Country Archive
Home to Oxford, Cambridge, and 24 Russell Group universities. The Graduate Route gives you 2 years to work after graduation — no job offer required.
Universities
170+
Avg Tuition
£10k–£38k/yr
London Maintenance
£1,334/mo
Outside London
£1,023/mo
Visa Processing
~3 weeks
Post-Study Work
2 years
UCAS Deadline (UG)
31 January (UCAS)
Visa Type
UK Student Visa
4 quick questions. We cross-reference your profile against every Russell Group university and show you exactly where you stand.
UK Universities
Tuition/yr
£29k–39k
A-Levels
A*A*A
IELTS Min
7.5
Tuition/yr
£25k–58k
A-Levels
A*A*A
IELTS Min
7.5
Tuition/yr
£35k–47k
A-Levels
A*AA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£28k–38k
A-Levels
A*AA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£22k–32k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
7
Tuition/yr
£23k–37k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£24k–35k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£21k–32k
A-Levels
AAB
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£22k–32k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£22k–31k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£20k–30k
A-Levels
AAB
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£20k–29k
A-Levels
AAB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£18k–27k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£19k–28k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£19k–28k
A-Levels
AAB
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£19k–27k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£18k–26k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£18k–27k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£20k–27k
A-Levels
AAA
IELTS Min
6.5
Tuition/yr
£18k–26k
A-Levels
AAB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£19k–27k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£17k–24k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£18k–25k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Tuition/yr
£18k–24k
A-Levels
ABB
IELTS Min
6
Step by Step
Once you accept an unconditional offer, your university sends you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. This is the key that unlocks your visa application.
Universities only issue CAS close to your course start date — usually 3 months before. Don't apply for the visa without it.
Submit your Student Visa application on the UK Visas and Immigration portal. You'll need your CAS, passport, financial evidence, and proof of English proficiency.
Insufficient financial evidence is the #1 reason for refusal. You must show tuition + 9 months of maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days.
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to the NHS during your stay. It's paid upfront for the full duration of your visa.
The IHS cost is per year — a 3-year course costs £776 × 3 = £2,328 upfront. Factor this into your budget early.
Visit a UKVI Visa Application Centre to submit your fingerprints and photo. Available worldwide — book early as slots fill fast in peak season (June–August).
Biometric centres in South Asia book up 4–6 weeks in advance during peak periods. Book the moment you submit your online application.
Standard processing is 3 weeks from biometrics. You'll receive a visa vignette in your passport. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK.
The vignette is valid for 30 days to travel. Do not book flights before your decision arrives.
The Real Number
This is the number students consistently underestimate. The UKVI requires you to show tuition + 9 months of maintenance, held for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
London (example)
Outside London (example)
⚠ These are illustrative figures. Always verify current requirements on the UKVI website before applying.
Month by Month
Research
Shortlist countries and course types. Begin IELTS/TOEFL prep.
IELTS Test
Sit your English test. You may need 2–3 attempts — budget time.
Shortlist Unis
Finalize 5–8 universities. Start drafting SOP and personal statement.
Approach Referees
Request letters of recommendation. Give referees 6+ weeks notice.
Submit Applications
UG: submit via UCAS by Jan 31. PG: apply directly to universities.
Receive Offers
Universities respond with conditional or unconditional offers. Accept your first choice.
Meet Conditions
Submit final transcripts, certificates, and any outstanding documents to meet offer conditions.
Receive CAS
University issues your CAS number once you hold an unconditional offer.
Apply for Visa
Submit Student Visa application, pay IHS surcharge, book biometrics appointment.
Visa Decision
Collect your vignette. Book flights. Arrange accommodation.
Arrive in UK
Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival. Register with GP. Open UK bank account.
What You Need
Application Phase
Visa Phase
Arrival Phase