Study in the UK: Visa, Costs and Graduate Route
Study in the UK with practical information on CAS, Student visa sponsorship, city cost, work rules, Graduate visa planning and course fit.
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UK study snapshot
Use this before you compare universities. The best destination choice depends on cost, recognition, visa readiness, housing and how the course supports your next step. Rules last reviewed August 24, 2026.
| Student route | Most international students need a CAS from a licensed student sponsor before applying for a Student visa. |
|---|---|
| University check | Check recognised degree status, awarding body, campus and sponsor name, especially for pathway or partner colleges. |
| Work while studying | Student visa work limits depend on course level and term time; confirm your visa conditions. |
| Post-study option | The Graduate visa may be available if official eligibility requirements are met at the time of application. |
| Cost pressure | London can be powerful but expensive; smaller cities may offer better value. |
| Best-fit students | Students seeking shorter degrees, strong brands, clear course outcomes and a realistic job-search plan. |
City and campus realities
The city can change rent, commute, safety, job access and student experience as much as the university name.
London
The guide breaks down rent, transport, food, and health surcharge costs for international students in London in 2026. Compare living expenses by London.
Open the London cost guideEdinburgh / Glasgow
In 2026, international students in Edinburgh typically spend £800–£1,200 monthly on accommodation, food, and transport. Check detailed costs for halls.
Open the Edinburgh cost guideAlso compare: Manchester, Birmingham, Smaller university cities.
Checks before you apply
Do these checks before paying a deposit or treating an offer as safe.
Use these UK guides before you shortlist
These pages help you test the destination through cost, visa, work, recognition and transfer risk.
UK student visa guide
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenCAS explained
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUK Graduate visa guide
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUK student work rights
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUK maintenance funds
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenUK vs Australia
Use this before paying a deposit or making the destination your main plan.
OpenCompare UK with other options
UAE vs UK for International Students
OpenSide-by-side comparisonUK vs Australia for International Students
OpenUniversity shortlistBest Universities in the UK for International Students
Open
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OpenUK guides
Guides that cover UK directly, across cost, visas, work rights and universities.
Best Countries for Computer Science Students With Post-Study Work
Compare 6 countries for computer science study and work: Australia offers 2-3 years post-study work, Canada 24 hours/week work during study, UK 18 months.
Read guide Compare / Course-Country FitBest countries for international transfer students
You can work 24 hours a week off campus in Canada if your permit allows and your program is 6+ months. Compare credit transfer, visas, and work rights.
Read guide Visa & Work Rights / Student VisaHow to Get a UK Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide with Updated Requirements
Show £1,171 a month (£1,529 in London) for up to 9 months, held 28 days in a row. The visa costs £558, plus £776 a year in health surcharge.
Read guide Visa & Work Rights / Post-Study WorkPost Study Work Visa Processing Time for International Students
Post study work visa processing times in 2026 range from 4 to 12 weeks. The UK usually takes 8 weeks, Australia 4 to 6 weeks, and Ireland 8 to 12 weeks.
Read guide Best Universities / University ShortlistUK universities with the best post-study work value for international students
Check UK universities by Graduate Route visa length—18 months from 1 January 2027—and employability to assess post-study work value in 2026.
Read guide Compare / Country ComparisonBest Countries for Jobs After Graduation for International Students
Compare 2026 work rights: UK Graduate Route visa allows up to 2 years post-study work, Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa 2-4 years. Check work hours.
Read guide Compare / Country ComparisonTop Countries for Nursing Programs Abroad for International Students
The best countries to study nursing abroad in 2026 include Australia, the UK, and Germany. Bachelor’s degrees usually take 3 to 4 years. Compare costs.
Read guide Best Universities / Best UniversitiesTop MBA Programs for International Students Without GMAT
Many MBA programs in Australia, Europe, Canada, and the USA waive GMAT for international students with 3-5 years of work experience in 2026. Compare.
Read guide Best Universities / University ShortlistMBA in Europe Without GMAT: 14 Full-Time Programmes for International Students
14 full-time MBAs in Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK you can join without a GMAT, each with its waiver rule and fees from €37,300.
Read guide Choose University / Application StrategyUK universities with a January 2027 intake for international students
11 UK universities that confirm a January 2027 start for international students, with every application, deposit and CAS deadline they have published.
Read guide Compare / Country ComparisonPost-Study Work Visa Comparison: UK vs Canada vs Australia vs Germany
Compare post-study work visa durations and deadlines for UK, Canada, Australia & Germany. UK’s Graduate Route shortens to 18 months from 2027.
Read guide Switch and Transfer / Visa ImpactInternational Student Costs by City and Visa Funds
Compare real student living costs by city with the official funds required for UK, US, Canada and Australia study visas, plus timing risks.
Read guideFind universities in UK that fit your grades, goals and budget.
Tell us what you want to study, your academic background and your budget. Get a starter shortlist with estimated costs, why each option could fit, and what to check before applying.
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