UK Student Visa Help
Offered a place at a UK university or college?
The Student route depends on your education provider's sponsorship and on showing you can pay for your course and living costs.
Advice available in English and Albanian
Visit & Study
Student Visa
Who the route is for
It is for people aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on an eligible course by a provider that holds a student sponsor licence.
Main requirements
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your provider
- Money for course fees and living costs, held for the required period
- English language at the level for your course
- A genuine intention to study
- Parental consent if you are under 18
Documents commonly required
- Passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies reference
- Bank statements or evidence of official sponsorship
- Qualifications listed by your provider
- English language evidence
- Tuberculosis test certificate, where required
Application process
Most applications are made online, followed by an identity and biometrics step. What happens in between depends on where you apply from and what the route requires.
- Confirm the route that fits your circumstances
- Check each requirement against your situation
- Gather and organise the supporting documents
- Complete the online application and pay the relevant fees
- Attend a biometrics appointment or complete identity checks
- Wait for the decision and respond to any request for more information
Applying from Albania or Kosovo
Applicants based in Albania or Kosovo can get help preparing the application and understanding the evidence relevant to their circumstances.
Documents not issued in English may need to meet applicable translation requirements.
Financial evidence has to meet specific rules on the account, the dates and the amount. Errors here are a common reason for refusal.
During and after your studies
Students have limits on working hours and on bringing dependants. After completing an eligible course, some graduates can apply for further permission to work in the UK.
Previous refusal or immigration problem?
If an earlier application was refused, or there is a problem in your immigration history, it is important to understand the reasons given before deciding what to do next.
A new application that does not deal with those reasons is likely to meet the same result.
Discuss a visa refusalFrequently asked questions
01Can I work while studying?
Most students at degree level can work a limited number of hours in term time. The exact conditions appear on your visa.
02Can my family come with me?
Only students on certain courses can bring dependants. Check before you apply.
03Can I stay in the UK after my course?
Options may include the Graduate route or switching to a work route, depending on the rules in force and your circumstances.
Speak to a Solicitor
Tell us briefly about your immigration matter and how you would like to be contacted.
- Languages
- English · Shqip
Advice available in English and Albanian