa you must be 16 or over, have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, speak, read, write and understand English, and have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. From outside the UK you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. GOV.UK lists the fee as £558 and says decisions usually take 3 weeks from outside the UK. You also pay the healthcare surcharge.

Studying in the UK is a major step, and the visa is where many plans succeed or fail. The rules are clear on GOV.UK, but small timing mistakes, such as applying too late or travelling too early, cause problems. This guide covers who can apply, when to apply, what it costs and what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

Who can apply for a UK Student visa?

GOV.UK says you must:

  • Be 16 or over.
  • Have an offer from a licensed student sponsor.
  • Be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
  • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. GOV.UK says the amount varies depending on your circumstances.

If you are 16 or 17, you need your parents’ consent, and you must provide the evidence when you apply.

When should you apply?

Where you apply from Earliest you can apply Usual decision time
Outside the UK Up to 6 months before your course starts 3 weeks
Inside the UK Up to 3 months before your course starts 8 weeks

If you apply from inside the UK, you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of that expiry.

How much does it cost?

  • Applying from outside the UK costs £558.
  • Extending or switching from inside the UK also costs £558.
  • Each person who joins you pays the visa fee.
  • You also pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on how long your visa lasts.

Fees change, so check the amount on GOV.UK on the day you apply.

How long can you stay?

  • If you are 18 or over and studying at degree level, you can usually stay up to 5 years.
  • Below degree level, you can usually stay up to 2 years.

When can you travel to the UK?

  • Up to 1 week before your course starts, if the course lasts 6 months or less.
  • Up to 1 month before, if the course lasts more than 6 months.
  • You must not travel before the start date on your visa.

What can you do on a Student visa?

GOV.UK says you may be able to work, depending on your course and whether it is term time. You cannot claim public funds or pensions, be self-employed, or work in certain jobs such as professional sport or sports coaching. After your studies, you may be able to move to a Graduate visa. Read our guide to the UK Graduate visa.

Step by step: before you apply

  1. Get your offer from a licensed student sponsor.
  2. Check your money. Confirm the amount you need for your circumstances on GOV.UK.
  3. Prepare your documents and keep copies. See our guide to documents you need before moving abroad.
  4. Apply online within the allowed window.
  5. Plan your arrival within the allowed dates.
  6. After you land, open a bank account and get set up: how to open a UK bank account as a newcomer.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying too early or too late for your course start date.
  • Travelling before the start date on the visa.
  • Forgetting that each family member who joins you pays the visa fee.
  • Paying an agent who promises a guaranteed visa. Read how to avoid visa and job offer scams.

FAQ

How early can I apply for a UK Student visa?

Up to 6 months before your course starts if you apply from outside the UK, and up to 3 months if you apply from inside the UK.

How much is the UK Student visa fee?

GOV.UK lists £558 for applying from outside the UK and for extending or switching from inside the UK.

How long does a decision take?

Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK.

Can I bring my family?

GOV.UK says each person joining you pays the visa fee. Check the current rules for your course before you apply.

Can I claim benefits on a Student visa?

No. You cannot claim public funds or pensions.

Key takeaways

  • You need an offer from a licensed student sponsor, English skills and enough money.
  • Apply up to 6 months ahead from outside the UK.
  • The fee is listed as £558, plus the healthcare surcharge.
  • Do not travel before the start date on your visa.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Visa rules and fees change often, so confirm everything on GOV.UK before you apply. Last updated: October 2026.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Student visa

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