UK Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Costs and How to Apply
If you are planning to study at a British university or college, understanding the UK Student visa 2026 requirements should be an important part of your preparation. International students normally need an offer from an approved education provider, enough money for their studies and living costs, and evidence that they meet the English language requirement.
The rules can appear complicated, particularly when calculating financial evidence. This guide explains the main eligibility requirements, current visa fee, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), maintenance funds, documents and application process.
Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa in 2026?
According to the official UK Student visa guidance, you can apply for a Student visa if you are aged 16 or over and meet the relevant requirements.
You will generally need to:
- Have an offer to study an eligible course from a licensed student sponsor.
- Have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.
- Meet the applicable English language requirement.
- Have permission from your parents if you are aged 16 or 17.
Students aged 16 or 17 who intend to study at an independent school may need to consider the Child Student visa instead.
What Is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, usually called a CAS, is an electronic record issued by your education provider after you receive an unconditional offer and meet its requirements.
Your CAS contains a reference number that you need for your visa application. Your university or college must be a licensed student sponsor.
Do not apply for the visa before receiving your CAS. You can learn more about qualifying courses through the official Student visa course requirements.
How Much Does the UK Student Visa Cost in 2026?
As of August 2026, the Student visa application fee is £558 whether you apply from outside the UK or apply to extend or switch from inside the UK where permitted.
You will also normally have to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your application. The amount depends on the length of immigration permission granted.
Other expenses may include a tuberculosis test, English language test, document translations and an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate where applicable.
Visa charges can change, so applicants should confirm the current amount through GOV.UK before paying the Student visa fee.
UK Student Visa 2026 Financial Requirements
You must normally show that you have enough money for your course and living expenses. Your required course fees will be stated on your CAS.
For living expenses, the current requirement is:
- £1,529 per month for up to nine months if studying in London.
- £1,171 per month for up to nine months if studying outside London.
This means a student studying in London for nine months may need to demonstrate £13,761 for living costs, in addition to any required outstanding course fees. Outside London, nine months of maintenance would be £10,539.
Different rules can apply if you have already been in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months.
How Long Must the Money Be in Your Account?
Where financial evidence is required, the necessary money generally needs to have been held for at least 28 consecutive days.
The closing balance used as evidence must normally be dated no more than 31 days before your visa application.
Depending on your circumstances, acceptable funds can include your own money, qualifying funds held by a parent or partner, an eligible student loan or official financial sponsorship.
Read the official Student visa financial evidence guidance carefully before moving money or obtaining bank statements.
Documents Needed for a UK Student Visa
The exact documents depend on your circumstances. The official Student visa document guidance states that applicants must provide a current passport or other valid travel document and their CAS.
Additional documents may include:
- Evidence of sufficient funds where required.
- Evidence of meeting the English language requirement.
- A tuberculosis test certificate if applicable.
- An ATAS certificate for certain courses and nationalities.
- Parental or legal guardian consent if you are under 18.
- Evidence of your relationship with your parent or guardian if required.
- Written consent from a financial sponsor in certain circumstances.
UK Visas and Immigration may request additional evidence depending on your application.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa in 2026
The Student visa application is completed online. A practical application process is:
- Choose an eligible course: Apply to a UK institution that is licensed to sponsor international students.
- Receive your offer: Meet the university or college’s academic and admission requirements.
- Get your CAS: Your institution issues your CAS when the relevant conditions have been satisfied.
- Prepare your finances: Make sure you meet the course fee and maintenance requirements.
- Gather your documents: Prepare your passport, CAS and any additional evidence required.
- Apply online: Complete the official Student visa application and pay the required charges.
- Prove your identity: Depending on your circumstances, you may use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre.
- Wait for your decision: Do not make assumptions about approval until UKVI has issued its decision.
When Should You Apply?
If applying from outside the UK, you can normally apply up to six months before your course begins. GOV.UK states that applicants outside the UK will usually receive a decision within three weeks after completing the necessary application steps.
If applying from inside the UK, the earliest you can normally apply is three months before your course begins. You must also apply before your existing visa expires and satisfy the requirements for extending or switching.
Can International Students Work in the UK?
Your ability to work depends on your course, sponsor and visa conditions.
Students following a full-time degree-level course at an eligible higher education provider can generally work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time outside term time.
Eligible students on certain full-time courses below degree level may be limited to 10 hours per week during term time. Some students are not permitted to work at all.
Always check the conditions attached to your immigration permission before accepting employment. Do not assume that every Student visa provides the same work rights.
Can You Bring Your Family to the UK?
The rules for Student visa dependants are significantly more restricted than they were several years ago.
Only certain students can bring a partner or children as dependants. Eligibility can depend on factors such as whether you are government-sponsored or studying an eligible postgraduate research programme.
If your family members qualify, separate financial requirements apply. Current maintenance requirements are £845 per month for up to nine months for each dependant in London and £680 per month for up to nine months outside London.
What Happens After You Complete Your Course?
Some students may be eligible for the Graduate visa after successfully completing an eligible UK course.
An important change is approaching. GOV.UK states that the Graduate visa provides two years of permission for eligible applications made on or before 31 December 2026. For applications made from 1 January 2027, the period is 18 months.
Eligible PhD and other doctoral graduates can receive three years.
The Graduate visa is separate from the Student visa, so you must meet its requirements when you apply.
Common UK Student Visa Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should pay particular attention to financial evidence. A large last-minute deposit does not automatically solve a maintenance requirement if the money has not been held for the required period.
Other mistakes can include applying without a valid CAS, submitting incorrect information, using unacceptable financial evidence, overlooking a required TB test or ATAS certificate, and failing to provide certified translations where necessary.
Be cautious of agents promising guaranteed university admission or visa approval. No education agent can guarantee that UKVI will approve your visa.
Final Thoughts on the UK Student Visa 2026
The UK Student visa 2026 provides a route for eligible international students to study at approved British education providers. The key requirements include securing an eligible course offer, receiving a CAS, meeting the financial and English language requirements and submitting accurate supporting evidence.
Prepare early, particularly if you need to hold maintenance funds for 28 days. Check your documents carefully and use official government guidance when confirming visa requirements.
Disclaimer: UK immigration rules, visa fees, financial requirements and student work conditions can change. This article provides general information and is not immigration or legal advice. Always confirm current requirements through GOV.UK and your licensed education provider before applying.
