The UK Student visa — formally a Tier 4 (General) Student visa, now simply called the Student visa — is one of the most in-demand visas we process at Trippatron. With over 680,000 international students in the UK annually, the process is well-established but still catches applicants off guard. Here's the full picture for 2026.
To apply, you must have an unconditional offer from a licensed UK sponsor (university or college). They will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number — you cannot apply without it. Your CAS is valid for six months and is specific to your course.
Financial requirements: you must show £1,334 per month for London-based courses (£1,023 outside London), held in your bank for 28 consecutive days before applying. For a 9-month course in London, that's £12,006 minimum. Official financial sponsorship letters from your government or institution can replace this.
Language requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 (most universities). Some courses require 6.5 or 7.0. Duolingo English Test is now accepted by many UK universities at 110–125 equivalent.
Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year of your course (students from reciprocal agreement countries are exempt). For a 3-year undergraduate degree, that's £2,328 upfront alongside your visa fee.
Processing time: standard processing is 3 weeks inside the UK, 3–4 weeks from outside. Priority service (5 days) is available from most countries at an additional £250. Book your biometric appointment early — popular appointment slots fill weeks in advance.
Applying through Trippatron: our visa specialists review your entire application before submission, check your CAS details against your offer letter, and advise on documentation gaps. Our UK student visa approval rate is 94%. Start your application at least 8 weeks before your course begins.