Quick answers.
One paragraph, one source, one last-checked date. Tap through for the detail.
- Can I bring my family with me on a UK Student visa?
- Since January 2024 only postgraduate research students (PhD and research master's) and government-sponsored students can bring a partner and children. Taught master's and undergraduate students cannot.
- Do I need a TB test for a UK Student visa?
- Yes if you are applying from a country on the Home Office list and coming for more than six months. The test must be at an approved clinic and the certificate is valid for six months.
- Do international students pay council tax in the UK?
- No. Full-time students are exempt, but you must give your council a student exemption certificate from your university. Households where everyone is a full-time student pay nothing.
- How many hours can I work on a UK Student visa?
- The term-time limit for degree-level students is 20 hours a week; below degree level it is 10. Outside term you can work full-time. Self-employment and professional sports are not allowed.
- How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
- £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to nine months, plus any first-year tuition you have not yet paid. It must have been in the account for 28 consecutive days.
- What is a CAS and how do I get one?
- A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a 14-character reference your university issues after you accept an unconditional offer and pay any deposit. It is valid for six months and goes on your visa application.
- What is a National Insurance number and how do I get one?
- A National Insurance number is your reference for tax and benefits. Apply online on GOV.UK after you arrive; it takes up to four weeks. You can start work before it arrives.
- What is an eVisa share code and when do I need one?
- A share code is a nine-character code generated from your UKVI account that lets an employer or landlord check your immigration status online. Codes last 90 days; generate a new one for each check.
- What is the Immigration Health Surcharge and how much is it for students?
- The IHS is £776 for each year of your Student visa, paid upfront with the application. It gives you access to the NHS on the same basis as a resident.
- When should I apply for a UK Student visa?
- Apply as soon as you have your CAS and the money has been in the bank for 28 days: up to six months before the course starts from outside the UK. Decisions usually take three weeks.