This information is for orientation only. UK immigration rules change often. Always confirm on GOV.UK, with your university sponsor and the visa application centre before you travel or submit applications.

Bureaucracy roadmap

UCAS/sponsor admission → CAS → Visa application + IHS → Entry → eVisa → NINO → (If working) visa hour limits → Renewal / Graduate visa

After Brexit, EU citizens no longer have automatic free movement: you need the EU Settlement Scheme (if eligible for pre-2021 residence) or a valid Student visa or other status.

Student checklist — where are you now?

  • Before the visa (non-EU): university offer, CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), funds in an accepted account for 28 days, IHS paid, valid passport.
  • Financial proof: unpaid course fees + living costs (table below) — calculated on the city shown on your CAS.
  • ATAS (if sensitive course): certificate before visa application.
  • Day 0: border check; keep email with eVisa / digital status link.
  • Week 1: university registration, police registration only if required on your visa (rare cases).
  • Before working: NINO + check hour limits on your visa — see Work.
  • Before visa expiry: extension in the UK or departure — do not exceed CAS dates.
  • Before graduation: consider Graduate visa (typically 2 years — check current rules).

Brexit and EU citizens

StatusWhoNote
EU Settlement SchemeUK residents before 31/12/2020New application deadlines have passed — check remaining eligibility
Pre-Settled / Settled StatusEUSS holdersDifferent rights for work, family, permanent stay
Student VisaNew EU students (and rest of world)Standard route with CAS and licensed sponsor
Visit / Standard VisitorShort courses ≤ 6 monthsNot for full-time degree study

Permit types relevant to students

Visa / statusUseKey point
Student VisaCourse > 6 months with sponsorConditions printed: work hours, sponsor, course
Child StudentMinors at independent schoolSeparate route
Graduate VisaAfter eligible UK degreeWork without sponsor (fixed duration — check GOV.UK)
Skilled WorkerJob offer with sponsorAlternative post-graduation route
Short-term study≤ 6 monthsDoes not replace Student visa for a degree

Last updated: May 2026 — GOV.UK — Student visa

Student Visa — steps (non-EU, typical route)

  1. Admission — Unconditional offer; pay deposit if required by the university.
  2. CAS — The university (licensed sponsor) issues the CAS number after documents and payments.
  3. Documents — Passport, CAS, proof of funds, TB test (if your country is on the list), ATAS if required, parental consent if applicable.
  4. Online application — Form on GOV.UK; biometrics at VAC or ID Check app if eligible.
  5. IHS — Immigration Health Surcharge paid with the application (student rate).
  6. Decision — Vignette in passport or digital status; check validity dates.
  7. Arrival — Collect digital permission (eVisa); course registration within university deadlines.

Financial requirement and fees (2026)

ItemAmount (2026)Note
Living costs — London£1,529/month (max 9 months = £13,761)«London» definition per Appendix Student
Living costs — outside London£1,171/month (max 9 months = £10,539)Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, etc.
Course feesUnpaid amount on CASIf already paid, do not duplicate in funds
28-day ruleFunds held for 28 consecutive daysClosing balance within 31 days before application
IHS (student)£776/year (full visa period paid upfront)NHS access as a resident
Visa application feeCheck current fee on GOV.UKUpdated periodically (e.g. £558 from Apr 2026 for some applications)

Documents (orientation checklist)

  • Valid passport with biometrics page.
  • CAS (number and course details).
  • Bank statement (28 days) or student loan / official sponsor if permitted.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required for your nationality.
  • ATAS for sensitive courses (advanced STEM, etc.).
  • Certified translations if documents are not in English.
  • Proof of IHS payment.

Last updated: May 2026 — Appendix Student

After arrival: eVisa, NINO, address

  1. Digital status — Create a View and Prove account; generate a share code for landlords and employers.
  2. University registration — Enrol by deadline; activate student email.
  3. NINO — Apply after a job offer or at the start (phone/online) — required for legal payroll.
  4. UK address — Needed for bank, GP, council tax; align with tenancy agreement.
  5. GP registration — To use NHS beyond emergencies — see Health.

Renewal, course changes and sponsor rules

  • Extension in UK: new CAS + application before expiry.
  • Leaving the course: sponsor withdraws CAS → visa no longer valid.
  • Interrupted studies: contact the international office immediately and comply with departure or status change.

After graduation: Graduate visa and work

  1. Graduate visa — Permission to seek/work without a sponsor (duration and requirements on GOV.UK; usually for eligible UK degrees).
  2. Skilled Worker visa — Employer with sponsor licence and minimum skilled salary.
  3. Departure — If you do not obtain new status, leave the UK before eVisa expiry.
Expired permission or refused application
  • Administrative review — Short window to challenge legal errors (not new documents).
  • Overstay: serious consequences for future visas — consult an immigration lawyer.
  • Emergency: 999 / 112 — does not resolve immigration status.

Tax quick reference (linked topics)

  • UK tax year: 6 April – 5 April.
  • PAYE on payslip if you work; Tax code (e.g. 1257L) on P45/P60.
  • Self Assessment if freelance or extra income — see Finance and Work.

University life — what to ask the international office

  • CAS issuance: timelines and documents for deposit/tuition.
  • TB test and ATAS: whether your course requires them.
  • Enrolment date: alignment with visa dates.
  • Letters: for bank, landlord (proof of study), council tax student exemption.
  • Graduate route: workshops on Skilled Worker vs Graduate visa.
Visa Expiry

Renew before expiration; gap can block bank, work, and re-entry.

Quick reference

Student route visa for many non-UK: matriculation, IHS, then local enrolment. Bank and GP ask for verifiable UK address — halls or registered contract.

  • Student visa: limit on working hours in term time
  • eVisa / BRP: online status check (gov.uk view evidence)
  • NI number only if you work regularly
  • University issues CAS for renewals

Universities and pathways

UCAS and Postgraduate

National rule

Undergrad via UCAS; often direct master's degree. Fees "home" vs "overseas" — huge difference. Limited bags for overseas use.

Recognition of qualifications

UK ENIC for equivalents. Some courses require an English test (IELTS) even if you study in English elsewhere.

  • UCAS
  • UK ENIC
  • CAS

First documents

  • Passport + decision letter / eVisa
  • Proof of address (halls letter or tenancy)
  • University enrolment letter
  • IHS payment reference if required

Registration and permit

Police registration

National rule

Only by nationality on the historical list — check on gov.uk. Otherwise: registration only via university and GP.

Right to rent / rent

Moderate

Agents check immigration status. Keep eVisa share code for landlord.

Deep dive (optional)

Go deeper

Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.

Immigration & online status

eVisa & share codes

For many digital statuses you generate a share code on GOV.UK to prove your right to work or rent to employers and landlords.

National Insurance number

Required for payroll and contributions—apply once you have permission to work.

UKVI routes

Student, Skilled Worker, Graduate, and other visa types—follow official guidance and document checklists.

Council tax & local registers

Council tax

Often payable by tenants; full-time student households may be exempt—send council evidence from your university.

Electoral register

Separate from council tax; register if you are eligible to vote.

NHS registration

Register with a GP practice as soon as you have a stable address; keep your NHS number for prescriptions and referrals.

Devolved nations

Healthcare branding and some rules differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—use your nation’s NHS site alongside GOV.UK.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Trusted sources we used for this content

UK government and EU statistics: Eurostat, GOV.UK, the NHS, HMRC, and UK Visas and Immigration. Post-Brexit rules evolve—confirm on GOV.UK.