How much does a UK Student Visa cost?

Before we get to the matter of how much a student visa for the UK costs, it is important to understand what is required of you before you spend your money on a visa. 

You are able to apply for a Student visa in the UK if; a) you’re 16 or over and you have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor; b) you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course (the amount will vary depending on your circumstances); c) you can speak, read, write and understand English and you have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 (which you will need evidence for when you apply).

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you are applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. In most cases, you will get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

When applying from inside from inside the UK, the absolute earliest you can apply is 3 months prior to your course starting. It is imperative that you apply before your current visa expires, and the new course must begin within 28 days of the visa you currently hold expiring. The amount of time you’ll have to wait for a decision is longer, often within 8 weeks. 

In what category of visa is a student allowed to work?

There are two categories of student visa, a below-degree level student visa and a degree level student visa.

Can dependents come on all categories of student visas?

In a below degree visa, you can not bring dependents.

Are dependents allowed to work?

Dependents of a degree level student visa can work with limited restrictions, such as can not work as a doctor or dentist

How long you can stay

If you are wanting to extend your stay, to continue your studies in the UK, you can switch to a Student visa from another visa, or you can switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course. 

When you can journey to the UK

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either up to 1 week before (if your course lasts 6 months or less), up to 1 month before (if your course lasts more than 6 months).

How much does it cost?

To apply for a Student visa from outside of the United Kingdom, it will cost you £348. If you are applying from inside the UK, it will cost you £475. Additionally, you have to pay the visa fee for every person that joins you. You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you. There are additional costs, including a healthcare charge that comes as part of your application, and a longer visa will cost you more. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is currently £470 per year.