If you are 16 or over and want to study a course at higher education level in the UK lasting longer than six months, you will most likely need to apply for a student visa through the Student Route.
The Student Visa category is designed for individuals over 16 years old planning to undertake further or higher education courses in the UK. For those aged between 4 and 17 years looking to study at an independent school in the UK, the Child Student Visa is theappropriate route.
To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
You can apply for a Student Visa for the following courses:
You’re eligible to apply if:
Your study must be at the premises of your student sponsor or a partner institution, except
for course-related work placements or study abroad programs.
You need a CAS reference number, valid for 6 months from issue, with details of your course, study level, place of study, accommodation, fees, and English language proficiency.
You must prove you have funds for course fees for 1 academic year (up to 9 months) and living costs, varying depending on whether you study in inner London or elsewhere.
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You will need either:
Some applicants are deemed to have met the financial requirement, including those in the UK for 12 months before the application, Student Union Sabbatical Officers, postgraduate doctors or dentists on recognized programs, British Nationals (Overseas), or citizens from certain countries.
You need English proficiency at CEFR Level B2 for degree-level courses or B1 for sub- degree level courses, usually proven by a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
You may face an interview focusing on your immigration and education history, course choice, reasons for studying in the UK, post-study plans, and personal and financial circumstances.
You can switch to this route from within the UK, except from certain visa categories likeVisitor or Short-term Student.
Apply for a Student Visa up to 6 months before your course starts if outside the UK, or 3months before if inside the UK. Processing times vary, but decisions typically come within 3 weeks for outside UK applications and 8 weeks for within the UK.
Stay duration depends on your course level, typically up to 5 years for degree-level courses and 2 years for below degree level.
Degree-level students can work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term-time. Sub-degree level students can work 10 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term-time.
Certain students can bring dependents, with varying financial requirements based on course location and dependent status.
Extensions are possible under certain conditions, but the Student route does not lead directly to settlement.
Students may switch to various work routes. Options include Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, and more, under specific conditions.
We specialize in assisting international students with their UK education journey, offering clear, trustworthy advice on immigration rules and policies.
The government has taken another significant step towards strengthening housing standards in England. On 9 October 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a consultation proposing to extend Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies and certain types of accommodation occupied under licence. The proposals could introduce legally enforceable deadlines requiring private landlords […]
Renting a home involves more than agreeing the rent. Knowing who your landlord is, whether the property needs a licence and where to report concerns can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights. England has a national database of rogue landlords and property agents, but tenants cannot currently search it directly. There are […]
The Government has published new English Housing Survey data providing a snapshot of England’s private rented sector immediately before the major reforms introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Published on 30 September 2026, the report looks at tenants’ experiences of renting, tenancy security, eviction practices, rent in advance, guarantors, discrimination and complaints. Importantly, the […]
UK Family Visa allows you to bring family members (eligible foreign nationals) to join you in the UK for an extended period of 6 months or more. You can bring your spouse or partner, fiance or proposed civil partner, child, parent, or a relative to who you will provide long-term care.
The Global Business Mobility visa is an umbrella category of five different types of UK work visas. These visas are designed for employees of overseas companies to undertake specific types of work or assignments in the UK.
Well-versed in both the legal and technical languages of decentralized finance, our global team can support anyone wanting to navigate the fast-changing world of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets.
Our lawyers act for schools, colleges and universities across the world. We understand your context and are able to advise on any legal and regulatory matters, as well as international projects.
The UK Temporary Worker Visa is a work visa that permits you to work in the UK temporarily. The time you can stay in the UK for a Temporary Worker Visa varies depending on the category you apply for and ranges from 6 months to 2 years.
Often people want to come to the UK to settle in the UK, without a specific idea as to what they want to do when they are here. In fact, our clients regularly ask us, what is the quickest way to settle in the UK?
When a marriage breaks down, one of the most significant issues couples face is determining how to divide their financial assets and responsibilities. Our expert divorce lawyers guide will help you through this process with the care and attention it needs and the information required to make well-informed decisions about your financial security today and in the future.
Child arrangement law refers to the legal process and frameworks used to decide where children will live, how often they will see each parent, and the overall care and welfare arrangements following the breakdown of a relationship or marriage. Our team of child custody lawyers has worked both parents and grandparents and have dealt with cases of all natures, working to achieve a positive outcome for all.
Applications for leave to enter or remain in the UK can be made, in certain circumstances, on the basis that to require the individual to leave the UK or to not allow them entry into the UK would be a breach of the individual’s human rights.
The Hong Kong BN(O) route allows BN(O) status holders and certain family members to live, work and study in the UK. After 5 years, applicants will be able to apply for settlement, and after a further year, British citizenship, providing they meet the requirements.
With British citizenship, you can apply for a British passport, and you will be free of immigration control, allowing you to travel into and out of the UK without the need for a visa.
Navigating property possession and tenant disputes can be a complex and stressful process for landlords and property owners. Our team of experienced possession proceedings solicitors provides clear, practical, and legally robust representation to help you regain control of your property with minimal delay.
Managing rental properties should be a reliable investment, but dealing with unpaid rent can quickly disrupt your cash flow. Our specialist landlord and tenant solicitors provide expert guidance on rent arrears recovery, tenant communication, and court proceedings to protect your property business.
Whether you are a first-time landlord or managing an extensive residential portfolio, ensuring your agreements align with current housing regulations protects both your investment and your rights. Our property law specialists provide comprehensive guidance on drafting agreements, understanding statutory requirements, and maintaining full legal compliance.
When facing unlawful eviction or harassment, speed is essential. Our expert housing law team takes swift legal action to protect your tenancy and hold offending landlords accountable.
Obtaining a possession order from the court is a major milestone, but it does not automatically give you the legal right to physically re-enter your property or change the locks yourself. Our specialist housing litigation solicitors handle the entire enforcement process quickly, efficiently, and fully within the law, ensuring you regain control of your property without legal liability.
Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.
