UK Student Visa 2026 (Formerly Tier 4): Requirements, Eligibility, Cost and Processing Time

✦ Summary

The Tier 4 visa is now called the Student visa. In 2026 it costs £558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of visa. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK and about 8 weeks from inside. You apply up to 6 months before your course starts, with a CAS from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds and English language evidence. After a degree, the Graduate visa lasts 2 years for applications made by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027.

Sharleen Kapoor

5 min read • Oct 14, 2026

What Is the UK Student Visa (Tier 4)?

Tier 4 (General) was the name of the UK’s points-based study visa until the system was renamed. It is now called the Student visa, and the Tier 4 name is used mainly for search. The visa lets you study at a licensed student sponsor, usually a university, for a degree or other eligible course.

Student Visa Eligibility Criteria

Age: 16 or over. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental consent, and some may qualify for the Child Student visa instead.
Course place: a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Money: enough funds to support yourself and pay for your course (see below).
English: you must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. Your university will tell you which test and score it accepts. See IELTS, PTE and other test options.
Other checks: masters-level and above courses in some subjects need an ATAS certificate, and you may need a tuberculosis test (GOV.UK Student visa).

UK Student Visa Cost in 2026

Item	Amount	Approx. in INR (£1 = ₹127)
Visa application fee	£558 from outside the UK; also for extending or switching inside the UK	₹70,900
Immigration Health Surcharge	£776 per year of visa; £1,164 for a typical 12-month masters	₹98,600 per year; ₹1.48 lakh
Funds to show: London	£1,529 per month for up to 9 months (£13,761)	₹17.5 lakh
Funds to show: outside London	£1,171 per month for up to 9 months (£10,539)	₹13.4 lakh

A fee is payable for each dependant. Funds must be held for 28 days and you must also be able to pay the course fee. The figures are the latest we confirmed and the UK government updates them, so check the GOV.UK money page before you apply. See also what counts as proof of funds.

Example for a 12-month masters in London: £558 visa fee + £1,164 IHS + £13,761 living funds = £15,483, plus the first-year tuition you must also be able to pay (about ₹19.7 lakh before tuition).

Also Read: Increase in UK university fees: what to know

How to Apply for the UK Student Visa

Step 1: accept an unconditional offer and pay any deposit your university asks for.
Step 2: get your CAS from the university.
Step 3: gather documents: passport, CAS, proof of funds, English language evidence, ATAS if needed, TB test certificate if required, and any extra documents your country needs.
Step 4: complete the online application, pay the visa fee and the IHS.
Step 5: book and attend your biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.
Step 6: wait for the decision and track it through your online account.

See our step-by-step guide to the UK masters visa process.

When to Apply and How Long It Takes

Where you apply from	When to apply	Usual decision time
Outside the UK	Up to 6 months before your course starts	About 3 weeks
Inside the UK (extension or switch)	Up to 3 months before your course starts, before your current visa expires	About 8 weeks

Faster decisions may be available for an additional fee (GOV.UK Student visa). Peak periods before the autumn intake can be busy, so apply as soon as your CAS is ready and do not book flights before you have your decision.

Also Read: Part-time jobs in the UK for international students

Working on a Student Visa

Degree-level students can generally work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time in official vacations, but the rules depend on your course. Self-employment and some jobs, such as professional sport, are not allowed, and you cannot claim public funds (GOV.UK work rules). See sandwich courses and placement years.

How Long Can You Stay?

Degree-level students aged 18 or over can stay up to 5 years on a Student visa, and below-degree courses are limited to 2 years. You can usually arrive up to 1 week before the start of a course of 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before a longer course.

Also Read: Health insurance in the UK for international students

Dependants

Partners and children may be able to join you, but the rules are strict and a fee is payable for each dependant. Check GOV.UK and your university’s international office for your course before you plan on bringing family.

After Your Degree: Graduate Visa

Graduates can apply for the Graduate visa. It lasts 2 years for applications made by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a doctorate (GOV.UK Graduate visa; The PIE News). Check the date of your application, because it affects how long you can stay. See is the UK still good for Indian students.

Common Reasons for Delay or Refusal

Missing or unclear documents, especially proof of funds and where the money came from
Funds not held for the full 28 days
Errors in the application or the CAS details
Health insurance and IHS mistakes
Not meeting the English requirement the university accepts

See health insurance for the UK student visa: 7 mistakes and 1-year masters in the UK: cost and education loan.

Planning your UK visa? Talk to a GradRight counsellor about funds, an education loan and documents for your UK study visa.

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Visa Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tier 4 the same as the Student visa?

Yes. Tier 4 was the older name, and the route is now called the Student visa.

How much does the UK Student visa cost?

£558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of visa.

How long does a UK Student visa take?

Usually about 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, with faster options for an extra fee.

How much money must I show?

£1,529 a month for up to 9 months if you study in London, or £1,171 a month outside London, plus your course fee for the first year.

Can I work after my course?

Yes, on the Graduate visa, which is 2 years for applications by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027.

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