Who this page is for

This page is for international students who:

• Have an offer from a UK university or college and need to apply for a Student visa from abroad;

• Are already studying in the UK and need a student visa extension, for example to start a new course or finish a longer one;

• Have finished their studies and want to apply for the Graduate visa;

• Are switching from another visa to a Student visa from inside the UK, where the rules allow.

We do not help you apply to a university or choose a course, and we do not recruit students for institutions.

How the Student visa works

You apply online, after your university gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The Home Office decides whether you meet the immigration requirements. The main ones are:

1. A CAS from a licensed sponsor. The institution must hold a Student sponsor licence, and the CAS must match your course, dates and fees.

2. Financial evidence. You must show you have enough money to pay your course fee for the first year and living costs for up to nine months. The monthly figures differ for London and outside London. Funds usually need to be held for 28 days, in an acceptable account. Verify the current figures on GOV.UK.

3. English language. Usually a secure English language test or evidence from your university that meets the standard for your level. The university may assess your English itself.

4. Other documents. A valid passport, a tuberculosis test certificate if you come from a listed country, and ATAS clearance for some sensitive subjects.

Students on longer courses can also be required to show academic progress when extending.

Student visa extension

A student visa extension is needed when your permission will end before your course does, or when you start a new course after completing the old one. People often search for this as student visa extension UK. Typical points to check:

• Apply before your current visa expires; the Home Office may refuse late applications from inside the UK.

• Your new CAS must show academic progress from your previous course, unless an exception applies.

• The funds requirement applies again, with your new course fees.

• Your course must fit within the maximum period of study allowed for your level.

• If you have broken conditions, such as working too many hours, tell us before you apply.

The Graduate visa

The Graduate visa lets international students stay in the UK after successfully completing a degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. The permission is usually two years, or three for PhD graduates. You do not need a job offer, you can work or look for work, and you apply from inside the UK after your course has been completed and before your student visa expires.

Important points:

• You must still hold a valid Student visa when you apply.

• Your provider must have reported your course as completed.

• Time on a Student or Graduate visa does not count towards ILR, and the proposals would not change that. Many graduates switch into Skilled Worker or another route that counts.

• Dependants can only apply if they were your dependants on your student visa.

Does a Student or Graduate visa count towards ILR?

No. Time on a Student or Graduate visa does not count towards settlement now. Under the government's proposals, Student, Graduate and High Potential Individual would not count either. Settlement time would start to run when you move onto a route that counts, such as Skilled Worker. No start date has been published for the new rules.

Fees and costs