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CONTENTS

1. Studying in the UK

2. Applying to a UK university

3. Visas and employment conditions for international students

4. International student accommodation

5. What’s it like to study in the UK?

Studying in the UK

The UK is one of the world's most popular destinations for international students. In 2022/23, more than 750,000 international students enrolled to study in the UK. Of these, more than 95,000 were from the EU.

You have a choice of more than 150 universities and other higher education institutions. Each offers a range of qualifications recognised around the world. 

Tuition fees vary between institutions. Most EU and EEA nationals will be charged international fees, unless they're from Ireland or are already living in the UK and registered under the . 

You’ll need to be aware of visa conditions, English language requirements, and work permit restrictions. Find out more on the .

Use this guide as well as other information and advice found across our website. Our UK university rankings are a good place to start. 

Applying to a UK university

Undergraduate applications to UK universities are usually made through the . 

Postgraduate applications are normally made directly to the university, usually via the university website. 

As an international student, you should make sure you get your application in well before the deadline, particularly if you want to study at one of the UK’s top universities. Check individual university website course pages for details on how to apply. 

If your qualifications were gained outside the UK, you’ll need to find out how they compare to the course entry requirements of your chosen university. Some universities have details about this on their websites, or you can contact them for guidance. If you need a ‘statement of comparability’, you can contact (there will be a fee for this service). 

How to apply on UCAS

Register your details on the UCAS website. Make sure to input all your information correctly. 

Choose a course you’ll be happy to commit to for the next three or more years. International students can also read our advice on choosing a course, and you can use our course chooser to search through over 100,000 courses. Once you've found a course, take note of its unique UCAS code as you'll need this when you fill in the application form. 

Find a university that’s right for you. Our advice on choosing a university can help you decide. Think about league table position, location, accommodation, and facilities. Once you've made your shortlist of universities, make a note of their unique UCAS codes. 

Fill in the application form. You only fill in one UCAS application. You can apply to five different universities for the same course or five different courses at the same university – it's up to you. You only write one personal statement for all five choices. 

Send and wait for replies. Once you've sent your application, universities will take some time to reach their decision, and you'll receive either offers or rejections. 

UCAS costs 

A lot of students forget that a UCAS application costs a fee. For 2025 entry the fee is £28.50. You will be able to apply for five courses in your initial application.

UCAS deadlines

Visas and employment conditions for international students

If you’re thinking of studying as an international student in the UK – whether as an undergraduate or postgraduate – you’ll need to get your visa sorted out as early as possible. 

Passport

You'll need a valid and up-to-date passport for the duration of your planned stay in the UK.

Student visa

International students need a visa with sponsorship from their institution to study in the UK. Your visa should allow for multiple entries into the country. Postgraduate research students may also bring dependent family members (your spouse and children under the age of 18).

The Student visa is a points-based system where you’ll need to satisfy three key criteria: 

• Evidence of a place offered on a course from the university (sponsor) where you plan to study – this is known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Proof that you have enough funds for you (and your family if applicable) to live in the UK.
• Proof of how well you can speak, read, write and understand English.

International students may need to show they have enough money to study in the UK without needing access to public funds. You’ll need enough money to pay your course fees for a year, plus £1,483 a month for the first nine months if you are studying in London, or £1,136 per month if you’ll be outside London.

Postgraduate research students bringing their families will need to prove they have enough funds for them.

Many countries are exempt from this requirement, although some students may still be asked by UK Visa and Immigration to give evidence of their finances. 

English language skills usually need proof such as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). There are many approved centres that offer suitable tests. Many universities have specific language requirements, so check for details of what’s needed for your course of study. If you’re from an English-speaking country or studied at degree-level in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt – be sure to check the visa guidance. 

As well as paying for a visa, international students must pay a health surcharge for each year they’re granted leave to remain in the UK. This amount is paid upfront as part of your visa application. It'll also need to be paid by any dependent family members going with postgraduate research students. 

You should apply for your visa at least one month, and no more than six months, before coming to the UK. If you're already in the UK, the earliest you can apply is three months before your course starts. Guidance on Student visas is available on the . For more information, see  (the UK Council for International Student Affairs).

EU students

Since 1 January 2021, EU students arriving in the UK need a visa. They also need to pay a health surcharge for each year they’re in the UK. Students from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland are normally exempt from the requirement to prove they have enough money to support themselves. 

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens – plus others – who were in the UK by 31 December 2020 can apply to the (the deadline was 30 June 2021). This will give them continued access to education, the NHS and more on the same basis as UK residents. They won't need a visa. 

Irish students don't need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme and don't need a visa. 

Once you have a Student visa

If your course is six months or longer, you can arrive in the UK up to a month before your course starts. International students are expected to study only at the institution that has accepted them. If you want to change university, you’ll need to make a fresh visa application. 

The university will be responsible for keeping your personal details up to date and reporting international students who don't arrive, don't have a satisfactory attendance record, or leave before completing their course. 

Work permit restrictions

International students on full-time degree-level undergraduate or postgraduate courses are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term, or full-time outside of term time. This is only if they’re studying at a higher education provider that has a track record of complying with immigration and educational requirements.

Extending your stay

If you’re over 18 and studying at degree level, your visa normally allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years. You may be able to extend your visa, for example if you need more time to finish your programme, or you're studying a new course at a higher level. 

Since 1 January 2021, postgraduate students no longer have a study time limit as long as they’re progressing academically. Other international students may be able to make an in-country application for further leave. 

Post-study work visa for international students

When you finish your course, you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa to remain in the UK at least two more years, if:

• You are in the UK.
• You have a current Student visa.
• You studied for a bachelor’s degree or higher-level qualification.
• Your university tells the Home Office that you successfully completed your course.

Once you have a Graduate visa, you are permitted to work. Your work can be at any skill level, and there’s no sponsorship required. After the visa expires, if you have eligible skilled work, you may be sponsored by your employer in a new work visa application. Otherwise you’ll need to leave the UK.

International student accommodation

There is a range of accommodation options for international students. It’s important your accommodation is right for you as it'll be difficult to change part way through your stay. 

If you’re living away from home for the first time, university halls of residence are a good place to meet other students. If you want greater independence, you could choose private accommodation such as a studio or one-bedroom flat, or a flat-share. 

To get to know what family life is like in the UK, you can board with a host family. This makes it easier to interact with locals and is a great way for non-native speakers to improve their English skills. This option is sometimes called a home stay.

For more information read our guide to student accommodation or visit the website.  

Support at university

Studying abroad can be a little scary, especially if it’s your first time away from home. It’s common to experience culture shock and homesickness. Universities have counselling services and international student support officers who can help you adjust to UK student life.

What’s it like to study in the UK?

UK universities

The UK’s universities date back to the ancient universities of Oxford (1096), Cambridge (1209) and St Andrews (1411). There are now more than 150 universities and other higher education providers in the UK. 

They share a worldwide reputation for the quality of their courses, teaching and research. A degree from a UK university is a well-respected qualification throughout the world, partly because of the increasing emphasis on employability alongside knowledge and skills. 

External examiners are appointed by all universities to ensure educational standards are met. These educational standards are reflected in high entry requirements, short and intensive courses of study, and good completion rates (which suggests strong student support). Universities have careers service networks to help with deciding what to do after graduating. 

EU students or international students who’ve paid the health surcharge get free medical and subsidised dental and optical treatment and advice from the NHS. 

UK degree courses are intensive and shorter than in many other countries. This has a strong financial advantage, not only in study and living costs, but also because students can enter employment sooner.

UK culture

The UK is made up of four countries – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – where more than 68 million people live. Around 16% of the population were born overseas. This has created a diverse and multicultural society that represents countries from all over the world. 

People from the UK are known for being very polite. Being on time for an appointment is expected and being late for a lecture or a doctor's appointment is considered rude. The British sense of humour is subtle and sarcastic, so can be difficult to understand. 

UK National holidays

• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• January Bank Holiday (Scotland only): 2 January
• St Patrick’s Day (Northern Ireland only): 17 March
• Good Friday: March or April
• Easter Monday: March or April
• May Day: early May
• Spring Bank Holiday: late May
• Summer Bank Holiday: late August
• Christmas Day: 25 December
• Boxing Day: 26 December

If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday.

To find out bank holiday dates for the year you'll be arriving in the UK visit the .

Weather

The UK’s climate is fairly easy to adjust to. It tends to have low humidity, warm summers and mild winters. Days are long and bright in June but short and grey in December.

From sunshine and heat waves to rain showers and snowfall – the UK gets it all. Many websites offer daily and hourly weather forecasts such as the and the .

It’s good to budget for the following items in preparation for your stay:

• Winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves for use from late November to March.
• Shorts, t-shirts, sun hat, flip-flops and sun cream for hot summer days.
• Clothes you can layer up for the unpredictable weather days.
• Suitable shoes for walking through the UK countryside.
• Appropriate clothing for wet weather.