Study in the UK for International Students: A Clear Guide

Many students type “study in UK for international students” into a search bar when they start planning. First comes the UCAS application, then the entry requirements, the Student visa and the costs. This guide explains each part for 2027 entry, with figures checked on official UK pages in October 2026. Fees and visa rules change, so always check the official page before you pay or apply.

How international students apply to study in the UK

For most undergraduate courses, you apply through UCAS. One application covers up to five choices, so plan your list with care. However, you can choose no more than four courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. You can also usually apply to only one course at Oxford or Cambridge, not both. Every application needs a reference, and the fee for 2027 entry is £34.50. Read our guide to the personal statement for university too, because it is a key part of the form.

Key UCAS dates for 2027 entry

• 15 October 2026 – Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses, although this date has already passed.
• 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time – the equal-consideration date for most undergraduate courses, so treat it as your main deadline.
• 30 June 2027 – the last date before applications go straight into Clearing, which then opens on 2 July.
• 23 September 2027 – the final date for 2027-entry applications.

Conditional and unconditional offers

Universities then reply with offers, which are often conditional on your exam results. Our guide to the conditional offer also explains firm and insurance choices.

Entry requirements and the foundation year route

Each university sets its own academic entry requirements for each course. When your school qualifications do not meet them, look for an international foundation year at a UK university. It often lasts one academic year. Before you enrol, check which grades you need to progress to the degree.

For English, the Student visa needs level B2 for degree-level study. First, you can prove it with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. Alternatively, your university may assess your English itself, as long as the level equals B2. A university’s own requirement can be higher than the visa minimum, so check each course page.

Study in UK for international students: what it costs

Before international students even arrive to study in the UK, they pay tuition, the visa fee and the health surcharge. In addition, you must show money for living costs.

Tuition fees

As a rough guide, UCAS says international undergraduates pay about £22,000 a year on average, within a range of £11,400 to £38,000. Each university sets its own international fees, so use the exact figure on the course page. Also see our guide to fully funded scholarships for funding ideas.

Visa fee, health surcharge and TB test

• The Student visa fee is £558 from outside the UK, since it rose from £524 on 8 April 2026.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 per year for students.
• Because the visa may last longer than your course, you pay the IHS up front for the whole visa length.
• You also need a TB test if you have lived for six months or more in a listed country, such as Algeria, Iraq or Morocco.
• However, residents of Egypt, Türkiye, Jordan and the UAE do not need one.

Living costs: the money you must show

For the visa, you must show £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months. In other words, that is £13,761 in London or £10,539 outside London. You also need your first-year course fees, as shown on your CAS. The money must stay in your account for at least 28 days in a row. Also, that 28-day period must end within 31 days of the date you apply.

Some nationals may not have to send this evidence. Among Arab countries, the GOV.UK list names only Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE. However, UKVI may still ask them for it. Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Morocco and Algeria are not on the list. Remember too that this is a minimum for nine months, not a full budget. So use our family budget plan to list every cost.

Student visa basics for international students who study in the UK

For the Student visa, you need an unconditional offer and a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university. Then you must apply within six months of receiving it. In addition, you can apply up to six months before your course starts. A decision then usually takes three weeks from outside the UK.

Besides your passport and CAS, you may need proof of funds, an ATAS certificate, parental consent if you are under 18 and TB results. During term time, full-time degree students may work up to 20 hours a week. This applies when their university has a track record of compliance. Outside term time, they may work full time. Our student visa guide also covers proof of funds and common refusal reasons.

Can international students stay in the UK after they study?

Yes, through the Graduate Route. The visa lasts two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026. However, it lasts only 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, while PhD graduates get three years. You cannot extend this visa, and it costs £937 plus the health surcharge, usually £1,035 a year. So if you start a bachelor’s degree in 2027, plan on 18 months.

A timeline for international students who want to study in the UK in 2027

1. October to December 2026 – first shortlist courses, then take an English test and write your personal statement.
2. By 13 January 2027 – send your UCAS application.
3. Spring 2027 – next, reply to your offers by the date UCAS gives you.
4. Summer 2027 – meet your conditions, then receive your CAS and hold the funds for 28 days.
5. Up to six months before the course – finally, apply for the Student visa.

Also use our study abroad checklist for a full list of tests and documents.

How ILEAP helps

ILEAP’s university awareness sessions explain majors, university systems, admission requirements and costs before students apply. ILEAP works with more than 200 universities across seven countries, including the UK. In partner schools, optional International University Open Days bring representatives from universities in different countries. Live online sessions also connect students with universities that cannot visit. Learn about university awareness or see our international universities.

Frequently asked questions

When should international students apply to study in the UK for 2027?

For most courses, send your UCAS application by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time. However, the 15 October 2026 date for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses has already passed.

How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?

You need £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to nine months, plus your first-year fees. Also, you must hold the money for 28 days in a row.

How long is the Graduate Route?

It lasts two years if you apply by 31 December 2026, but 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates, however, get three years.