Student visas in the UK: everything you need to know

Table of contents

1. The post-Brexit student visa system

2. How much does a UK student visa cost in 2025?

3. Preparing for the visa application

4. The process for studying in London

5. The online application process

6. Working while studying in the UK

7. Short-stay visa options

8. Health cover for international students

Applications can be made online up to 3 months before the start of a course and cost £363. There are certain pre-requisites that must be met to obtain a visa, such as a letter of acceptance from an accredited British institution, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of financial means.

The post-Brexit student visa system

The Student Route is the new pathway for international students who are looking to study in the UK, replacing the old Tier 4 system. This new procedure requires a minimum of 70 points, calculated according to criteria such as academic excellence and language skills.

A biometric residence permit is compulsory for stays of more than 6 months, which students must obtain within 10 days of arriving in the UK. This card serves as official proof of access to banking and medical services.

It’s worth noting that British universities limit working time to 20 hours a week during course periods under the UK student visa. This is a strict rule that must be adhered to, otherwise students could face administrative penalties.

How much does a UK student visa cost in 2025?

Applying for a student visa costs £363 (around €423), while the cost for biometric fingerprinting and a residence permit photo cost an additional £19.20.

Students are required to pay the immigrant health surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year as well when they apply for the visa, which gives them access to the UK's NHS healthcare system.

Other charges can include:

• Translating official documents, which can cost between £30 and £50 per document

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent English language tests may cost between £150 and £200, depending on the examination centre

• In some towns, students must pay £25 to register with the local police

Preparing for the visa application

Special care must be taken when completing the visa application process to avoid any potential delays. Some of the documentation that needs to be submitted as part of this incorporates:

• A passport valid for the entire duration of the stay

• Certificate of acceptance from an accredited British institution

• Bank statements for the last six months

• Proof of residence in the United Kingdom: rental contract, certificate of university accommodation or written agreement from a relative

• For grant holders, an official letter from the funding body specifying the amount and duration of the grant. Doctoral students should add their detailed research project and the written agreement from their thesis supervisor.

The process for studying in London

The British capital has special rules for international students. The London visa office, located in the borough of Croydon, gives priority to applications for the start of the academic year in September or for those starting their course in January.

London institutions offer a dedicated support service to help with administrative procedures. For example, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics provide specialist advisers to guide students through the formalities.

Applicants should make an appointment to visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) visa application centre in London at least 6 weeks before the start of their course. An in-person interview assesses the motivation and academic plans of the prospective student.

Note: having proof of accommodation in the capital is important for the application.

The online application process

The Gov.uk digital platform centralises all applications for student visas, where individuals can monitor the progress of their application in real time with their online account. Standard processing takes 3 weeks for an application from abroad.

Applications must be submitted no more than 6 months before the start of the course. Once this has been validated online, an appointment must be made at an approved visa application centre.

For students in a hurry, a priority service guarantees a response within 5 working days for an additional £500, an option that is particularly useful for last-minute university applications.

Working while studying in the UK

International students can work in a paid job for up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. This limit rises to 40 hours during the school holidays, allowing greater flexibility for seasonal jobs.

UK campuses offer a wide range of job opportunities, from library assistants and tutors to waiters in university cafeterias. The average hourly wage varies between £10 and £15, depending on the job and the region.

Prior authorisation from the university sponsor is required before accepting any work placement ensuring that the job role is compatible with their studies.

Short-stay visa options

There are two main short-term visa options for studying in the UK. The ‘Visitor Visa’ allows study for up to 6 months, with a fee of £97. For programmes of between 6 and 11 months, including English language courses, the ‘Short-term Study Visa’ is required, which costs £186.

Applications are made online via the Gov.uk portal, with an average processing time of 7 weeks. With this type of visa, applicants are not required to have a minimum level of English.

Eligible courses include accredited language schools, university exchange programmes and short professional courses.

Health cover for international students

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a compulsory element of the visa application for international students in the UK. It amounts to £776 per year for student visa holders, after a 25% reduction on the standard rate.

This contribution provides access to the UK's NHS for the duration of an individual’s studies. Students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can apply for reimbursement of the IHS, provided they are studying full-time and not working.

Additionally, students could opt for international health insurance to protect their health and wellbeing while they are in the United Kingdom. Benefits include fast access to diagnostics and eligible treatment and the freedom to choose where their treated and who treats them.

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