How much money do I need for a Student visa?

You need enough for your course fees (shown on your CAS) plus living costs: £1,171 a month (up to 9 months) if studying outside London, or £1,529 a month in London. You must usually hold the money for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application.

Can I work on a Student visa?

Often, but with limits. Many degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time in holidays, but it depends on your course and sponsor. Check the exact conditions on your visa before you take any work.

Visas & Immigration·5 min read

UK Student Visa: What You Need

Q: What English level do I need?

For a course at UK bachelor's degree level or above, you usually need English at level B2 in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Lower-level courses may need less.

Published 23 July 2026

The Student visa lets you come to the UK to study at a licensed college or university. It is one of the most common routes to the UK. This guide explains what you need in 2026. For the wider picture of your options, see our overview of UK visa types.

Get a place and a CAS

First you need a confirmed place on an eligible course with a licensed education provider. They then send you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), a reference number you use to apply. You must apply within 6 months of getting your CAS.

Eligible courses are usually full-time, such as a degree (RQF level 6, 7 or 8), or a lower-level course with enough organised study each week.

Show your money

You must show you can pay your course fees (shown on your CAS) plus living costs:

£1,171 a month (for up to 9 months) if you study outside London.
£1,529 a month (for up to 9 months) if you study in London.

You usually need to have held this money for 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply.

Prove your English

For a course at bachelor's degree level or above, you normally need English at level B2 in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Lower-level courses may require less.

Working and family

Many degree students can work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time in holidays, but this depends on your course and sponsor, so check your visa conditions.
Some students can bring dependants, though the rules have tightened, so confirm eligibility on gov.uk.

After your studies

When you finish an eligible UK degree, you may be able to switch to the Graduate visa to stay and work, or to the Skilled Worker visa if you get a suitable job offer. These can lead to settlement over time. See our Skilled Worker guide for that route.