Student Visa Information

If you want to study in the UK, you will usually need a Student Visa. Below is a simple overview to help you understand how to get started. 

Before you apply 

You must first have: 

• an unconditional offer from a UK university or college that is a licensed student sponsor 

• a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from that institution  

Your university will issue your CAS once you have met its academic and admissions requirements, and any other conditions it sets, such as paying a tuition fee deposit where required. You must have your CAS before you can start your visa application. 

What you need to show 

You must show that you: 

• have enough money to pay for your course 

• have enough money to support yourself while living in the UK  

• meet any other requirements that apply to your case  

For living costs, students normally need to show: 

• £1,529 per month if studying in London 

• £1,171 per month if studying outside London  

This is usually for up to 9 months, in addition to any unpaid tuition fees shown on your CAS. If your funds are being provided by a parent, guardian, or partner, you may need extra supporting documents, such as: 

• proof of relationship 

• confirmation that the funds can be used for your studies  

Documents you need 

You will need: 

• a current passport or other valid travel document 

• a CAS  

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide: 

• financial evidence showing at least 28 days of transaction history and confirm that the account has maintained the minimum required balance on a day-to-day basis 

• a TB test certificate, if this applies to your country of residence  

• an ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality require one 

• other documents depending on your personal circumstances  

Fees 

The current UK Student visa application fee is: 

• £558 if applying from outside the UK 

• £558 if extending or switching inside the UK  

Most students will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently £776 per year. 

Where to apply 

Students apply online through the official UK Government website, where they can check when to apply, what documents they need, how to prove their identity, and what happens after they submit the application. 

Even straightforward applications can run into delays if something is missing, unclear, or not presented in the right format. If you are unsure about what applies to your situation, check the official UK Government guidance and contact the NCUK Visa Support Team. They can help you understand the process more clearly and avoid common issues that students sometimes face, even when they feel well prepared. 

If Australia is your chosen study destination, the main visa route is usually the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Before applying, you will need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider. Below is a simple guide to help you understand the key requirements and where to start.  

Before You Apply 

Before you can apply, you must have: 

• a Letter of Offer from your education provider 

• a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)  

Your CoE is normally issued after you accept your offer and meet the provider’s requirements, including any deposit payment that applies. You must include a valid CoE in your visa application.  

What You Need To Show 

As part of the application, you must normally show that you: 

• are enrolled in an eligible course 

• have enough money to cover your travel, tuition fees, and living costs 

• meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement 

• have appropriate health insurance arrangements 

• meet any English language, health, character, or other requirements that apply to your case.  

Student visa applicants must provide proof of at least AU$29,710 for living costs.  

Document Checklist Tool 

Before you start preparing files, use the official Document Checklist Tool. This is important because the evidence required can vary depending on your: 

• country of passport 

• education provider 

• visa circumstances  

When you submit your application in ImmiAccount, you will also be given a list of documents to attach. The checklist is an indication of what you need, and the Department of Home Affairs may still ask for more evidence later.  

Documents You Need 

You will need: 

• a current passport 

• a CoE  

You may also need: 

• to provide financial evidence that shows at least 3 months of transaction history, showing that the minimum balance has been consistently available throughout that period 

• English language evidence 

• documents to support your GS responses 

• health or character documents, depending on your circumstances 

• welfare documents if you are under 18.  

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement 

As part of the online application, you must answer questions about: 

• your current circumstances 

• why you chose your course and Australia 

• how the course will benefit you 

• your study history in Australia, if any  

Health Insurance 

Most students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay in Australia. This is part of the student visa requirement. Your university will often arrange or recommend an OSHC provider as part of the offer and enrolment process, and the details are usually set out in your offer documents. Some students from countries that have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia may not need to purchase OSHC, depending on their nationality and circumstances, so it is important to check what applies to you.  

Where To Apply 

Applications are submitted online through the official Department of Home Affairs website using ImmiAccount. Unless the exemption applies, current Subclass 500 application fee starts from AUD 2,000. 

Before you apply, check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website, and use the Document Checklist Tool to confirm what is needed for your own case. If anything feels unclear, the NCUK Visa Support Team can help you understand the key requirements and prepare with more confidence, including the kind of small details that can sometimes cause problems even in otherwise well-prepared applications. 

For most international students, the main visa route for New Zealand is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Once you have accepted your offer and received an Offer of Place (OOP) from a New Zealand education provider, you can move on to the visa stage. Your Offer of Place is one of the key documents Immigration New Zealand (INZ) uses to assess your application.  

To apply, students typically need to: 

• hold a valid Offer of Place from an approved institution 

• show financial evidence of at least NZD $20,000 per year, or NZD $1,667 per month for courses shorter than 12 months, to cover living costs 

• show they can pay tuition fees and return travel 

• hold medical and travel insurance for the full stay in New Zealand 

• provide a police certificate if they are 17 or over and will stay in New Zealand for 24 months or longer 

• meet health requirements, which may include a chest X-ray or medical examination, depending on nationality, country of residence, and length of stay 

• if under 18, provide evidence of approved accommodation and welfare arrangements.  

Requirements can vary depending on your nationality, education provider, and personal circumstances, so always check the official INZ guidance carefully before applying. 

Financial Requirement 

You must show that you have enough money to cover: 

• tuition fees 

• living costs 

• return travel 

A useful rule of thumb is this: your funds should be genuinely available for your use, and where bank evidence is used, it is sensible to prepare at least 3 months of verifiable transaction history from a credible financial institution. This is especially important where sponsorship or financial undertakings are involved. 

Timeline 

For a smoother application process, it is best to start preparing early. In most cases, students should aim to organise their documents and finances several months before intake, submit the visa application at least 2–3 months before travel where possible, and avoid booking flights until the visa has been granted. This gives enough time for any extra document requests, health checks, or delays during busy periods. 

Visa Fee and Processing Time 

The Fee-Paying Student Visa currently costs from NZD $850. The average processing time is 10 weeks, though this can vary by provider type, country, and time of year. 

Document To Prepare 

Students should normally be ready with: 

• a valid passport 

• an Offer of Place 

• proof of tuition fee payment if requested 

• proof of funds and return travel 

• medical and travel insurance 

• a police certificate, if required 

• health evidence, such as a chest X-ray or medical exam, if required 

• if under 18, evidence of approved accommodation and welfare arrangements. 

Do not assume that every student will need the same set of documents. New Zealand applications can look straightforward, but small details still matter. Before you submit anything, make sure you have checked the latest official INZ guidance for your own situation. 

If anything feels unclear, contact the NCUK Visa Support Team. They can help you understand the key requirements, check that your documents make sense for your case, and help you avoid the kind of small mistakes that can affect even well-prepared applications. 

For most international students, studying in Canada means applying for a study permit. Before you apply, you will normally need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). In many cases, you will also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), depending on your circumstances. Some applicants are exempt from the PAL or TAL requirement, so it is important to check what applies to you before you start.  

As part of the application, you must normally show that you: 

• are enrolled at a DLI 

• have enough money to pay for: 

• tuition fees 

• living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you 

• return transportation 

• are in good health and, if required, complete a medical exam 

• Custodian declaration, if under 18 

Get Your Documents Ready 

Before applying, check the official IRCC guidance carefully so you know exactly what documents are required for your case. Students will usually need: 

• a valid passport 

• a letter of acceptance 

• a PAL/TAL, if required 

• proof of financial support 

• a letter of explanation 

• a medical exam, if required 

• other documents depending on your nationality, where you are applying from, and your personal circumstances. 

Letter of Explanation 

IRCC requires applicant to include a letter of explanation. This is your chance to explain: 

• why you want to study in Canada 

• why you chose your course and institution 

• that you understand your responsibilities as an international student. 

Submitting Application 

The current study permit fee is CAN$150. Other costs, such as biometrics, may also apply depending on your situation. Most students apply for a study permit before travelling to Canada. Applications are normally made online through the official IRCC system. 

Before you apply, make sure you are using the latest official IRCC guidance and checking the document requirements carefully for your own case. If anything feels unclear, the NCUK Visa Support Team can help you understand the key requirements and prepare with more confidence. 

For most international students heading to study in the United States will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. You cannot use a visitor visa for study that leads to a U.S. degree or certificate. Before submitting the application, you must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved school. Once accepted, the school will register you in SEVIS and issue your Form I-20, which you need for your visa application.  

Application Steps 

The main steps are usually: 

1. Receive your Form I-20 from your school 

1. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee 

1. Complete the DS-160 online visa application 

1. Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page 

1. Pay the visa application fee 

1. Schedule your visa interview using the instructions from the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate 

1. Attend your visa interview with the required documents 

1. Application outcome. 

Documents You Need 

Before the interview, students must prepare: 

• a passport valid for travel to the United States 

• the DS-160 confirmation page 

• the visa fee payment receipt, if required before interview 

• recent photographs 

• a signed Form I-20 

A consular officer may also ask for additional documents, such as evidence of: 

• your academic preparation 

• your intent to leave the United States after your studies 

• how you will pay your educational, living, and travel costs.  

Interview and Related Cost 

Most students applying from outside the United States will need to attend a visa interview. During the interview, the consular officer will decide whether you qualify for the visa under U.S. law. Fingerprints are usually taken as part of the process, and some applications may go through administrative processing before a final decision is made. 

The current non-immigrant visa application fee for student visa categories is USD185. Students may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on nationality, and the separate I-901 SEVIS fee. 

Important 

For the United States, the visa process is closely tied to your university documents, SEVIS record, and embassy-specific interview instructions, so it is important to follow the official steps carefully. Always check the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State, your U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and your school. If you need support to understand the key requirements, preparing your documents, visa conditions, or avoiding common issues that can slow things down, contact the NCUK Visa Support Team. 

Malaysia Student Pass applications are managed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which is the official student visa gateway under the Ministry of Higher Education. Before the visa stage can begin, you will need an offer letter from your university or college. 

In most cases, the university will apply on your behalf once you have accepted the offer and submitted all required documents. However, it is still your responsibility to make sure your documents are accurate, complete, and submitted on time to avoid delays. Processing of the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) can take up to 12 weeks, so students are strongly encouraged to begin preparing early. 

If you are applying less than 12 weeks before intake, we recommend contacting the NCUK Visa Support Team as soon as possible so we can work with the university to explore the available options. 

What To Prepare 

Students will normally be asked to prepare: 

• a valid passport with at least 18 months’ validity 

• a passport-sized photograph with a white background (35mm x 45mm) 

• academic certificates and transcripts from previous studies 

• an English language certificate, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English 

• a completed Health Declaration Form 

• a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, if from a high-risk country 

• a Personal Bond (usually submitted after arrival and refundable) 

Some students may also need country-specific documents, for example: 

• Sudan: No-Objection Certificate (NOC) 

• Iran: Letter of Eligibility (LOE) 

For students travelling to Sarawak, additional documents may be required: 

• authorisation letter 

• cover letter 

• Pre-VAL Medical Report, if screened at a non-EMGS clinic. 

SEV Required Countries 

Some passport holders must obtain a Single-Entry Visa (SEV) after receiving their VAL and before entering Malaysia. These students must not travel using a tourist or social pass. Students should check the official list of SEV-required countries and review it regularly, as the list may change without prior notice. 

For students going to Malta, the visa process usually follows long-stay study visa route, depending on nationality and course length. In general, if the course lasts more than 90 days, students should apply for the appropriate study visa before travelling. This is especially relevant for non-EU/EEA students. 

You may be asked to prepare documents such as: 

• university offer or admission letter 

• course details and duration 

• completed visa application form 

• valid passport 

• visa support letter, where applicable 

• recent bank statements 

• sponsor evidence or sponsor letter, if someone else is funding the student 

• travel or medical insurance 

• flight itinerary 

• proof of accommodation for the initial stay 

The process will usually involve: 

• accepting the offer 

• receiving visa guidance from the university or admissions team 

• booking a Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment 

• preparing documents 

• submitting the application 

• waiting for the outcome 

You need to ensure that your documents are complete before attending the appointment. 

For Italy, visa requirements can vary depending on the student’s nationality, country of residence, and length of study. You should follow the guidance provided by their university and then check the relevant embassy or consulate instructions carefully. 

As with Malta, students should not assume that one process applies to everyone. The university’s guidance and the local visa authority’s requirements should always be checked in full. 

For St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, you do not need to obtain a visa before travelling to Grenada. Before leaving for Grenada, you should make sure you have received the necessary SGU documents and are ready to travel. 

Key points to remember: 

• no visa is needed before travelling to Grenada 

• SGU will issue a Visa Upon Arrival Letter 

• students should travel only after receiving the required SGU documents 

• check whether a transit visa is needed for any country on the route to Grenada 

• transit visa requirements depend on your citizenship and travel itinerary 

• SGU can provide supporting documents after deposit payment. 

For Japan, you will usually need to follow the instructions provided by their university and then apply through the relevant Japanese embassy or consulate. 

Students should keep in mind that: 

• the process may vary depending on where they are applying from 

• some documents may need to be translated 

• the university’s guidance and local embassy instructions should always be followed carefully 

Because requirements may differ by country or location, you should not rely on general assumptions and should check the details early.

For the UAE, you may follow different visa routes depending on your personal circumstances and the institution’s eligibility rules. The most common route is the university-sponsored route, especially where parents are not UAE residents. 

In some cases: 

• parent sponsorship may be possible if a parent is a UAE resident 

• a student may already hold another valid UAE visa category 

The student visa process is usually handled through the sponsor or institution, although some universities may manage parts of the student-facing process directly. Internal university deadlines may apply, and students are generally expected to provide the necessary documents and sign an undertaking form where required. 

Reminder 

For all these destinations, you should: 

• read every instruction from the university carefully 

• prepare documents early and in the format requested 

• check whether translations or extra local documents are needed 

• avoid booking travel until the key visa or entry documents are ready 

• ask early if anything is unclear