Student visa
For people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider.
The Student visa is a UK study & graduate visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate)) and processing time (~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Student visa is for
For people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider.
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker afterwards.
Student visa - eligibility criteria
- Unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor
- Enough money for course fees and living costs
- Knowledge of English at the required level
- Genuine student intention
- Consent for funding if applicable
Student visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Student visa (United Kingdom) is ~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate), with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the UK |
| Length of stay | Length of course (up to 5 years for degree level) |
| Work rights | Part-time work in term, full-time in holidays (course dependent) |
| Study rights | Full-time study on the sponsored course |
| Government fee | ~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate) |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) |
| Route to PR | Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker afterwards. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker afterwards.
Many applicants also compare Child Student · Child Student visa, Graduate · Graduate visa, HPI · High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Student visa pitfalls we fix
Student visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Student visa cost?
The Student visa government fee is ~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Student visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Student visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker afterwards.
Can I work on the Student visa?
Work rights: Part-time work in term, full-time in holidays (course dependent).
Who can apply for the Student visa?
For people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority