🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Study Abroad
How to study in United Kingdom as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
In the UK, undergraduate applications go through the central UCAS service, while most postgraduate applications are made directly to each university. Once you accept an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, the university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need to apply for the UK Student visa from UK Visas and Immigration. The British Council's Study UK portal is the official starting point.
- Undergraduate study uses UCAS, a single application to up to five courses; postgraduate study is usually applied for directly with each university.
- Your university must be a licensed student sponsor; after you accept an unconditional offer and meet conditions it issues a CAS (valid six months).
- With a CAS you apply for the UK Student visa on GOV.UK — up to six months before a course start — showing finances and (usually) an approved English test.
- Many UK universities and UK-government schemes (e.g. Chevening, Commonwealth) offer scholarships that can offset fees.
Official authorities
- Study UK — British Council
Official portal: choosing a course, applying and visas.
- UCAS — international students
Central UK undergraduate admissions service.
- UK Student visa (GOV.UK)
Official student-visa requirements and online application.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment