Applying for your student visa

You must apply using an online application form (unless you are applying from North Korea). You must choose between the application form for applicants outside the UK and the application form for applicants already within the UK. Both application forms can be found on the

When to apply

Important information

You can apply for your visa up to six months before your course starts. Do not apply before this date, as your application will be refused. You must apply for your visa at least two weeks before your course starts (or if you have the option of starting your studies online, at least two weeks before you plan to travel to the UK).

If you cannot apply for your visa by this deadline, you may have to defer your studies and start your course at a later date.

Make sure you allow enough time for the visa to be processed before your course starts or you plan to travel. It can take several weeks for your visa application to be processed and average in each country. Lots of visa applications are made in June, July, and August so it can take longer to get your visa at these times because of the high demand.

If you think you will miss the start of your course because your visa has not been issued, you should let us know immediately. You may need to start your studies online or defer your studies to the next intake.

Any problems with your visa? Contact your local International offices or email our International Advice team to let us know.

Click to watch our video to find out more. It will give you a step-by-step guide to applying for an overseas Student route visa.

You need to pay a fee to make a Student route visa application. These costs are paid directly to your local Visa Application Centre or online. You will be advised on how to pay when you apply.

From April 2026, the cost of a Student route visa is £558 no matter if you're applying from outside or within the UK.

In addition to the cost of your application, you will also need to demonstrate that you can cover living costs while you're in the UK.

This means you will need to show  that you have £1,529 per month for 9 months (£13,761) in your bank account, unless your course is shorter than 9 months*.

More information can be found Your Documents.

There are additional fees if you are applying for dependant visas or if you chose a priority service.

*These charges are accurate as of April 2026. They are subject to change and you should check the before you apply.

Next steps

Next steps - Prepare for your credibility interview

This video will help you prepare for your visa credibility interview by reviewing some of the most common questions.

Visa Credibility
Visa Credibility Preparation Webinar video thumbnail
Visa Credibility Preparation Webinar
Apply with dependents

Bringing your family to the UK

Recent changes to UK immigration rules mean that most international students can no longer bring family members to the UK as Student visa dependants.

If you are eligible, your dependant(s) may include your partner and/or children under 18. Eligibility depends on factors such as your course type, level of study and sponsorship arrangements.

As the rules are complex and subject to change, we recommend checking the latest guidance from UKCISA before making any plans or applications: .