Study in the UK

The UK offers internationally recognised qualifications, high academic standards and a wide range of courses. Many UK bachelor’s degrees take three years, while taught master’s programmes are commonly completed in one year, helping students save time and enter the job market sooner.

International students can apply for:

• Foundation and pathway programmes
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Pre-master’s and master’s degrees
• PhD and research programmes
• English-language courses
• Professional and vocational qualifications
• Boarding-school and sixth-form programmes

Your options depend on your qualifications, English level, budget and career objectives.

Requirements vary by institution and course, but applicants commonly need:

• Academic certificates and transcripts
• A valid passport
• Evidence of English-language ability
• A personal statement
• Academic or professional references
• A CV for some postgraduate courses
• A portfolio, interview or admission test for selected programmes

IEC assesses each student’s profile before recommending suitable institutions.

Not always. Many institutions accept IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic and other approved qualifications. Some may accept previous education taught in English or conduct their own assessment. The exact requirement depends on the institution, course and visa conditions.

Possibly. Foundation, International Year One and pre-master’s programmes can provide alternative entry routes. We assess your academic record and recommend realistic options instead of submitting unsuitable applications.

Most undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS, while many postgraduate applications are made directly to universities. The usual process is:

1. 1Initial eligibility assessment
2. 2Course and institution selection
3. 3Application preparation and submission
4. 4Offer and condition management
5. 5Deposit payment and CAS preparation
6. 6Student visa application
7. 7Accommodation and pre-departure arrangements

Applying six to twelve months before your course starts is advisable. Competitive courses should be approached earlier. For 2027 entry, the principal UCAS equal-consideration deadline is 13 January 2027; Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses have a 15 October 2026 deadline. Some courses accept later applications if places remain available.

Fees depend on the institution, subject and study level. Laboratory, engineering, medical and clinical programmes are generally more expensive than classroom-based courses. Students should check the precise fee, required deposit and payment schedule before accepting an offer.

Yes. Universities, governments and external organisations offer scholarships and tuition-fee discounts. Awards may be based on academic achievement, nationality, subject, financial circumstances or professional experience. Scholarships are competitive and may require a separate application.

You normally need to demonstrate sufficient funds for the outstanding course fees shown on your CAS, plus living costs of:

• London: £1,529 per month for up to nine months
• Outside London: £1,171 per month for up to nine months

Different rules or exemptions may apply in some circumstances.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, or CAS, is an electronic reference issued by a licensed education provider after you meet its conditions. You normally need a CAS before applying for a Student visa.

Documents commonly include:

• A valid passport
• CAS reference
• Financial evidence, when required
• Parental consent for applicants under 18
• TB test certificate, if applicable
• ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate subjects
• Evidence of qualifications listed on the CAS, where required

Additional documents may be requested depending on your circumstances

As of August 2026, a Student visa application costs £558. Applicants normally also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £776 per year for students; the precise total depends on the visa’s length.

Eligible students studying full-time at degree level or above may normally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations. Students on certain below-degree courses may be limited to ten hours, while some courses provide no work permission. Your eVisa conditions determine what you may do, and Student visa holders generally cannot be self-employed.

Most students cannot bring dependants. Eligibility is generally limited to government- sponsored students on courses longer than six months and certain full-time postgraduate research or doctoral students. The rules are specific, so family eligibility should be assessed before choosing a programme.

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate visa after completing an approved course in the UK. It lasts:

• Two years when the application is submitted on or before 31 December 2026
• Eighteen months when submitted on or after 1 January 2027
• Three years for eligible PhD or doctoral graduates

The Graduate visa is not automatically granted and must be applied for from within the UK.

No. A UK qualification can improve career opportunities, but admission, graduation, employment, visa approval and permanent residence are separate processes. Remaining in the UK longer term normally requires qualification under an appropriate immigration route, such as the Skilled Worker route.

IEC provides personalised support with:

• Eligibility and profile assessment
• University and course selection
• Application and document preparation
• Personal-statement guidance
• Offer and scholarship support
• CAS and Student visa guidance
• Accommodation arrangements
• Pre-departure and post-arrival support

Not sure where to begin? Book an initial consultation with IEC. We will assess your academic background, English level, budget and career plans before recommending suitable UK study options.

Information last reviewed: 11 August 2026. Admission and immigration rules can change. Applicants should obtain an individual assessment before applying.