UK Student Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Checklist

UK Student Visa Requirements 2026

Quick answer: To get a UK Student Visa in 2026 you need a CAS from a licensed UK university, proof of funds (tuition plus GBP 1,529/month in London or GBP 1,171/month outside London for up to 9 months), CEFR B2 English, a valid passport, and you must pay the IHS (GBP 776/year) plus the visa fee (GBP 524).

At a glance:

Visa fee: GBP 524 (from outside or inside the UK)

IHS health surcharge: GBP 776 per year of study

Maintenance funds: GBP 13,761 (London, 9 months) or GBP 10,539 (outside London)

Funds rule: held for 28 consecutive days, dated within 31 days of applying

English level: CEFR B2 (IELTS for UKVI 5.5+ in each band, or equivalent)

Processing time: 3 weeks from outside the UK, 8 weeks inside

Apply from: up to 6 months before your course start date

The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is the main route for international students attending a UK university. Here is the full 2026 checklist of what you must have, in plain English, with current numbers.

1. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You can only apply once your university has issued a CAS. This is a unique reference number that confirms you have an unconditional offer on an eligible course at a Student Sponsor.

The CAS is valid for 6 months and you must use it before it expires

You can apply for the visa up to 6 months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK

You must apply within 3 months of the start date if switching inside the UK

2. Financial Requirements (the most refused area)

You must show you can pay your tuition for the first year plus living costs.

Living cost rates for 2026:

In London: GBP 1,529 per month, for up to 9 months (max GBP 13,761)

Outside London: GBP 1,171 per month, for up to 9 months (max GBP 10,539)

Money rules that catch people out:

Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days

The closing balance date must be within 31 days of your visa application date

Acceptable accounts: personal savings, parents' account (with sponsor letter and birth certificate), official loan letter, scholarship letter

Cash, crypto, shares and pension funds do not count

3. English Language Requirement

You need to prove your English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study (B1 for below-degree).

Accepted routes:

A SELT (Secure English Language Test) such as IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or LanguageCert

A degree taught in English from a majority-English-speaking country (with UK NARIC/Ecctis confirmation)

The university's own English assessment, when stated on the CAS

4. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Required if you are from one of around 100 listed countries (including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, China). The certificate must be from an IOM-approved clinic and is valid for 6 months.

5. Academic Documents

Original transcripts and certificates listed on your CAS

Officially translated copies if not in English

ATAS certificate for some science, engineering and technology postgraduate programmes

6. Application Fees and IHS

Visa application fee: GBP 524 (from outside the UK) or GBP 524 (in-country switch)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 776 per year of visa

Priority service: GBP 500 extra for 5 working day decision

7. Biometrics and Decision

Book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global or TLScontact centre

Standard processing: 3 weeks from outside the UK

You will get a digital eVisa or BRP on arrival

Country-Specific Notes

Country	Common Issues

|---|---|

IndiaEducation loans must be from scheduled banks; sponsorship from non-parents needs extra evidencePakistanFunds in PKR are accepted; rupee equivalent at the OANDA rate on the closing dayNigeriaNaira accounts accepted; many refusals trace back to under-28-day balancesChinaTB test mandatory; CSC sponsorship letter must show full coverageBangladeshCredibility interviews common; prepare to discuss course choice clearly

Common Refusal Reasons in 2026

Funds held for fewer than 28 days

Bank statement dated more than 31 days before application

Missing TB certificate

CAS expired or course mismatch

Weak credibility interview answers about course or finances

What to Do Before You Apply

Use the Lightning Enrolment eligibility checker to confirm your academic and English profile is accepted by your chosen course before you pay the CAS deposit. Then build your financial documents 30 to 60 days before submitting the visa.

Source: GOV.UK Student Visa guidance, UKVI Tier 4 Policy Guidance February 2026, IOM TB testing portal.