Why apply for a UK Student Visa?

The UK Student Visa is a pathway for international students willing to migrate and study in the UK. According to recent data, around 758,855 international students choose to study in the UK owing to its world-class education, affordability, and promising career prospects. The country issued more than 432,225 student visas in the academic year of 2024, marking a high visa approval rate of 91%.

The following are the significant benefits of the UK Student Visa:

• Study anywhere in the UK
• Stay in the UK for up to 5 years
• Work for 20 hours per week while studying
• Enjoy healthcare and accommodation facilities
• Get scholarships or full-fee waivers for your course
• Bring your family members with you
• Open a bank account in the UK
• Apply for post-study work visas (PSWV)

The UK Student Visa, also known as a Tier 4 Visa, is designed to cater to the needs of international students. It also acts as a gateway for acquiring permanent residency in the UK, enabling you to apply for UK ILR and citizenship upon eligibility.

Study in the UK

The United Kingdom is one of the top choices among international students willing to study abroad. The country is home to around 90 QS-ranked universities, including famous ones like the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London.

The following are the significant reasons to consider for choosing the UK as your next study destination:

• Top-notch quality of education
• World-famous universities
• Lucrative career prospects
• Improved English proficiency
• Full healthcare coverage
• Work while you are studying
• Get financial benefits
• High Graduate Employability
• Global recognition of Qualification
• Financial support via scholarships

Along with all these benefits, international students can explore the culture, history, and variety of tourist attractions while studying in the UK. This not only helps international students learn new things but also helps them develop their personalities.

UK Higher Education System

The education system is known for its cultural diversity, choice of courses, and high-quality education. The country offers 3-year undergraduate and 1-2 year postgraduate programs. The PhD programs in the UK usually last three to four years but can also take up to six years to complete.

List of the most popular Bachelor’s courses in the UK

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Education (BEd)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB)

List of the most popular Postgraduate courses in the UK

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Research (MRes)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master's Degree in Law (LLM)

The UK offers education credit in terms of university or academic credits. The UK's credit system is recognised widely by all famous universities in the world, which makes education accessible to international students from all parts of the world. The Credit System varies on the basis of the education program chosen. The table below provides details of the same:

Type of Degree	Credits required
Bachelor's degree	300
Bachelor's degree with honors	360
Master's degree	180
Integrated Master'sMaster'sMaster'sMaster'sMaster's degree	480
Doctoral Degree	540

 

Best Universities in the UK

The UK has some of the best universities which are globally recognised for their academic reputation and extensive research facilities. According to the QS Rankings 2025 report, around 90 universities in the UK appear in the list of top universities around the world.

The table below lists the top ten universities in the UK:

Serial No.	University	QS Ranking 2025
1	Imperial College London	2
2	University of Oxford	3
3	University of Cambridge	5
4	University College London	9
5	The University of Edinburgh	22
6	The University of Manchester	32
7	King’s College London	38
8	London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)	45
9	University of Bristol	55
10	University of Warwick	67

 

The UK has both public and private universities which cater to the various requirements of students. International students migrating to the UK for higher studies can choose a private or a public university as per their preference. The table below states the major differences between private and public universities:

Criteria	Public University	Private University
Fund	Funding comes from the state government, and the subsidies	Funding comes from tuition fees paid by students, private ventures,  and investors
Tuition fees	Low	High
Scholarships	Offered but less than private universities	Offered comparatively more than public universities
Accreditation	Accredited by the state or national government	Accredited nationally
Admission	More seats with less strict eligibility criteria	Has a cap on student enrolment along with strict eligibility criteria
Universities in the UK	University of Oxford	Regent’s University London
	University of Cambridge	The University of Buckingham
	University of Edinburgh	BPP University
	Imperial College London	Arden university
	University of Warwick	The London Institute of banking and finance
	King’s College London	The university of law

Top ten courses to pursue in the UK

The UK offers more than 50,000 courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Certain sectors like healthcare, education, finance and IT have a high demand for skilled professionals. The top ten courses in the UK include the ones leading to jobs in these sectors. The table below provides a detailed overview of the top ten courses in the UK and the best universities to pursue them:

Name of the course	Popular programs	Average Annual Tuition Fee	Top Universities	Job Prospects
Business Analytics	BSC Data Science and Business Analytics MSC in Business Analytics Business Analytics and Big Data	£18,000 - £29,500	Imperial College London University of Manchester University of  Warwick University of Edinburgh	Machine Learning Engineer Data Architect Data Analyst Data Analyst Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Chief Data Officer (CDO) Project Manager
Data Science	MSc Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning MA big data in culture and society	£19,000 - £40,54,400	King's College London university of Southampton University of Edinburgh London school of economics and Political science	Data scientist Machine Learning Engineer Applications architect Data Architect
Computer Science	BSc Data Science MSc in Advanced computer science MSc Human-computer Interaction	£20,000 - £43,000	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge Imperial College London University College London	Software Developer Computer hardware engineer Computer systems analyst Computer network architect Web developer
Business Administration	MBA Executive MBA MS. Financial analysis MSc Management BSc Business and Management	£40,000 -£1,00,000	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge Imperial College London University of Manchester	HR officer Business Development Representative Finance Analyst Investment Banker Management Consultant
Finance and Accounting	MSc  Financial Economics Masters in Finance MSc in Finance and Accountancy MSc Accounting BSc Finance	£2,000 - £45,000	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge Imperial College London London School of Economics and Political Science	Financial Planners Financial analysts Accountants Business advisors CA
Law	LLB LLM LLM Corporate law	£19,500 -£44,000	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge University College London London School of Economics and Political science	Barrister Solicitor Lawyer Legal writer Legal consultant
Architecture and construction management	Master of Architecture BSc Construction management  MSc Construction project management  MSc Construction cost management  MSc Construction Management and International Development	£17,000 -£40,000	University of Cambridge University of Edinburgh Lancaster University University of Manchester	Architect Landscape architect Urban planner Construction manager Building services engineer Site engineer
Engineering	MEng Chemical Engineering MEng Civil and Structural MSc Civil Engineering MSc Mechanical engineering	£14,000 -£50,000	University of Oxford  University of Cambridge University Imperial College London University of Manchester	Chemical Engineer Civil Engineer Mechanical Engineer Software Engineer Petroleum Engineers

UK Study Visa Requirements

You would be eligible to apply for a UK Student visa if:

• Are at least 16 years old
• Have been accepted by any University of higher education institute in the UK
• Have enough money to support your stay
• Have sufficient language proficiency
• Have zero criminal records
• Are medically fit to migrate and study in the UK

The following are the documents required for a UK Study Visa:

• Letter of Acceptance from the desired university in the UK
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Educational Transcripts till date
• Medical Fitness reports
• Health Surcharge Reference Number
• ATAS Certificate
• Language Proficiency test results
• Travel documents
• Fee payment receipts

UK Intakes for International Students

The universities in the UK generally have three intakes for undergraduates and postgraduate students. The table below provides details of the same:

Intake	Duration
Autumn/ Fall Intake	September – December
Spring Intake	January – April
Summer Intake	April – June

 

UK Student Visa Application

The steps to apply for a UK Study Visa are listed below:

Step 1: Check your eligibility for the visa

Step 2: Receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a UK University

Step 3: Gather the documents required

Step 4: Fill out the application form

Step 5: Complete the fee payment

Step 6: Schedule an appointment at a visa application center

Step 7: Fly to the UK upon visa approval

UK Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UK Student Visa is around 3 weeks, depending on the current workload of the embassy. Therefore, students are advised to apply well in advance to avoid processing delays.

UK Student Visa Cost

The cost of a UK Student visa for international students is around £490. Students are also required to pay a basic healthcare charge based on the duration of their stay in the UK.

UK Student Scholarships for international students

Scholarships help reduce the financial burden for capable students willing to study abroad but who have financial restraints. The Government of the UK offers financial aid to talented students requiring financial help. Both public and private universities in the UK offer scholarships to deserving candidates but the competition for getting scholarships is always high.

Scholarships in the UK are offered on the basis of merit, financial requirements, and other skills. The table below lists the top ten scholarships to apply for in the UK:

Name of the scholarship	Funded by	Amount	Courses
British Chevening Scholarship	British Govt/FCO	£18,000	Masters
Commonwealth Master/s & PhD scholarships for developing commonwealth countries	DFID	100% of the tuition fee	Masters
			PHD
Oxford – Weidenfeld and Hoffman Scholarship and Leadership Program	University of Oxford	100% of the tuition fee	Masters
Gates Cambridge Scholarships	Gates Cambridge Trust	£30,000-£45,000 per year	Masters
			PHD
Clarendon Fund scholarships at the University of Oxford	Oxford University Press	£18,662	Masters
			PHD
Reach Oxford scholarships for developing country students	University of Oxford	£19,092	Bachelor’s
Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International students	Rhodes Scholarship Fund	£19,092 per annum	Masters
			PHD
The Marshall Scholarship for US citizens to study in the UK	Marshal Aid Commemoration Commission	£38,000 per year	Masters

 

Who can apply for scholarships in the UK?

International students can apply for scholarships in the UK if they meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate academic excellence
• Have sufficient English language proficiency
• Have a strong statement of purpose
• Have been recommended for a scholarship by relevant authorities
• Have proof of financial need

Living Cost of UK

The cost of living in the UK for international students depend upon many factors such as accommodation, food, gas and electricity, internet, and lifestyle habits and the city in which you are living in. The table below gives an overview of the monthly essentials in the UK:

Particulars	Monthly cost (£)
Accommodation	£700- £1500
Food	£150
Groceries	£70
Bills	£140
Socializing	£150
Stationary and Textbooks	£20- £40
Clothing	£50- £75
Travel	£30- £40

 

Note: You must show savings of a minimum of £1023 per month while applying for a UK Student Visa.

Post-Study Work Options in the UK

According to recent data, the UK has around 819,000 job vacancies as of January 2025. Recent international graduates in the UK often choose to stay back in the country after completing their studies, owing to the robust job market, numerous job vacancies, and high-paying annual salaries.

The table below lists the in-demand jobs in the UK:

 

Occupations	Average Salaries per year
Engineering	£43,511
IT	£35,000
Marketing & Sales	£35,000
HR	£32,842
Healthcare	£27,993
Teachers	£35,100
Accountants	£33,713
Hospitality	£28,008
Nursing	£39,371

 

The demand for skilled professionals in the UK varies from one country to another. The top ten cities with highest job opportunities are listed in the table below:

City	Average Salary	Employment Growth rate
Milton Keynes	£38,613	3.9%
Oxford	£36,692	16.4%
York	£32,533	2.9%
St. Albans	£46,551	5.3%
Norwich	£31,559	6.7%
Cambridge	£38,666	4.2%
Colchester	£34,694	-2.8%
Aberdeen	£32,239	-6.2%
Bristol	£34,215	8.7%
Coventry	£33.887	1%

Part-time jobs in the UK

International students often find it hard to manage their expenses in the UK while pursuing a degree there. To ease the financial burden, students can take up part-time work while studying in the UK.

UK Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week in a part-time job role. International students in the UK often choose to work part-time during weekends. This not only helps them manage their expenses but also opens up good work opportunities in the future.

Top 10 Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students

The top ten part-time job roles for students in the UK are listed in the table below:

Job Roles	Salary Per Hour (in Pounds)
Online Tutoring	£20-£40
Content Writing and Editing	£14-£20
Campus Jobs	£11-£25
Social Media Management	£12-£20
Graphic Designing and Web Development	£20-£30
Teaching English Online	£6-£28
Data Entry and Processing	£11-£12
Online Transcription	£5-£9
Customer Service	£8-£12
Virtual Assistant	£10-£15

 

Rules and restrictions for part-time work in the UK

The UK government has laid down specific rules and restrictions for international students. The following are the rules to be followed for international students willing to do part-time work in the UK:

• International students can work for up to 20 hours per week while the course is in session.
• Students can work full-time during semester breaks and long holidays.
• Working more than allotted working hours can lead to violation of visa conditions.
• Students pursuing short-term language courses are allowed to work 10 hours per week.
• Students cannot take up freelancing, contractual work, or self-employment while on a UK Student Visa.
• International students enrolled in part-time courses cannot work while studying in the UK.
• Full-time work is only permitted upon receiving a UK Work Visa.

UK Work Visa Options for International Students

International students often choose to stay and explore the job market in the UK after completing their studies. The Student Visa expires once you complete the degree you were pursuing in the UK. Therefore, students willing to work in the UK must apply for a UK Work Visa upon receiving a job offer in the country.

After your graduation in the UK, you can apply for a Graduate Visa to extend your stay in the UK for 2 more years. You can use this visa to take up a new course in the UK or to look for jobs in the country. Once you get a job in the UK, you can apply for a UK Work Visa.

The UK offers the following types of work visas to foreign workers:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Global Business Mobility Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• High Potential Individual Visa

Among these work visas, the Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Worker Visa lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for settling in the UK.

UK ILR: Settling in the UK

The UK is one of the most preferred countries by foreign nationals willing to settle abroad. It comes with a world of benefits including permanent residency, access to public services and a pathway towards citizenship. Foreign nationals, including international students, can apply for the UK ILR after completing a minimum of ten years.

The following are the eligibility requirements for acquiring a UK ILR:

• Must have lived in the UK for 10 years under different visas
• Must have worked in the for a minimum of 5 years
• Must have passed the “Life in the UK”  test
• Must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK within any 12 months
• Must have a good character
• Must be proficient in English
• Must have had visas that lead to the UK ILR

You can apply for UK Citizenship after 12 months of receiving the UK ILR, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis, the world's No.1 overseas immigration consultancy, has been providing unbiased immigration services for more than 25 years. Our team of experts is here to provide end-to-end assistance to help you migrate to the country of your dreams. The valuable services we provide include:

• Free counseling on university and course selection
• Personalised assistance with documentation for UK Study Visa
• Campus Ready Program to help you decide the best and ideal course
• Y-Path to guide you with the best possible career options for you
• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you ace your language proficiency tests