UK Study Visas: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything international students need to know about the Student visa, Graduate Route, and Child Student visa — eligibility, fees, work rights, and how each route fits your plans.
The UK is home to some of the world's most recognised universities, from Oxford and Cambridge to a network of modern institutions offering courses across every discipline. For international students, gaining entry to study here requires the right immigration permission — and the route you take depends on your age, the type of course you're applying for, and what you plan to do after your studies end.
The UK's study visa framework has three main routes. The Student visa is for most international students aged 16 or over enrolling in a higher education or further education course lasting more than six months. The Graduate Route allows eligible graduates to stay and work in the UK after completing a qualifying course — without needing a job offer in advance. The Child Student visa covers children aged 4 to 17 who have an offer from an independent (private) school in the UK.
All three routes operate under the UK's points-based immigration system and are administered digitally. Since January 2025, physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) have been fully replaced by eVisas — online immigration records linked to a UKVI account. Understanding which route you need, what it costs, and how it connects to your long-term plans is the first essential step before any application.
Three routes, one destination
Each study visa covers a different stage of your educational journey. Select the route that matches your circumstances.
For international students aged 16 or over enrolling at a licensed UK university, college, or further education provider. Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and below-degree-level courses.
Read the full guide →
For international graduates who have successfully completed a qualifying UK degree. No job offer needed — stay and work freely in the UK for up to two years after graduating (three for PhDs).
Read the full guide →
For children aged 4 to 17 from outside the UK who have a confirmed place at a licensed independent (private) school. Parents of children aged 4–11 may also apply to accompany them.
Read the full guide →Compare the three study routes
A quick-reference table to help you identify which visa applies to your situation before you read the detailed guides.
| Feature | Student Visa | Graduate Route | Child Student Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Students aged 16+ at HE/FE institutions | UK graduates after completing a qualifying degree | Children aged 4–17 at independent schools |
| Application fee | £524 | £880 (£937 from 8 Apr 2026) | £524 |
| IHS (healthcare) | £776/year | £1,035/year | £776/year |
| CAS required? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Job offer needed? | No | No | No |
| Work rights | Up to 20 hrs/week term-time (degree level) | Unrestricted (incl. self-employment) | Up to 10 hrs/week (16–17 only) |
| Maximum stay | Up to 5 years (degree level) | 2 years (3 years PhD) | Course length + buffer (age-dependent) |
| Dependants allowed? | PhD/Gov-sponsored only | Yes (if eligible) | No (parent visa separate) |
| Apply from outside UK? | Yes | No (in UK only) | Yes |
| Leads to ILR? | Not directly | Not directly | Not directly |
| Maintained schools? | Not permitted | N/A | Not permitted |
Which route is right for you?
Not sure which visa you need? These scenarios cover the most common situations we hear about from international students.
"I've been offered a place at a UK university."
You need the Student visa. Your university will issue a CAS once you accept an unconditional offer. Apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
"I'm finishing my UK degree and want to stay and work."
Apply for the Graduate Route after your institution confirms completion to UKVI. Apply before your current Student visa expires — you must be in the UK when you apply.
"My child has been offered a place at a British boarding school."
Your child needs a Child Student visa. The school must be a licensed independent institution. Parents of children aged 4–11 can apply for a separate Parent of a Child Student visa.
"I want to study English in the UK for 7 months."
You likely need the Student visa — the Short-term Student visa only covers English language courses of 6–11 months at providers without a full sponsor licence. Check with your course provider which applies.
"I graduated two years ago and want to move to the UK."
The Graduate Route requires you to apply while still in the UK on your Student visa. If you've left, you would instead need to apply for a work visa — the Skilled Worker visa or High Potential Individual visa are common routes for overseas graduates.
"I'm a US citizen — do I still need a student visa?"
Yes. Since Brexit, US citizens require the same visas as all other non-UK nationals. Our US Citizens study visa guide covers the process specifically for American applicants.
Your study-to-settlement pathway
Study visas are often the first step in a longer UK immigration journey. Here's how the routes connect.
Obtain a CAS from a licensed sponsor, meet financial and English language requirements, and apply for your Student visa up to 6 months before your course begins. Read the full Student Visa guide →
Once your institution confirms completion to UKVI, switch to the Graduate Route while still in the UK on your Student visa. Work freely for 2 years (3 for PhDs) — no employer sponsorship needed. Read the full Graduate Route guide →
Use your Graduate Route time to find an employer who can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. You can switch from Graduate to Skilled Worker from inside the UK without leaving. This begins the clock towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
After 5 continuous years of qualifying residence (typically on a Skilled Worker visa), you can apply for ILR — the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. Most time on a Student visa does not count toward this 5-year period. Our ILR guide explains the full requirements →
Student visa news, updated daily
UK immigration rules change frequently. Our editorial team monitors Home Office announcements and publishes news as it breaks — including fee changes, policy updates, and Graduate Route changes.
Frequently asked questions
Find immigration advisers and student services
Our Expat Directory lists vetted immigration advisers, relocation specialists, and student support services across the UK.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information purposes only and reflects our understanding of UK study visa rules as of March 2026. Immigration rules change regularly — always verify current requirements on GOV.UK or consult a qualified UK immigration adviser before applying. Moving to the UK is not a regulated immigration adviser and does not provide legal advice.