🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Study Abroad
How to study in United Kingdom as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in the UK you apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses or directly to universities for postgraduate study. Once you accept an offer, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which you use to apply for the Student visa (paying the Immigration Health Surcharge and showing funds). Explore courses on Study UK and apply by each deadline.
In the UK, undergraduate applications go through the central UCAS service, while most postgraduate applications are made directly to each university. Once you accept an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need to apply for the UK Student visa from UK Visas and Immigration. The British Council's Study UK portal is the official starting point.
- Undergraduate study uses UCAS, a single application to up to five courses; postgraduate study is usually applied for directly with each university.
- Your university must be a licensed student sponsor; after you accept an unconditional offer and meet conditions it issues a CAS (valid six months).
- With a CAS you apply for the UK Student visa on GOV.UK — up to six months before a course start — showing finances and (usually) an approved English test.
- Many UK universities and UK-government schemes (e.g. Chevening, Commonwealth) offer scholarships that can offset fees.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose your course and apply via UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to universities (postgraduate); explore options on Study UK.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
With your CAS, apply for the Student visa online, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and show the required funds.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
Official authorities
- Study UK — British Council
Official portal: choosing a course, applying and visas.
- UCAS — international students
Central UK undergraduate admissions service.
- UK Student visa (GOV.UK)
Official student-visa requirements and online application.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAS?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, issued by your university once you accept an offer; you need it to apply for the Student visa.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
A fee paid with the Student visa that gives access to the NHS for the duration of your stay.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Most degree students can work a limited number of hours during term and full-time in holidays; check the conditions on your visa.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment