United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa: requirements and costs
This guide explains how to apply for a UK Student visa to study in the United Kingdom.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 19 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Who can apply
To apply for a Student visa, you must be 16 or older. You must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.[1][2]
You must also be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.[3][4]
What you need to show
You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.[5][6]
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have consent from your parents.[7][8]
Documents
You must prove your identity as part of your application. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[9][10]
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must provide evidence of consent from your parents when you apply.[7][8]
Costs and money
It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK. You must pay this fee when you apply.[11][12]
If you are applying from inside the UK, you must pay £558 to extend or switch to a Student visa.[13][14]
You must also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.[15]
Timing
If you are applying from inside the UK, you must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[16][17]
You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.[18]
Checklist
- Get a course offer from a licensed student sponsor.[19]
- Prove your identity.[9]
- Link your travel document to your UKVI account.[10]
Questions people ask
How much does a UK Student visa cost?
It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK. It also costs £558 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.[11][12][13][14]
Do I need to speak English for a UK Student visa?
Yes. You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.[3][4]
Can I apply if I am 16 or 17 years old?
Yes, you can apply if you are 16 or older. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have consent and evidence of consent from your parents.[1][7][8]
When should I apply if I am already in the UK?
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[16][17]
Do I need to pay a healthcare surcharge?
Yes. You must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.[15]
Can I travel to the UK before my visa starts?
No. You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.[18]
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.