It’s hardly surprising that the UK is so sought after. It’s home to a number of the world’s top business schools, including London Business School, which ranked seventh in the 2025 Financial Times MBA Ranking, as well as Imperial Business School, Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School.
For those with a top degree to their name, job opportunities are rife in the UK—whether you’re looking for a corporate career in management consulting or finance, for a chance to work at a startup, or even to start your own business.
To guarantee your right to study in the UK, you must first secure a student visa. Here, we break down all the key information you need for your UK student visa application, including required documents, costs, length of the application, and whether you can work on a student visa while in the UK.
Summary of the UK student visa process
If you’re looking to complete a UK student visa application you’ll need a valid passport, Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) form, and other required documentation. There will be an upfront cost of £524, (plus additional costs depending on your personal situation), and your application may take up to three weeks.
What documents are needed for a UK student visa?
All UK student visa applicants must provide a valid passport (or alternative valid travel documentation), and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is required for international students who are studying or conducting research in specific and sensitive technology-related fields (often STEM subjects). For most business school applicants this is not applicable, though programs in highly technical subjects may include this requirement. Students from the EU, the US, Australia, and several other countries are also not required to provide an ATAS certificate.
There are a number of other pieces of documentation or information which may be required for certain students. These may include:
→ Proof that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, as well as your living costs (£1,483 per month for up to nine months for courses in London, £1,136 per month for courses outside London)
→ Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor, if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
→ Tuberculosis test results (only applicable for students who meet certain criteria listed here)
How much does a UK student visa application cost?
The cost to apply for a UK student visa is £524, or roughly $710 (as of June 2025).
Most students also have to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of their UK student visa application. This is £776 per year (roughly $1050 per year) for students. If you are staying for less than six months, you do not need to pay this.
As previously mentioned, you may also have to provide proof that you can cover your tuition fees and living costs for your time spent studying.
How long does it take to process a UK student visa application?
The length of time it takes to process your application depends, but you can usually expect to hear the result of your application within three weeks.
If you are applying internationally, the earliest you can begin your application is six months before your course starts. If you are applying from the UK, then you can only apply from three months before your start date.
Can I work while studying on a UK student visa?
Yes, you are allowed to work while holding a UK student visa, but there are restrictions that may be worth noting.
During university term time, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. There are exceptions if you are undertaking a work placement that is connected to the course you are studying. Typically these are assessed and count towards your final degree; this is fairly common on business and management programs, especially those with a more practical focus.
During holiday breaks, however, UK student visa holders are allowed to work full-time.
This right to work continues for up to four months after your course has officially finished, or until your student visa expires, whichever comes sooner. Taking up a full-time job would require you to reapply and change your visa status.
If you hold a student visa for a part-time course, however, you do not have the right to undertake any paid or unpaid work in the UK.
Navigating your UK student visa application
Every international student coming to study in the UK will have to undergo the UK student visa application process.
This will require them to provide key documentation including a passport and CAS form, show proof of funds to cover tuition fees, cover the application cost of £524, and possibly complete other steps depending on their own circumstances. Students should also be aware of the roughly three-week application processing period, and the stipulations on the ability to work while studying.
Without the right information, the UK student visa application process can be complex to navigate. This information should set you on the right track to securing your right to study in the UK.
And the payoff is clearly worth it—to be able to study at some of the world’s leading academic institutions, and to take a step towards one of the most thriving international job markets.
