The Complete Guide to the UK Student Visa: What You Need to Know in 2025

1. What Is the UK Student Visa?

The UK Student Visa (officially called the Student Route under the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System) allows non-UK nationals aged 18 or over to study a full-time course in the UK at an institution holding a valid Student Sponsor Licence.

This visa replaced the old Tier 4 (General) visa and enables students to stay in the UK for the duration of their course plus a short grace period afterward.

To qualify, applicants must meet requirements covering:

  • Offer & CAS: An unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
  • English Language: Either an approved test (IELTS UKVI etc.) or proof of prior study in English.
  • Financial Evidence: Sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
  • Age & Intention: Age ≥ 18 and genuine intent to study.

A Student Visa also permits part-time work (under specific rules) and, in certain cases, bringing dependants.


2. Types of Study Categories (UG, Top-Up, PG, PhD etc.)

Under the Student Route, students may enrol in courses from RQF Level 3 to Level 8, provided they are full-time and offered by licensed institutions:

Study LevelDescriptionExample
Undergraduate (UG)Full Bachelor’s Degree – RQF Level 6BA (Hons) Business Management
Top-UpShorter degree completion course building on prior creditsBSc Top-Up Computing
Postgraduate (PG)Master’s degree or equivalent – RQF Level 7MSc International Business
PhD / DoctorateResearch-based degree – RQF Level 8PhD in Engineering
Further EducationFull-time RQF Level 3–5 courses at licensed collegesHND in Hospitality Management

Important:

  • The course must show academic progression if you’ve previously studied in the UK.
  • Part-time courses are only eligible at postgraduate research level.

3. 2025 Financial Requirements — New Cost of Living Rules

Financial evidence (maintenance funds) is one of the most critical parts of your visa application.
From 2 January 2026, the UK Home Office has increased the minimum maintenance requirement.

Study Location        Monthly Amount            9-Month Total
 Inside London                    £1,529 per month            £13,761
Outside London                    £1,171 per month                        £10,539

Example:
If your remaining tuition is £11,000 and you’ll study in London, you must show
£11,000 + £13,761 = £24,761 minimum funds.

Additional notes:

  • Funds must be in your account (or sponsor’s account) for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
  • You can combine tuition paid and remaining balance in the total proof.
  • The Visa Application Fee is currently £524, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 per year.

4. Tuition Fees & University Sponsorship (Licence System)

Tuition fees vary by university, course, and level — generally:

  • Foundation / HND: £10,000 – £14,000 per year
  • Undergraduate: £13,000 – £20,000 per year
  • Postgraduate: £14,000 – £25,000 per year
  • PhD: £15,000 – £22,000 per year

Only universities and colleges on the UK Register of Licensed Student Sponsors can issue a valid CAS number.
Always verify your chosen institution on this register before applying.


5. After Study — Post-Study Work (Graduate Route Visa)

The Graduate Route (often called Post-Study Work Visa – PSW) lets eligible graduates stay in the UK to work or seek work after completing their studies.

Course Level            Current Stay                Proposed Change (from 2027*)
  Bachelor’s / Master’s            2 Years                18 Months (Proposal)
  PhD / Doctorate            3 Years                Unchanged

* The UK Government has proposed reducing the Graduate Route duration to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. Until then, the current 2-year/3-year durations remain valid.


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