🇬🇧 United Kingdom Student Visa
Also known as: UK study visa
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the United Kingdom Student Visa?
Requires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English proficiency, and maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere (9 months max) plus any unpaid first-year tuition. Application fee £558 plus the £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
United Kingdom Student Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $620–$710 |
| Processing time | 3–10 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | $17,000–$17,500 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Depends on nationality |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis.
United Kingdom Student Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $710 | 3–8 weeks | — | $17,500 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigerians | $710 | 3–10 weeks | — | $17,500 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistanis | $620 | 3–6 weeks | — | $17,000 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the United Kingdom Student Visa
- Unconditional offer & CAS from your university
- Maintenance funds held for 28 days
- English language evidence
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinic
- Apply online, pay £558 fee + IHS
- Biometrics at a VFS visa application centre
- Decision & eVisa
- Travel & enrol
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the United Kingdom Student Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: savings of about $17,000–$17,500. No job offer is needed. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the United Kingdom Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $710 for Indians and Nigerians and $620 for Pakistanis (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the United Kingdom Student Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks for Indians, 3–10 weeks for Nigerians, and 3–6 weeks for Pakistanis after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- How much savings do I need for the United Kingdom Student Visa?
- Plan for savings of about $17,500 for Indians and Nigerians and $17,000 for Pakistanis (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the United Kingdom Student Visa?
- No. The United Kingdom Student Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in United Kingdom.
- Does the United Kingdom Student Visa lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the UK study visa the same as the United Kingdom Student Visa?
- Yes. UK study visa is another name people use for the United Kingdom Student Visa.
United Kingdom Student Visa guides by nationality
Other United Kingdom visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: gov.uk. This guide is general information, not legal advice.