Studying in…

UNITED

KINGDOM

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A visa is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or work in the United Kingdom, this includes the countries England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for a specific period and purpose.

What VISA do I need to study in the UK?

As a foreigner planning to study in the UK, you will need the right visa to enter and stay legally.

In this section you will learn the different types of student visas, and how to apply for a student visa.

The different types of student visas:

    • Students aged 16 or older coming to study in a university or college need this visa.

    • How long can I stay on this visa?

      • If your course is shorter than 6 months, up to 6 months.

      • If you are taking a Degree-level course, you can stay the length of the course, up to 4-6 months extra

      • PhD Students can stay up to 4 years after finishing the graduate route

    • this is for students aged 4-17 studying at a private school

    • Must have a place at a UK school and financial proof

    • Can stay in the UK until studies are completed

    • For short courses like an English Language Course

    • Cannot work or switch to another visa

    • Must leave after course completion

How to apply for a Student Visa?

Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for a student visa:

  1. Get confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (you must apply within 6 months of receiving it)

  2. Prepare your documents (Passport, CAS letter from university, Proof of funds, English Test (IELTS)

  3. TB Test (if required for your country)

  4. IHS Payment Receipt (Immigration Health Surcharge)

  5. Apply online for a Visa (£490 for a student visa, £200-300 for a short term visa)

  6. Attend a visa appointment

  7. Wait for Approval (Processing takes from 3-8 weeks, so apply as soon as you can)

What are IELTS, IHS, TB and CAS?

    • This is an English language test required to apply for UK visas, work, or study if you are from a country where the native language is not English

    • It tests, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

    • This is a mandatory health fee that allows foreigners to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS)

    • You pay for this when applying for a visa

    • This is a medical test for visa applications coming from countries where Tuberculosis is common

    • It checks whether you have active Tuberculosis (a lung disease)

    • Confirmation of studies from your selected university, this is sent to you by your education provider

If you are a foreign student moving to the UK, you will need to open a bank account and understand the tax system in the UK, especially if you plan to be working while studying.

What do I need to Open a Bank Account in the UK?

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to open a bank account as a stduent:

  • Passport / BiometricResidencePermit (BRP)

  • UKAddressProof (utility bill, tenancy agreement or employer letter)

  • UK Student Visa

  • University Acceptance Letter

Student-friendly bank accounts:

  • A lot of banks offer student-friendly accounts with benefits like fee-free international transfer and overdrafts!

Banking & Taxes

National Insurance (NI)

If you plan to work, you will also need a National Insurance Number, here is some quick information about it:

  • If you earn less than £242 per week or £1,048 per month, you do not pay National Insurance

  • if you earn above £242 per week, you pay 12% NI

Taxes for Students

As a student, you generally do not have to pay tax unless you decide to work part-time or earn over a certain amount.

Income tax:

  • Personal allowance (Tax-Free income) - £12,570 per year

  • If you earn less than this, you do not pay income tax

  • If you earn above this, you do pay income tax

  • If you are employed, your employer automatically deducts income tax and NI from your salary

Healthcare

As you want to study in the UK, you need healthcare while staying in the UK. So here is what you need to know about the healthcare system and insurance.

Do Students get free healthcare in the UK?

The UK has a public healthcare system called the National Health Service (NHS), and if you are in the UK for longer than 6 months, you must pay a IHS fee as part of your student visa application.

After you have paid the IHS, you can use NHS Services for free just like any other UK citizen.

    • The IHS is a mandatory fee you have to pay when applying for a visa

    • Private insurance is optional, but some students still get it for faster treatment and extra medical services not covered by the NHS

How to Apply for Healthcare as a Student?

As you are an international student in the UK, you need to apply for healthcare access through the NHS. Here is how to do it step-by-step:

  1. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

  2. Register with a General Practitioner (GP) as this is your first point of contact for medical issues.

  3. If you are going to work, you need a National Insurance Number (NIN) for tax and healthcare purposes.

What is a National Insurance Number (NIN)

This is a unique personal number used in the UK for tax, social security and benefits purposes.

Housing & Renting

As an international student, you have three main housing options, university accommodation, private renting or homestay.

Each are very different from each other so here is a quick breakdown of each one.

Types of Student Housing

    • Managed by universities

    • Available as catered (meals included) or self-catered

    • Usually bills included Wi-Fi, electricity, heating and water

    • Renting with friends or alone

    • You will need to pay rent, bills and a deposit

    • Most common for 2nd year and above students

    • You stay with a UK family

    • Meals and bills usually included

What do you need to Rent in the UK?

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to rent an apartment:

  • Proof of identity and Biometric Residence Permit

  • University acceptance letter or student ID

  • Proof of Income or a UK Guarantor (If no Guarantor, many landlords require 3-12 months rent upfront)

  • Right to Rent check (Landlords must verify that you have the right to live in the UK)

  • Deposit Payment (usually 4-6 weeks rent as a security deposit, which must be placed in a government-approved deposit protection scheme)

Driving & Transportation

As you are moving to the UK, you may need to drive or use the public transportation. This section will explain all the types of transportation you as a student can use.

Public Transportation in the UK

The UK has an incredibly well connected transport system, including buses, trains, trams and the London Underground (Tube)

    • London (The tube) is the most used transport system in the UK

    • You can use contactless card or an Oyster Card

    • Local Buses operate in every city and town

    • Payment methods are contactless cards or travel card

    • Coaches (long distance buses) are cheaper than trains for intercity travel

    • Black Cabs (expensive but licensed)

    • Uber, Bolt, FreeNow (Cheaper alternatives to taxis)

    • Minicabs (pre-booked private taxis)