🇬🇧 UK Student Visa 2026 — Complete Guide
Requirements, maintenance funds, work rights, and the Graduate Visa pathway for international students in the UK. Updated for 2026 Home Office rules.
⚠️ 2026 Alert: Dependants Banned for Most Postgrad Students
Since January 2024, most taught postgraduate students (MSc, MA, MBA) cannot bring family members to the UK. Only PhD/research students and government-sponsored students are exempt.
UK Student Visa — Key Requirements 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your university |
| Maintenance Funds — Outside London | £1,171/month for up to 9 months = £10,539 total |
| Maintenance Funds — London | £1,529/month for up to 9 months = £13,761 total |
| English Language | IELTS Academic 5.5–7.5 depending on course (SELT accepted) |
| ATAS Certificate | Required for certain sensitive subjects (science, tech, engineering) |
| Tuberculosis Test | Required if applying from certain countries including India, Pakistan, Nigeria |
| IHS Surcharge | £776/year healthcare surcharge (must pay upfront for full visa duration) |
| Processing Time | 3 weeks inside UK, 3–8 weeks outside UK |
💼 Work Rights on UK Student Visa
| When | Hours Allowed |
|---|---|
| During term time (undergrad/postgrad) | 20 hours/week maximum |
| During official vacation periods | Full time (no limit) |
| Placement / work placement year | Full time if part of course |
| Dependant family members (PhD only) | Full time allowed |
🛤️ UK Study → PR Pathway
Step 1: Complete your UK degree (minimum bachelor's or master's)
Step 2: Apply for Graduate Visa — 2 years (undergraduate/master's) or 3 years (PhD)
Step 3: Find a job meeting the Skilled Worker salary threshold for your occupation (see current GOV.UK thresholds)
Step 4: Switch to Skilled Worker Visa
Step 5: Build continuous UK residence toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — currently 5 years, though this is under active government reform (see warning below)
Step 6: After 1 year ILR → apply for British citizenship
Total timeline: 7–10 years from student visa to citizenship under current rules
⚠️ 2026 Update: The UK is proposing to extend the standard ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under a new "Earned Settlement" model, with salary-based fast tracks for high earners. This is not yet in force as of June 2026. Read the full breakdown of confirmed vs proposed changes →
By Source Country — Extra Requirements
| Country | Extra Needed | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | TB test, bank statements 28 days before application | Funds must be held 28 consecutive days |
| 🇨🇳 China | ATAS certificate for STEM subjects, TB test | ATAS delays can take 20+ working days |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | TB test, detailed sponsor letter, home ties evidence | High refusal rates — strong financial proof essential |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | TB test, biometrics at VFS | Processing times longer than average |