When can you apply for a UK student visa?

Applying for a UK student visa is a key step for international students planning to study in the UK. Whether you're starting your application for the 2025/26 academic year or just researching ahead of time, it’s important to understand the process, restrictions, and key deadlines to ensure a smooth transition.

From when to apply to what you need to prepare, here’s everything you need to know about getting your UK student visa.

When to apply for a UK student visa

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you can submit your student visa application up to six months before your course starts. Since visa processing can take a few weeks, it’s best to apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

If you’re already in the UK and need to extend your student visa or switch to a different visa category, you can apply up to three months before your course begins.

How long does it take to process a UK student visa?

Visa processing times can vary, but in general:

• Applications from outside the UK typically take three weeks to process.
• Applications from inside the UK take around eight weeks if you’re extending or switching your visa.

If you need a quicker decision, you may be able to pay for a priority or super priority service, which can reduce processing times significantly.

UK student visa requirements

Before you apply, you’ll need:

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university
• Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself (tuition fees + living costs)
• A valid passport
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

Make sure to check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.

UK student visa restrictions

Once your visa is granted, you’ll need to follow certain conditions, including:

• Work limitations: Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, this varies depending on your course and visa type.
• Study conditions: You must study at the university and the course stated in your visa application. Changing institutions may require a new visa application.
• Bringing dependants: New rules introduced in 2024 mean that only postgraduate research students and those on government-funded scholarships can bring dependants.

What happens after you graduate?

If you want to stay in the UK after your studies, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for PhD graduates).

Alternatively, if you secure a job with an employer who sponsors work visas, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, allowing you to stay long-term.

Find student accommodation in the UK

Once you’ve sorted your visa, the next big step is finding a place to live. Whether you’re looking for student halls, private accommodation, or shared housing, StuRents makes it easy to compare and secure the best student housing options across the UK.

Start your search today and find the perfect home for your studies.