Study Abroad · United Kingdom
Study in the UK: Your Guide to the UK Student Visa and Graduate Route
The United Kingdom remains one of the top destinations in the world for international students, with internationally recognised degrees, shorter course lengths, and strong post study work options. If you plan to study at a UK institution, you will need a Student visa. Globalized Visa Experts guides you from university selection through to your visa decision and beyond.
- Bachelor's in 3 years, master's in 1 year
- Work up to 20 hours a week while studying
- Graduate Route to stay and work after your degree
Overview
What is the UK Student visa?
The UK Student visa, officially called the Student route, is the main immigration category for international students aged sixteen and over who want to study a course at a UK institution holding a valid student sponsor licence. It replaced the former Tier 4 General student visa and operates under the UK’s points based immigration system, where applicants must score seventy points by meeting the requirements for a valid course offer and CAS, the financial requirement, and the English language requirement.
At Globalized Visa Experts, we support students from Pakistan and around the world with university admission, the CAS process, financial and English language evidence, and the full online Student visa application, so nothing holds up your approval.
- Granted for the length of your course, plus a short period either side
- Applied for entirely online through UKVI and GOV.UK
- Complete support from university admission to approval
A safe, student-friendly environment
Sweden offers a safe, modern, and student-friendly environment, high standards of living and public services, and access to scholarships for international students.
A multicultural and inclusive society makes Sweden a welcoming place to study, live, and build an international career.
The Opportunity
Why choose the UK for your studies?
The UK is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. Here is why so many international students choose it.
Shorter, Globally Recognised Degrees
Most bachelor's degrees take just three years and most master's degrees take one year, which saves both time and total cost compared to many other study destinations, while the degrees themselves are respected by employers worldwide.
A Welcoming, Multicultural Environment
UK universities host students from every part of the world, giving you the chance to build an international network and gain exposure that extends well beyond the classroom.
Work While You Study, Stay After You Graduate
You can work part time during term and full time during holidays, and after graduation you may apply for the Graduate Route to remain in the UK and work without needing a sponsor
Institutions
Top UK universities for international students
The UK is home to some of the most respected universities in the world, and the quality of teaching and research is closely monitored across the country.
Oxford
University of Oxford
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, with particular strength across the humanities, sciences, and law.
Cambridge
University of Cambridge
A globally renowned institution known for research excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine
London
Imperial College London
A leading choice for engineering, medicine, and computing, with strong ties to industry and research funding.
London
University College London
Well regarded across a wide range of disciplines, from architecture to social sciences, with a large international student community.
Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
A historic university with a strong reputation for informatics, business, and the arts, set in one of Europe's most walkable cities.
Manchester
University of Manchester
Consistently ranked among the UK's top institutions for engineering, business, and the social sciences.
Programs
Popular fields of study in the UK
UK universities offer thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, many of them ranked among the best in their field worldwide.
- Business and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and IT
- Law
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Finance and Economics
- Architecture and Design
- Social Sciences
Eligibility
UK Student visa requirements
To apply for a UK Student visa, you must meet the following requirements.
Unconditional Offer and CAS
You must hold an unconditional offer from a UK institution with a student sponsor licence, then receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS, once you accept your place.
English Language Proof
You must show your English ability, generally at CEFR level B2 across reading, writing, speaking, and listening, through an approved test such as IELTS or PTE Academic accepted by UKVI.
Proof of Funds
You must show you can cover your remaining tuition fees as stated on your CAS, along with your living costs, and hold the required funds in your account for the period set by UKVI before you apply.
Valid Passport
Your passport should remain valid for your period of study, since your visa is linked digitally to your passport through your UKVI account.
Genuine Student Requirement
You must be able to show a clear link between your academic background, your chosen course, and your future goals, since UKVI assesses whether you are a genuine student
Parental Consent, if Under Eighteen
Applicants under eighteen must provide a parental or guardian consent letter as part of their application.
Additional documents: academic certificates and transcripts, a tuberculosis test result for applicants from listed countries, and Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance for certain science and engineering courses.
Process
UK Student visa application process, step by step
Here is the complete UK Student visa application process for international students.
1
Choose your course and university
Select a course and institution that fits your academic background and career goals, since this shapes your entire application.
2
Submit your application
Apply through UCAS for most undergraduate courses, or directly to the university for postgraduate programs.
3
Receive and accept your offer
Once you receive an offer, review the conditions carefully and accept it to move forward with your place.
4
Receive your CAS
Your university issues your CAS once your place is confirmed, which is required before you can apply for your visa.
5
Complete your online Student visa application
Apply through the official GOV.UK Student visa service, entering your CAS reference and uploading your supporting documents.
6
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
Pay your application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to NHS services during your stay.
7
Attend your biometrics appointment
Book and attend an appointment at your nearest visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
8
Receive your decision and set up your eVisa
Once approved, create your UKVI account and link your passport to access your eVisa, which is your digital proof of status in the UK
Working while studying in the UK
Most Student visa holders studying at degree level or above can work up to twenty hours a week during term time, and full time during official university holidays, subject to the conditions on their visa.
- Up to 20 hrs/week during term
- Full time during holidays
- Most fields of employment
Before You Travel
What happens before you travel to the UK?
Start preparing your Student visa application as soon as you accept your offer, so your CAS and supporting documents are ready in good time before your course begins.
- Receive your CAS from your UK university
- Prepare your proof of funds and English test results
- Submit your Student visa application on GOV.UK
- Pay your visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Attend your biometrics appointment
- Set up your UKVI account and eVisa before you travel
Looking Ahead
After completing your degree in the UK
Graduate Route
Apply for the Graduate Route to stay and work in the UK for two years after a bachelor's or master's degree, or three years after a PhD, without needing a sponsor.
Further Studies
Continue to a master's degree or doctoral research program at a UK university.
Return Home
Use your internationally recognised UK degree for opportunities in the global job market.
Skilled Worker Route
Switch to the Skilled Worker visa once you secure a qualifying job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
Why Globalized Visa Experts
We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and ready for approval
From university admission to your CAS, financial and English language evidence, and your Student visa application, our team supports you at every stage of your journey to study in the UK.
- University and course selection support
- Financial evidence and document preparation
- Guidance on the Genuine Student requirement
- Full Student visa application support
- Biometrics appointment preparation
- Graduate Route and post study planning
Popular destinations we support students in
Contact us today to discuss university selection, financial planning, and application timing for the UK.
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about studying in the UK
The UK Student visa, officially called the Student route, is issued by UK Visas and Immigration and allows international students aged sixteen and over to live in the UK and study at a licensed institution for the length of their course.
A CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, is a unique digital reference number issued by your UK university once you accept your offer. You need this number to submit your Student visa application.
No. The UK has moved to a fully digital system. Once your visa is approved, you set up a UKVI account and access your eVisa, which is your digital proof of immigration status.
Standard processing for most applicants takes around three weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment. A priority service is available in some locations for a faster decision.
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Yes, graduates can apply for the Graduate Route to stay and work in the UK for two years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or three years after a PhD, and can later switch to a work based visa once employed.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Study in the UK?
From university admission to your CAS, Student visa application, and final approval, let Globalized Visa Experts guide you through every step.