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Applying to study in the UK from around the world

Applying to university

Discover how to apply to study in the UK from outside of the USA and EU/EEA/Switzerland. Make sure you've got your documents ready and are prepared to act quickly to avoid any delays.

Worldwide students

Students from the EU

If you're planning to study in the UK as a European citizen, find specific information here. 

Students from the USA

If you're planning to study in the UK as a USA citizen, find specific information here. 

Who needs to apply?

Citizens from countries around the world require a student visa to study in the UK.

It's expected that there'll be high demand for UK student visas this summer. Remember to apply for your student visa as early as possible as soon as you have received your Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from your education provider. August is the peak month for UK student visa applications. Beat the rush and apply before August, if possible, to allow time to travel for September course start dates.

You can apply six months before your course start date.

See the latest student visa decision waiting times.

  1. Check your eligibility and prepare your supporting documents

    See below for the support documents you might need for your application. 

  2. Submit your student visa application

    You can apply on GOV.uk up to six months before your course start date. 

    Make sure you pay your visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

  3. Book your biometric appointment

    You will be invited to book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and digital photograph) and supporting documents.

  4. Wait for your decision

    Your application will be sent to UKVI to assess. UKVI will complete biometric, criminal and travel history checks. You may be called for an interview.

  5. Collect your passport

    A visa vignette (sticker) will be stuck inside your passport with three months validity (from the start of your visa) to travel.

    You'll be contacted when your passport is ready for collection. Please do not attend the VAC until you have been contacted.

Supporting documents

You'll need: 

  • Your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number
  • A valid passport/travel document 

You might need:  

How much does it cost?

  • A standard Student visa application costs £348 if you apply from outside the UK, and £475 if you apply when you are already in the UK.
  • If you choose to apply using the priority or super priority service, for a faster decision on your visa, the fee is more expensive. These services may be available in some countries but not others. You may also be able to choose other optional services, such as document checking or interpretation, for an additional cost.
  • As well as the visa application fees, you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge. This is £470 for each year of the visa for which you are applying. For example, £1,410 for a three-year visa.

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