Course length
Many bachelor's degrees take 3 years; taught master's courses are often 1 year.
Destination guide
Study in the UK
The UK combines concentrated degree formats with a wide choice of universities and specialist institutions. Build the plan around the course, the licensed sponsor, your total budget and the conditions attached to the Student visa.
Before you shortlist
Before you choose a course
Compare the course, institution, location and full budget together, then confirm the details in your offer and current Student visa guidance.
Maintenance evidence
£1,529 a month in London or £1,171 outside London, for up to 9 months.
Work condition
Eligible degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time.
Student visa fee
£558 for an application made outside the UK from 8 April 2026.
Study options
Find your study pathway
Course names alone are not enough. Compare qualification level, duration, assessment, progression and professional relevance.
Foundation
Preparation before an undergraduate degree when direct entry is not suitable.
Undergraduate
Bachelor's study with entry requirements set by each university and course.
Postgraduate
Taught and research degrees; many taught master's courses are designed for one year.
Research
MPhil and PhD routes with a defined proposal, supervisor fit and funding plan.
Application pathway
Your application, step by step
Requirements differ by institution and personal circumstances. Keep every decision traceable and every document consistent.
View student visa guidanceProfile and course review
Check academic history, subject fit, entry criteria and realistic progression.
Provider shortlist
Compare recognition, location, tuition, intakes and the support offered to international students.
Admission application
Prepare accurate academic, identity and English-language evidence for the institution.
Offer and payment review
Read every condition, deadline, refund term and deposit requirement before paying.
Visa preparation
Organise funds, health, identity and study-purpose evidence around the official checklist.
Pre-departure plan
Arrange housing, insurance, travel, arrival documents and the first weeks of living costs.
Costs and funding
Plan your study budget
Use current official and provider figures before paying. Exchange rates, tuition and immigration charges can change.
Tuition
Use the exact first-year course fee shown by the university and on the CAS.
Living-funds rule
Up to £13,761 in London or £10,539 outside London under the current 9-month formula.
Healthcare
Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge in addition to the visa application fee.
Travel and setup
Allow separately for flights, accommodation deposit, local transport and basic setup.
Official UK figures reviewed 22 July 2026. Figures are guidance, not a guarantee of admission or visa approval.
Work and everyday budget
Work and living costs
Employment is never a substitute for the funds required to study. These figures help you compare local pay rules with common recurring costs.
Hourly baselineGBP 12.71 / hourMinimum, age 21+
Student work limitUsually 20 hours / weekAlways check the visa conditions
Gross illustrationAbout GBP 254 gross / weekBefore tax and deductions
Typical living-cost guideLocal currency
Student hall, LondonGBP 848 / month
Student hall, rest of UKGBP 664 / month
GroceriesGBP 116–155 / month
Household billsGBP 80–140 / month
Public transportGBP 54–103 / month
Mobile planAbout GBP 18 / month
Living and studying
Before you travel
Work conditions
Up to 20 hours a week in term time is common for eligible degree-level study; your visa conditions control.
Health and insurance
The Immigration Health Surcharge is normally paid during the visa application.
City choice
London has a higher official maintenance requirement; costs also vary significantly between other cities.
Arrival planning
Keep accessible copies of your offer, visa, funds, address, insurance and provider contacts.
Official references
Check the source before you make a decision.
Rules can change. These links are the official starting points used to review this guide.