United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa: how to apply online
This guide explains how to apply online for a UK Student visa to study a further or higher education course.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 12 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online
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]
How to apply
You must apply online for a Student visa.[2]
You must prove your identity as part of your application.[3]
If you need an appointment, you must take your passport with you to the visa application centre.[4][5]
Fees and costs
It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK.[6]
If you are already in the UK, it costs £558 to switch to this visa or to extend your current Student visa.[7][8]
How long it takes
If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.[9]
If you apply from inside the UK, you will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.[10]
After your application is successful
If your application is successful, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.[11]
You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[12]
Checklist
- Apply online for your Student visa[2]
- Prove your identity as part of your application[3]
- Take your passport to your visa application centre appointment if you need one[4]
- Create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if your application is successful[11]
- Link your travel document to your UKVI account[12]
Questions people ask
Who is eligible for a UK Student visa?
You must be 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.[1]
How much does a UK Student visa cost from outside the UK?
You must pay £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK.[6]
How much does it cost to switch to a Student visa inside the UK?
You must pay £558 to apply to switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.[7]
How much does it cost to extend a UK Student visa?
You must pay £558 to apply to extend your Student visa from inside the UK.[8]
How long does a UK Student visa decision take from outside the UK?
You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.[9]
How long does a UK Student visa decision take from inside the UK?
You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.[10]
Do I need to go to a visa application centre?
You must prove your identity. If you need an appointment, you must take your passport with you to the visa application centre.[3][4]
How do I get my eVisa after my application is approved?
If your application is successful, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[11][12]
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.