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 Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules, known as HC 1333, was laid before Parliament on 14 October 2025 and introduces numerous significant updates across several visa categories, with varying commencement dates. The explanatory memorandum lists the main changes as being: Introduction of a visit visa requirement for nationals of Botswana Recognition of […]
The UK Global Talent Visa is one of the most attractive immigration routes for highly skilled individuals. Designed to bring world-class leaders and emerging talents in academia, research, digital technology, and arts and culture, this visa offers flexibility, independence, and a pathway to settlement. If you are considering applying, understanding the Global Talent Visa requirements […]
When parents separate or divorce, one of the biggest concerns is child contact and/or living arrangements—how children will continue to have meaningful relationships with both parents. If parents cannot agree, the family court can step in and issue a Child Arrangements Order. This guide explains the requirements for a Child Arrangement Order under UK Family […]
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.
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.
EEA nationals are required to obtain leave to enter or remain in order to visit or live in the UK. Unless a person is coming to the UK for a short visit, they will need to apply for a visa in advance of their arrival.
Whether you wish to recruit a foreign worker, establish a UK branch of an overseas company or effect an intra-company transfer, our immigration barristers can assist. Our expertise covers immigration routes for individual investors and entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses, as well as multinational companies.
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.
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?
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 freely without the need for a visa.
The UK Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies for up to two years, or three for doctoral graduates.
If your UK visa or immigration application has been refused, our immigration appeal lawyers can advise you on the merits of appealing to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), prepare your immigration appeal and represent you at your immigration appeal hearing.
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.
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.
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.
Tailor your preferences to receive regular, relevant insights and updates. You can change your preferences and unsubscribe at any time.
@ Privity Legal 2024
