Planning to study in the UK involves more than choosing a university and paying your tuition fees. The Student visa rules have been changing across several areas, including application fees, financial requirements, digital immigration status, dependant eligibility and what happens after graduation.
For students planning their next intake, understanding these changes early can make it easier to calculate the real cost of studying in the UK and choose a course that fits their plans.
The Student Visa Application Fee Is Now £558
The UK Student visa application fee is currently £558, whether the application is made from outside the UK or from within the UK to extend or switch to the Student route.
This is only the visa application fee. Students should also consider the Immigration Health Surcharge and other costs associated with studying and moving to the UK.
For anyone preparing a study budget, looking only at tuition fees can therefore give an incomplete picture of the total cost.
Students Need to Show Enough Money for Living Costs
Financial planning is another area students need to take seriously.
At present, students must generally show:
- £1,529 per month if studying in London
- £1,171 per month if studying outside London
The amount can be required for up to 9 months, in addition to the money needed for the course fees.
There is also an upcoming increase. For applications subject to the new requirement from 30 November 2026, the maintenance figures will rise to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London.
This makes it important for students to check the financial requirement that applies on the date they submit their application, rather than relying on an older figure found online.
The UK Visa System Is Now Digital
One of the biggest changes students will notice is the move away from physical immigration documents.
Successful Student visa applicants receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of their identity and immigration status. Students can access it through their UKVI account.
The UK has now moved to a digital immigration system, and UKVI stopped issuing visa vignette stickers to successful new applicants from 1 July 2026.
Students should make sure that their passport and personal details are correctly linked to their UKVI account before travelling. Incorrect or outdated information can cause problems when travelling or proving immigration status.
The Graduate Route Is Changing
The Graduate Route remains an important consideration for students thinking about studying in the UK, particularly those who want to stay after completing their course.
However, the length of the route is changing.
For eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates:
- Applications made on or before 31 December 2026 can receive a 2-year Graduate visa.
- Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will generally receive 18 months.
Students who successfully complete a PhD or another doctoral qualification will continue to receive 3 years under the Graduate Route.
The Graduate visa currently costs £937, and applicants also need to pay the applicable Immigration Health Surcharge. For an 18-month Graduate visa, the current healthcare surcharge is £1,152.50.
The Graduate Route is not extendable, although eligible graduates may later be able to switch to another immigration route.
Bringing Dependants Is Now More Restricted
Students who plan to move to the UK with their partner or children need to check the dependant rules before choosing their course.
Under the current Student Route rules, dependants may generally accompany:
- Government-sponsored students on eligible courses lasting more than six months; or
- Students studying a qualifying postgraduate course lasting at least nine months, where the course is a PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree at an eligible higher education provider.
This means that most students studying ordinary taught Master’s programmes cannot bring dependants under the Student Route.
For families, this can make course selection particularly important. A programme that looks suitable academically may have very different immigration implications depending on its level and structure.
Choosing a Course Now Requires More Thought
With these changes, students should look beyond the university name and tuition fee when comparing courses.
Before accepting an offer, it is worth considering:
How much will the visa and healthcare charges add to the budget?
How much money will need to be shown for living expenses?
Can your partner or children accompany you under the current rules?
What post-study option will apply when you complete the course?
Will the course lead to the type of qualification you are expecting?
These questions can be particularly important for students who are planning their finances around staying in the UK after graduation.
What Students Should Do Before Submitting an Application
The UK Student visa process is not simply about meeting one financial figure.
Your application can involve your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial evidence, academic background, English-language requirements and other supporting documents, depending on your circumstances.
Students should therefore prepare their application around the specific course and intake they have chosen.
It is also worth checking the rules close to the date of application. As the maintenance figures show, immigration requirements can change even when a student has already started planning for a particular intake.
A Final Word for Students Planning Their UK Studies
The UK remains an important destination for international students, but the overall cost and immigration pathway should be considered before making a final course decision.
The £558 Student visa fee, updated maintenance requirements, digital eVisa system, changes to the Graduate Route and restrictions on dependants can all affect a student’s plans in different ways.
If you are planning to study in the UK, look at the complete picture rather than focusing only on tuition fees. Check the financial requirement that applies to your application date, understand whether your family can accompany you and consider what immigration options may be available after your studies.
