The UK Student visa opens doors for anyone 16 or older wanting to study full-time at a recognized school or university. Starting this month, November 2025, the rules have shifted a bit—mostly around the money you need to show.
The amounts now match what UK domestic students get in maintenance loans for the 2025/2026 year. The goal is simple: prove you can cover your costs without tapping into public funds.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through who qualifies, the exact steps to apply, the new financial numbers, and everything else you need to know, all pulled straight from official government pages.
What Is the UK Student Visa, Anyway?
This visa replaced the old Tier 4 route years ago. It’s for full-time courses at degree level or higher, letting you stay up to five years. For courses below degree level, the limit drops to two years. If you’re just doing a short English course (6–11 months), the Short-term study visa might fit better.
Big updates hit on 11 November 2025. Maintenance funds went up to keep pace with living costs. There’s also a new path for graduates who want to start a business by switching to the Innovator Founder visa. Plus, the UK is fully moving to eVisas—applications approved after 30 October 2025 get digital status only. You’ll view it through your UKVI account for travel or proof.
To qualify, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, English language proof, and enough money. Decisions usually take three weeks from outside the UK or eight weeks from inside. Paid priority options can speed things up.
Who Can Apply and Basic Eligibility
You must be 16 or older and score the required points under Appendix Student. Caseworkers check you’re a genuine student by looking at your background, finances, and why the course makes sense for you.
Your course has to be full-time from a licensed provider. Acceptable levels include:
- Degree or above (RQF Level 6+).
- Below degree but still Level 3+ at approved places.
Under-18s need parent consent and proper care plans—like living with a guardian or boarding. Some nationalities require a TB test for stays over six months.
Dependants (spouse/partner and kids under 18) can come along only if you’re on a postgraduate course of nine months or more at a compliant university, or if you’re government-sponsored for over six months. The separate Child Student route covers ages 4–17 and doesn’t allow dependants.
How to Apply: A Clear Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the visa isn’t complicated if you follow the order. Here’s the practical rundown:
- Lock in your course place – Get your CAS email from the sponsor. It lists course details, fees paid, and a unique reference number.
- Time your application right – Outside the UK: up to six months before start date. Inside the UK: up to three months before the new course begins, and within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
- Round up your documents – Passport, CAS, bank statements, English test, ATAS certificate (for certain science/tech subjects), TB results if needed.
- Fill the online form – Head to the official student visa page. Pay £524 (main applicant and any dependants) plus the healthcare surcharge—roughly £1,035 per year.
- Verify identity – Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible, or visit a centre for fingerprints and photo.
- Submit and wait – Upload everything, book biometrics if required. Add priority (£500) or super priority (£1,000) for faster decisions.
- Get your result – Approved? Log into your UKVI account for the eVisa. You can enter the UK up to one month early if the course is longer than six months.
Never travel before the visa start date. If refused, you can request an administrative review.
The New Financial Rules Explained (November 2025)
Proving funds is the part that trips most people up. The fresh rules, effective 11 November, raise the bar to mirror 2025/2026 student loan amounts. Skip this if you’ve held UK permission for 12+ months or come from a low-risk country under differentiation.
You must cover:
- Any unpaid first-year tuition (per CAS).
- Living costs for a maximum of nine months.
The “28-day rule” still applies—money held steadily for 28 days, statement dated within 31 days of applying. Acceptable proof: personal bank statements, official student loans, or sponsor letters. No overdrafts, crypto, or shares.
Quick Financial Breakdown Table
| Location | Monthly Living Cost (up to 9 months) | Max for 9 Months | Dependant Monthly | Dependant Max for 9 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 | £845 | £7,605 |
| Elsewhere | £1,171 | £10,539 | £680 | £6,120 |
Boarding students show one year’s fees instead of separate living costs. Pre-paid accommodation knocks up to £1,529 off the total. Currency converts via OANDA rates on application day. Parents can fund you with a consent letter and relationship proof.
Full details live in the financial evidence guidance.
Documents You’ll Actually Need
Keep these ready:
- Current passport.
- CAS reference.
- Bank statements (28-day rule).
- English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- ATAS if applicable.
- TB certificate where required.
- Under-18 consent and care details.
Non-English docs need certified translations.
English Language and Course Rules
Your sponsor confirms English in the CAS—either via approved tests, a prior UK-taught degree (checked by Ecctis), or nationality from places like the US or Australia.
Courses require 15+ daytime hours weekly. Work placements can’t exceed 50% and must be assessed. Remote study caps at 20% for most providers.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Allowed:
- Study full-time.
- Work 20 hours/week in term (10 hours below degree), full-time in holidays.
- Volunteer or union roles.
- Bring dependants if eligible.
Not allowed:
- Public funds.
- Professional sports or entertainment jobs.
- Self-employment (except post-study business via Innovator Founder).
Visa length matches course plus a short wrap-up period. Extensions need academic progression proof.
Fees and How Long It Takes
Standard fee: £524. Healthcare surcharge calculated by length. Decisions: three weeks outside, eight weeks inside. Check the latest table on the Home Office fees page.
Final Tips for November 2025 Applicants
Under-18 safeguarding is tighter—guardians must be named and vetted. Set up your UKVI account early for eVisa access. Double-check your sponsor’s licence status to avoid headaches.
The financial bump simply reflects real UK costs. Prepare early, use official sources, and you’ll sail through.
FAQs
What are the new financial requirements for a UK Student visa starting November 2025?
Applicants need £1,529 per month (up to 9 months) for studies in London or £1,171 outside London, plus course fees.
How do I apply for an eVisa under the updated rules?
Successful applicants receive digital status; create a UKVI account to access it for travel and proof.
Can dependants join me on a Student visa?
Yes, if studying a postgraduate course of 9+ months at a compliant provider, with additional funds of £845 (London) or £680 (outside) per month per dependant.