UK Student Visa 2026: Complete Application Guide
CAS, the £1,483 maintenance rule, the 28-day bank statement trap and priority services — how to get a UK Student visa approved the first time, with a full cost breakdown.
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The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) is the single document between you and your degree — and the 2026 version has more moving parts than most applicants expect: the CAS from your university, the Immigration Health Surcharge, the new Electronic Travel Authorisation layer, and a financial evidence rule that trips thousands of applicants a year. This guide walks the full route with real numbers.
The three-part cost reality: the visa fee (£490), the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year of course, paid upfront), and your maintenance funds (proved, not paid — typically £1,483 in London or £1,136 outside for up to 9 months). Budget all three before you apply; discovering the IHS charge after getting your CAS is the most common planning failure.
Step 1: Your Offer and the CAS
After you accept an unconditional offer, your university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — an electronic record holding your course details, tuition, and a unique reference number. No CAS, no application. Practical points:
- CAS issuance takes days to weeks depending on the university; chase your admissions office, not UKVI
- Check every field on the CAS (name spelling, course dates, tuition figures) — errors there become errors on your visa
- The CAS is valid for six months from issue; your course must start within 3 months of your intended travel
- Your English proficiency is certified inside the CAS by your sponsor (usually via your prior qualifications or a SELT) — most students do not need a separate English test for the visa itself
The 28-Day Rule Is Where Applications Die
Maintenance funds must sit above the threshold for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of applying. A balance that dips on day 27 resets the clock — use an untouched dedicated account and download the full-window statement.
Step 2: The Financial Requirement
You must show maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days (ending within 31 days of your application date):
- Inside London: £1,483/month for up to 9 months
- Outside London: £1,136/month for up to 9 months
- Reduced evidence: if you've already paid some tuition or university accommodation, those amounts can be deducted from what you must show
The 28-day rule is where applications die: a balance that dips below the threshold on day 27 resets the clock. Use a dedicated account you don't touch, and download the statement covering the full window — with the bank's letterhead or official stamp for paper statements.
Taught Masters Cannot Bring Dependants
Since January 2024, dependants are permitted only for research degrees (PhD, research Masters), government-sponsored students, and continuing students. If studying as a family is a hard requirement, plan for research degrees or Australia/Canada routes.
Step 3: The Application and What You Pay
Online application via GOV.UK, then biometrics at a visa application centre (or the app-based ID check where eligible). The bill:
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | £490 | Per application |
| IHS | £776/year | Paid upfront for course length + wrap period |
| Priority (optional) | ~£500 | 5 working-day decision |
| Super priority (optional) | ~£1,000 | Next working day, limited centres |
Decision times run about 3 weeks standard. You'll receive a 90-day vignette (sticker or eVisa reference) to enter the UK, then collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP is being phased into eVisa) on arrival.
Step 4: ETA and the New Border Layers
From 2025 the UK requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for many non-visa nationals visiting the UK — but here's the rule that matters for students: a valid Student visa replaces the ETA. You do not need both. The ETA matters to you mainly if:
- you visit the UK before your course starts (e.g. for open days) on a non-visa passport
- family members on visitor status travel with you during your studies
The Dependent Rules (Read This Before Planning Family)
Since January 2024, taught Master's students cannot bring dependants. Dependants (partner and children) are permitted only for:
- Postgraduate research courses (PhD, research Master's)
- Government-sponsored students
- Those already on the route whose course continues
Undergraduate students were never eligible under the Student route. If studying as a family is a hard requirement, your options are research degrees or other destinations (Australia and Canada retain broader dependent rights — see our Australia visa guide).
After Arrival: Conditions You Must Respect
Your visa is sponsored: work rights are capped at 20 hours/week in term time (full-time in vacations) for degree students, and you must not claim public funds. Your university monitors engagement — sustained non-attendance can trigger sponsor reporting and visa curtailment. If you're struggling with attendance, address it early; our attendance guide covers the escalation process before it becomes an immigration problem.
Visa paperwork fighting your start date? Purply's academic support team helps international students across the whole arrival arc — admissions chasing, deferral letters, enrolment issues and the academic side of settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take? CAS to decision: 3 weeks standard after biometrics, 5 working days with priority. Start the financial clock (28 days) at least two months before your intended travel date.
Can I work on a Student visa? Yes — 20 hours/week in term time at degree level, full-time during official vacations. Work must not be self-employment or professional sport, and cannot fill a full-time permanent vacancy.
What if my visa is refused? Refusals usually cite maintenance evidence or CAS doubts. You can reapply (new fee) or seek administrative review within 28 days. Fix the cited defect precisely — a refusal letter is effectively a checklist of what to repair.
Can I extend or switch courses? In-country extensions and course switches are possible but need a new CAS and fresh maintenance evidence; switching from Student to Graduate visa (2–3 years post-study work) requires your degree to be completed and your sponsor to have reported it.
| Cost Item | Amount | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
Visa application fee | £490 | At application |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £776/year of course | At application, upfront |
Maintenance funds (London) | £1,483/month up to 9 months | Proved, not paid — 28-day rule |
Maintenance funds (outside London) | £1,136/month up to 9 months | Proved, not paid — 28-day rule |
Priority service (optional) | ~£500 | 5 working-day decision |
Landing in the UK With Everything Sorted
Visa paperwork is the first hurdle; the degree is the marathon. Purply supports international students through the whole arc — admissions chasing, deferral and enrolment letters, then essays, dissertations, exam tutoring and attendance trouble-shooting once teaching starts.
If you're struggling with:
- Your offer is in but the CAS is stalled
- You need a deferral or enrolment letter drafted
- You arrive mid-term and need to catch up on coursework
- Attendance or engagement warnings threaten your sponsorship
Here's how we'd coach you through it:
Send us your draft or your question. We'll walk you through:
- Admissions and registry liaison support for international students
- Course catch-up support in essay and report-heavy modules
- Turnitin pre-checks before your first UK submissions
- Attendance escalation guidance before it reaches the visa stage