UK Student Guides

Who needs a UK Student visa?

You need a UK Student visa if you are a non-UK, non-Irish national planning to study a course longer than 6 months at a licensed Student sponsor institution. Citizens of most countries outside the EU/EEA will require a visa. Check the GOV.UK visa checker to confirm your specific requirements.

Key eligibility requirements

• CAS number — Your university must issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before you can apply.
• Financial evidence — You must show you have enough money for your course fees and living costs without public funds. Requirements are set by the Home Office and published on GOV.UK.
• English language proficiency — You must meet the minimum SELT (Secure English Language Test) requirements, typically IELTS Academic 5.5–6.5 depending on your course and institution.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — Paid as part of your visa application. It gives you access to the NHS during your studies.

When to apply

You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. You should apply at least 3 months before your course start date to allow processing time. The standard processing time is 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.

How long does a Student visa last?

Your visa is typically granted for the duration of your course plus an additional period (usually 4 months for shorter courses, up to 1 year for degree-level courses). Check your specific visa letter for your leave expiry date.

Work restrictions

Most Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Some courses and institutions have different restrictions — always check your visa documentation and UKVI guidance.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration permission held on the UKVI digital system. It is linked to your UKVI account and accessed online. There is no physical card — your status is verified digitally by landlords, employers, universities, and border control.

Setting up your UKVI account

1. Go to gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details
2. Create a UKVI online account using your email address
3. Link your passport or travel document to your account
4. Your eVisa will appear in your account once your visa is granted

Generating a share code

A share code is a temporary code that allows someone (your landlord, employer, or university) to verify your immigration status. To generate one:

1. Sign in to your UKVI account at gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
2. Select the reason you need to share your status (e.g., landlord check, employer check)
3. A 9-character share code is generated — it is valid for 90 days
4. Give the code and your date of birth to the person checking your status

Who can check your share code?

• Landlords — for right-to-rent checks before you move in
• Employers — for right-to-work checks before starting a job
• Universities — to verify your right to study at enrolment
• Border Force — your eVisa is checked digitally when you pass through the UK border

What you'll typically need

• Valid passport
• Proof of UK address (university accommodation letter, tenancy agreement)
• University enrolment letter or student ID
• Sometimes: proof of immigration status (your eVisa share code)

Options for opening an account before or shortly after arrival

Digital-first banks (recommended for new arrivals):

• Monzo — Can be opened before you arrive with just your passport. No UK address required initially.
• Starling Bank — Similar to Monzo; can be opened remotely with passport verification.
• Revolut — Multi-currency account useful for managing money in your home currency alongside GBP.

Traditional UK banks with student accounts:

• Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest all offer student accounts. These typically require a UK address and your university enrolment letter.
• Student accounts sometimes include an interest-free overdraft, which can be helpful during the academic year.

International money transfers

For sending money from home, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) typically offer better exchange rates than traditional bank wire transfers. Compare fees and rates before transferring large sums.

Registering with a GP (General Practitioner)

Your GP is your primary healthcare provider in the UK. They refer you to specialists and hospitals, prescribe medication, and manage ongoing conditions. To register:

1. Find a GP practice near you at nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
2. Check that the practice is accepting new patients
3. Fill in a GMS1 registration form — many practices allow online registration
4. You typically need: passport, proof of address, and sometimes your NHS number (if you have one from a previous UK visit)

University health services

Many universities have an on-campus health centre or GP practice specifically for students. This is often the most convenient option. Check your university's website for details.

Dental and optical care

NHS dental treatment is available but many practices have long waiting lists. University towns often have NHS dentists that prioritise student registrations. Contact NHS 111 or use nhs.uk to find an NHS dentist near you.

Mental health support

Your university will have a student counselling or mental health service — these are typically free and don't require a GP referral. NHS also provides the Talking Therapies service (previously IAPT), which you can self-refer to.

Who is exempt?

You are exempt from council tax if you are a full-time student enrolled on a course that:

• lasts at least 1 academic year
• requires at least 21 hours of study per week on average

This covers most undergraduate and postgraduate university programmes.

How to apply

1. Request a council tax exemption certificate from your university's student records or finance office
2. Submit this certificate to your local council — most councils have an online form
3. Find your local council at gov.uk/find-local-council

University halls vs private accommodation

If you live in university-owned accommodation, your university will typically handle the council tax exemption on your behalf. If you live in private accommodation, you must apply yourself.

What is an NI number?

Your NI number is a unique identifier in the format: two letters, six numbers, one letter (e.g., AB 12 34 56 C). It ensures the right tax and National Insurance contributions are recorded against your name.

How to apply

1. Apply online via gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
2. You must be in the UK and have the right to work to apply
3. You'll need your passport or eVisa details
4. You may receive your NI number by post, or it may be confirmed digitally

When do you need it?

• Before starting a job (even part-time)
• When completing a self-assessment tax return
• When claiming certain benefits (usually not applicable to international students on a Student visa)

Types of student accommodation

• University-owned halls of residence — managed directly by your university, typically easiest for new arrivals
• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) — privately owned but designed for students; typically managed by companies like Unite Students or Scape
• Private rented accommodation — renting from a private landlord or letting agency; more flexibility but more responsibility

Right-to-rent checks

Since the UK introduced digital immigration status, landlords are required by law to verify your right to rent before you move in. They do this using your eVisa share code (see Guide 02). Landlords cannot discriminate against non-UK nationals — they must conduct the same checks on all tenants.

Your key tenant rights

• Tenancy agreement — you must receive a written tenancy agreement. Read it carefully before signing.
• Deposit protection — any deposit you pay must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme within 30 days. Your landlord must give you written confirmation of which scheme is used.
• Safe and habitable property — your landlord is legally required to maintain the property in good repair and ensure gas safety certificates are provided annually.
• Advance notice for property access — your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property (except in emergencies).

If things go wrong

If you have a dispute with your landlord, contact:

• Shelter (shelter.org.uk) — free housing advice for renters
• Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) — free advice on housing and tenant rights
• Your university's accommodation office or student union — many have housing advisors

What is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by your university (officially called a Student sponsor). It is not a physical document — it is an electronic record that the Home Office can access when processing your visa application.

Your CAS contains key information about you, your course, and your university, which is checked as part of your visa application.

What information does your CAS contain?

• Your CAS reference number (a unique 14-character alphanumeric code)
• Your personal details and passport number
• Course name, start and end dates, and level of study
• Tuition fees and any fees paid
• Your university's Home Office registration number (sponsor licence number)
• Any condition attached to the CAS (e.g., whether ATAS clearance is needed)

When do you receive your CAS?

Your university issues your CAS after you have accepted your unconditional offer and satisfied all conditions (including paying any required deposit). Your university will notify you by email when your CAS is assigned.

What if there's an error in your CAS?

If any details in your CAS are incorrect, contact your university's international admissions office immediately. Errors in your CAS can cause delays or refusals in your visa application.

Other documents you'll need alongside your CAS

• Valid passport
• Financial evidence (28-day bank statements showing required funds)
• English language test results (SELT)
• ATAS clearance certificate if required for your course
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if required for your country