United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa: English and application requirements
This visa is for people aged 16 or over who want to study a further or higher education course in the UK.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 14 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english
Who can apply
You can apply for this visa if you are 16 or over. You must want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.[1]
English language requirements
You must usually prove your knowledge of English when you apply. You must show you can read, write, speak, and understand English to a specific level on the CEFR scale.[2][3]
If you do not have another way to prove your English knowledge, you must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT). You must take this test with an approved provider.[4]
Documents you need
You must prove your identity as part of your application.[5]
If your degree was taught in English outside the UK, you must apply for an assessment from Ecctis.[6]
You may also need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. This is required if you are doing a master's degree or above.[7]
Fees and costs
If you apply from outside the UK, you must pay a fee of £558.[8]
If you are already in the UK, you must pay £558 to switch to this visa. It also costs £558 to extend your visa if you are already in the UK.[9][10]
How long it takes
If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.[11]
If you apply from inside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.[12]
After you apply
You must set up a UKVI account to get access to your eVisa. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[13][14]
Checklist
- Confirm you are 16 or over and planning to study a further or higher education course in the UK[1]
- Prove your identity as part of your application[5]
- Prove your English reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills on the CEFR scale[3][2]
- Pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) if you have no other way to prove your English[4]
- Get an Ecctis assessment if your degree was taught in English outside the UK[6]
- Apply for an ATAS certificate if you are studying a master's degree or above[7]
- Set up a UKVI account and link your travel document to access your eVisa[13][14]
Questions people ask
How much does the UK Student visa cost?
The application fee is £558 if you apply from outside the UK. If you are already in the UK, it costs £558 to switch to this visa or to extend your visa.[8][9][10]
How long does a UK Student visa decision take?
You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. It usually takes 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.[11][12]
Do I need to take an English test for a UK Student visa?
You must usually prove your English knowledge when you apply. If you do not have another way to prove it, you must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.[2][4]
What English skills do I need to prove?
You must prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English to a certain level on the CEFR scale.[3]
What if my degree was taught in English outside the UK?
If your degree was taught in English outside the UK, you must apply for an assessment from Ecctis.[6]
Do I need an ATAS certificate?
You may need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you are doing a master's degree or above.[7]
How do I get my eVisa?
You must set up a UKVI account to get access to your eVisa. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[13][14]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.