The Student visa is the main visa you'll need to study in the UK. First, you'll need an unconditional offer from a licensed university or college in the UK. You'll then receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need before you can apply for your visa.
As you study (If you're studying a degree-level course), you can work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time during official university holidays. You need to note that your exact work hours will depend on your course and university.
After you finish a UK degree, you can apply for the Graduate visa. This visa lets you stay in the UK to work or look for a job without needing a sponsor.
Student Visa Key Facts
- Duration: Lasts as long as your school programme, with additional time allowed before and after the course depending on the course length.
- Work rights: As an eligible full-time degree-level student, you can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during official vacations.
- Eligibility: You need an offer from a licensed UK education provider, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and you must meet the Student visa requirements, including the financial and English language requirements where applicable.
- What you can work while studying: You can work part-time or during holidays in most jobs, but some jobs aren't allowed under the Student visa rules. Also, your job doesn't have to be related to your course.
Graduate Visa Key Facts
- Duration: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027, or 3 years if you've completed a PhD or another doctoral degree.
- Work rights: You can work, look for a job or be self-employed in most jobs without needing an employer to sponsor you.
- Eligibility: You must complete an eligible UK course on a Student visa and apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
- What you can work while studying: You can work in most jobs, even if the job isn't related to your degree.
- 20 hrs
- Work per week in term
- 2 yrs
- Graduate visa, applying by 31 Dec 2026
- 3 yrs
- Graduate visa after a doctorate