UK Student visa
The UK remains one of the fastest routes to a world-class degree, with one-year Master's programmes, BSc Top-ups for HND holders and a post-study Graduate visa. Rules on funds, dependants and credibility checks have tightened, so careful preparation matters more than ever.
UK Student visa
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, MRes, PhD and BSc Top-up students with a CAS from a licensed university.
- Apply up to 6 months before your course starts (from outside the UK).
- Tuition balance and living costs must be held for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
- English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study — many universities accept WAEC/NECO English.
- Credibility interviews are common for West African applicants — preparation is essential.
Bringing your family
Only students on research-based postgraduate courses (PhD, research Master's) or government-sponsored courses can bring dependants.
- Taught Master's (MSc/MA) students can no longer bring a partner or children.
- Extra maintenance funds are required for each dependant.
After you graduate
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work after an eligible UK degree — no job offer needed.
- Currently 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).
- Reducing to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027.
What has changed recently
- Visa fees rose on 8 April 2026 — the Student visa is now £558.
- The Graduate visa is being cut from 2 years to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027.
- Universities are applying stricter credibility and financial checks before issuing a CAS.
Document checklist
- Valid international passport (6+ months validity recommended)
- CAS number from your university
- Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days
- Academic transcripts and certificates listed on your CAS
- English test result (if required)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic
- Parental consent letter and birth certificate if using parents' funds
Other study destinations
Canada
Living costs (1 person): CAD 23,448 / year + first-year tuition
Australia
Living costs: AUD 29,710 / year + tuition + travel
New Zealand
Living costs (tertiary): NZD 20,000 / year (NZD 1,667 / month)
Fees and requirements change often and can depend on your nationality and circumstances. Always confirm on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website before paying or applying. Fabeny Consulting provides study abroad admissions support and student visa document preparation. We do not guarantee admission or visa approval — final decisions rest with institutions and with UKVI, IRCC, the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Immigration New Zealand. Where formal immigration advice or representation is required, we work with appropriately regulated advisers.