Am I eligible for a UK Student visa?
Written by Bill Zahr | Noble Rose Immigration Service | IAA Regulated Level 1 | Last updated June 2026
Overview
The UK Student visa under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules is the main route for international students wishing to study at a UK Higher Education Provider or licensed student sponsor. Eligibility depends on a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial evidence satisfying the 28-day rule, and English language at the appropriate CEFR level. This page sets out the core requirements.
Core eligibility requirements
Key facts at a glance
Maintenance (London)
£1,529
per month — held 28 days
Application fee
£490
from 8 April 2026
IHS rate
£776/yr
discounted student rate
What you need to know
The 28-day rule: the single most common refusal ground
You must hold sufficient funds continuously for 28 consecutive days immediately before your application. The end date of the 28-day period must fall no more than 31 days before the application submission date. A single day on which the balance dips below the required level breaks the period. Bank statements must be on official bank stationery, if printed from an online banking portal, every page must be physically stamped by the branch or accompanied by a formal bank verification letter.
Maintenance figures: updated from 11 November 2025
The maintenance requirement increased on 11 November 2025. The current figures are £1,529 per month for students studying in London and £1,171 per month for students outside London. Older figures showing £1,334 (London) and £1,023 (outside London) are out of date. Using outdated figures results in a financial requirement refusal. For a 9-month course outside London, the total maintenance figure required is £10,539.
The visa brake: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan
From 26 March 2026, Student visa applications made from outside the UK by nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan are refused as a matter of policy including where the applicant holds a valid CAS. If you are a national of one of these countries, specialist legal advice is essential before making an application.
The Graduate visa: your next step after completing your degree
On completing your degree you may apply for the Graduate visa without a job offer, allowing you to remain in the UK and work in almost any role. The Graduate visa lasts 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026, reducing to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates receive 3 years regardless of when they apply.
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Meet Our Team
Bill Zahr
Principal Lawyer & Managing Director
Bill Zahr (LLB Hons) leads Noble Rose Immigration Service with a methodical, "law-first" approach. Guided by the ethos ‘Navigare per Legem’, Bill combines rigorous legal expertise with genuine empathy to navigate complex UK immigration cases. Formerly of a top-tier UK firm, he ensures every client receives transparent, elite, and personalised care.
Renzel Carlos
Client Relations Manager & Immigration Paralegal
Renzel Carlos (LLB Hons, First Class) is the primary liaison at Noble Rose Immigration Service. Currently undertaking the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programme, she combines a meticulous legal foundation with deep frontline experience. Renzel is dedicated to guiding clients through the emotional complexities of immigration with high-level professionalism, precision, and compassionate care.
