What it costs
The Student Route application fee is a flat £558, whether you're applying from outside the UK or extending or switching to it from inside the UK, according to GOV.UK. This is separate from the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is charged per year of the visa on top of this fee.
The financial requirement
Where you'll study changes how much you need to show. If your course is in London, you need £1,529 per month, for up to 9 months. Outside London, the figure drops to £1,171 per month, also for up to 9 months. In both cases, the funds must have been sitting in your account continuously for at least 28 days, with that 28-day window ending within 31 days of your visa application date, according to GOV.UK.
| Study location | Monthly requirement | Maximum months counted |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | 9 months |
| Outside London | £1,171 | 9 months |
The 28-day holding window is a hard rule, not a suggestion. Depositing the full amount two weeks before applying doesn't satisfy the requirement.
You're exempt from proving these funds separately if you've already been legally resident in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying. Nationals from certain countries also fall under a "differential evidence requirement" and may not need to submit this proof upfront, though it can still be requested later.
The English requirement
Degree-level courses and above require English proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B2; courses below degree level require B1. This can be demonstrated through UK qualifications, a UK degree, an assessed non-UK degree taught in English, or an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). Seventeen nationalities, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, are exempt from proving this separately.
When to apply
From outside the UK, you can apply as early as 6 months before your course starts, with decisions typically taking around 3 weeks. From inside the UK, the window is 3 months before the course starts, with decisions typically taking around 8 weeks. Applying at the earliest possible point gives the most buffer if anything in your documentation needs correcting.
Key takeaways
- Application fee: £558 flat, regardless of applying from inside or outside the UK.
- Financial proof: £1,529/month (London) or £1,171/month (outside London), held 28 days.
- English requirement: CEFR B2 for degree-level, B1 below degree; 17 nationalities exempt.
- Apply up to 6 months early from outside the UK; decisions take roughly 3-8 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the UK Student Route visa cost?
The application fee is £558, whether applying from outside the UK or extending/switching from inside the UK, according to GOV.UK. This is separate from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
If studying in London, you need £1,529 per month for up to 9 months. Outside London, it's £1,171 per month for up to 9 months. This money must have been held continuously for at least 28 days, ending within 31 days of your application, according to GOV.UK.
What English level do I need for a UK Student visa?
CEFR level B2 for degree-level study and above, or B1 for below-degree courses, according to GOV.UK. Nationals of 17 exempt countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, don't need to prove this separately.
How early can I apply for a UK Student visa?
Up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK, or 3 months before if applying from inside the UK. Decisions typically take 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside.
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