United Kingdom

• Many taught master's degrees take only one year, which can save time and money.
• Bachelor's degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland usually take three years.
• Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term and full-time in the holidays.
• The Graduate visa lets you stay and work after your degree: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, and 3 years for PhD graduates.

Teaching language

English

Intakes

Most courses start in September or October. Some courses have other start dates, so check each course page.

Bachelor's

Usually 3 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; 4 years in Scotland

Master's

Many taught master's take 1 year full time

Tuition

Study UK (British Council) gives typical international fees of GBP 11,400–38,000 a year for undergraduate and GBP 9,000–30,000 for postgraduate study, with laboratory and clinical courses costing the most (checked October 2026).

For undergraduate courses you apply through UCAS, with up to five choices; for 2027 entry the main deadline is 18:00 UK time on 13 January 2027 (Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses closed on 15 October 2026). Postgraduate applications go directly to each university. After you accept an offer and meet its conditions, the university gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a reference number that your licensed student sponsor (the university or college) sends you once it has offered you a place, and you enter it on your Student visa application.

1. 1

   Step 1: Apply to a licensed sponsor

   You can only get a Student visa for a course with a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduates apply through UCAS, while postgraduates follow each university's own application process.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
2. 2

   Step 2: Make your offer unconditional

   Accept your offer and meet any conditions, such as exam grades or an English test score, because you need an unconditional offer before the university sends your CAS. If you will study or research a sensitive subject at RQF level 7 or above, check whether you need an ATAS certificate, which you must have before you apply and which takes at least 30 working days.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
3. 3

   Step 3: Receive your CAS number

   Your university sends you the CAS reference number, and you need it before you can apply. The CAS also shows the course fees you must prove you can pay, and you must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving it.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
4. 4

   Step 4: Prepare money and documents

   Hold the money for 1 academic year of course fees (the amount shown on your CAS) and living costs for at least 28 days in a row, with the period ending within 31 days of your application. Gather your passport and, if they apply to you, your ATAS certificate, tuberculosis test results (valid for 6 months from the x-ray), parental consent if you are under 18 and written consent from any financial sponsor.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
5. 5

   Step 5: Apply online and prove identity

   Apply online no earlier than 6 months before your course starts, enter your CAS number and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. You will then be told whether to prove your identity with the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
6. 6

   Step 6: Set up your eVisa

   Decisions from outside the UK usually take about 3 weeks. If you are approved you get an eVisa: create a UKVI account and add your passport details, as you can only travel on your eVisa once your passport is linked.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)
7. 7

   Step 7: Travel within your arrival window

   You can arrive up to 1 month before a course that lasts more than 6 months, or up to 1 week before a shorter course. You must not travel before the start date on your visa.

   Official page (opens in a new tab)

Visa

Student visa

You need a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English at CEFR B2 level for degree study, and money for fees and living costs held for at least 28 days in a row. From outside the UK you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts, and decisions usually take about 3 weeks. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, and only students on PhD or other research-based postgraduate courses, or government-sponsored students, can bring a partner or children.

Proof of funds

GBP 1,529 a month in London or GBP 1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months (rates in force since 11 November 2025), plus any unpaid fees for your first year.

Visa fee

GBP 558 from outside the UK (from 8 April 2026; unchanged in the 8 October 2026 fee table), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of GBP 776 a year.

While you study

Full-time degree-level students at a university with a track record of compliance can work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time outside term. Below degree level the limit is 10 hours a week in term. Part-time students cannot work, and no student can be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

After you graduate

Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 (change confirmed in the October 2025 Immigration Rules changes), and 3 years for PhD graduates. You must apply from inside the UK while on a Student visa, after your university tells the Home Office you completed your course. The fee is GBP 937 (from 8 April 2026) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually GBP 1,035 a year.