Study in United Kingdom
The UK offers a world-class education system with a clear pathway to post-study work. The **Student Visa** is the main route, and successful completion of a degree makes one eligible for the **Graduate Route** (post-study work visa). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Application timeline
3 weeks (standard, outside UK) or 5-8 days (priority service available).
Living cost
£1,000 - 1,800/month (London is significantly higher than other regions).
Hourly wage
£11 - £15 GBP/hr (National minimum wage is £11.44/hr for over 21).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for United Kingdom.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)
Student Route, Long-term Academic
Validity
Duration of course + 4 months grace period (for degrees)
Processing time
3 weeks (outside UK, standard), up to 8 weeks in peak season.
Fee
£576 (Base Visa Fee) + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year.
Work rights
Yes, with limits.
Documents required
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from Sponsor, Financial Proof (maintenance + tuition), ATAS Certificate (if required), Passport, TB test (if required).
Dependents
Yes, for Master's/PhD students on courses lasting 9 months or more, or if sponsored by a Government Scholarship. · Yes, dependents of Master's/PhD students may work full-time.
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, England · #1 (varies globally)
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics
1 year · £35,000 - £45,000/yr
Imperial College London
London, England · #5 (varies globally)
MSc in Computing (AI)
1 year · £37,000 - £40,000/yr
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Chevening Scholarships
Full funding for Master's degree (tuition, flights, living stipend).
Future leaders/decision-makers from eligible countries, proven leadership skills, and strong academic background.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Full funding (tuition, stipend, travel) for Master's and PhDs.
Citizens of Commonwealth countries for development-focused studies.
GREAT Scholarships
Minimum £10,000 towards tuition fees.
Students from eligible countries for one-year postgraduate studies at participating UK universities.
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
Study Abroad/Exchange Programs
1 semester or 1 year
Specific to the student's home university and UK partner institution; minimum GPA is typically required.
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
New Dependents Restriction
As of January 2024, most international students (excluding those on PhD/research courses and those on government-funded scholarships) can no longer bring dependents to the UK.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Ensure your financial evidence (CAS and maintenance funds) is strictly compliant with the 28-day rule; check if you require an **ATAS certificate** for sensitive subjects; and verify if you are eligible to bring dependents under the new rules.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
English
Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Time zone
UTC+00:00
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Retail Sales Assistant
£11 - £15/hr (National minimum wage is £11.44/hr)
Working in shops, common student jobs, strictly adheres to the 20-hour limit during term time.
University Ambassador/Events Staff
£12 - £18/hr
Working for the university, giving tours, or assisting with open days.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Strong. The **Graduate Route** visa provides an excellent 2-3 year period after graduation to gain skilled work experience, which can then lead to a Skilled Worker Visa.