by Quick answer: The main UK student visa requirements are an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, enough money for your course fees and living costs, and proof of English at the right level. If you are 16 or 17, you also need parental consent. Applicants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan and the Philippines usually need a TB test too. The visa fee is £558.
This guide lists every UK student visa requirement from GOV.UK, with the timing and costs.
Last verified: 4 October 2026 against GOV.UK.
UK student visa requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What you need |
|---|---|
| Course offer | An offer from a licensed student sponsor, confirmed on your CAS |
| Money | Enough to pay your course fees and support yourself |
| English | CEFR B2 for degree level, B1 below degree level |
| TB test | If you live in a listed country and will stay more than 6 months |
| Parental consent | If you are 16 or 17 |
UK student visa requirements 1: an offer from a licensed sponsor
First, your university or college must hold a student sponsor licence. Then, once you accept an unconditional offer, it gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you use in your application.
UK student visa requirements 2: money for fees and living costs
You must show you can pay your course fees and support yourself. For example, living costs are £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. Read our guide to UK student visa financial requirements for the 28-day rule and examples.
UK student visa requirements 3: English language
For a degree-level course, you need English at CEFR level B2, but below degree level you need B1. You can prove it in several ways:
- by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
- by being a national of one of the majority English-speaking countries GOV.UK lists, such as Canada or the USA.
- with a degree taught in English, confirmed by Ecctis if it is from outside the UK.
Also, if you study at degree level, your university can assess your English itself, but it must still be equivalent to B2.
4. TB test for Nigeria, Ghana, India and other listed countries
You need a TB test if you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months and have lived in a listed country for 6 months or more, recently. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan and the Philippines are all on the list. However, you must use an approved clinic, and the certificate is valid for 6 months from your x-ray. For Liberia, GOV.UK tells applicants to get tested in another country.
When to apply and how long it takes
- From outside the UK, you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. A decision usually takes 3 weeks.
- From inside the UK, you can apply up to 3 months before. A decision usually takes 8 weeks.
After that, you can arrive up to 1 week before a course of 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before a longer course.
Costs
The application fee is £558. On top of that, you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year. See our full breakdown of the UK student visa fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a UK student visa?
If you are 18 or over and study at degree level, usually up to 5 years. Below degree level, usually up to 2 years.
Do Nigerians need IELTS for a UK student visa?
Not always. Nigeria is not one of the majority English-speaking countries GOV.UK lists, so you need another way to prove English, such as a SELT or an English-taught degree confirmed by Ecctis. At degree level, your university may also assess you.
Can I bring my family?
Only some students can, so check first. Our guide to the UK student visa money rules explains who qualifies.
Official sources
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK before you apply.
