Why international students choose the UK
The UK’s big draw is speed. Chevening, the government’s flagship scholarship, funds one-year master’s degrees (Chevening), and after graduating you can stay on to work through the Graduate visa (GOV.UK). You can apply for a Student visa up to 6 months before your course starts (GOV.UK).
What it costs
There is no single tuition fee for international students: each university sets its own, and the amount you owe for your first year appears on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (GOV.UK). On top of tuition, budget for the visa itself:
- £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK (GOV.UK).
- The Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £776 per year for students and their dependants (GOV.UK).
The student visa and proof of funds
You must show you can pay your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) plus living costs of:
- £1,529 a month for courses in London (the City of London and the 32 London boroughs)
- £1,171 a month for courses outside London
Both are for up to 9 months (GOV.UK). You must have held the money for at least 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your application. You need extra money for each family member you bring. You must also be able to speak, read, write and understand English (GOV.UK).
Working while you study
Your work rights depend on your level of study. Under the Immigration Rules, a full-time student at degree level with a higher education provider that has a track record of compliance can work 20 hours a week during term time; below degree level the limit is 10 hours a week. Full-time work is allowed outside term time (GOV.UK, Appendix Student). You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, or claim public funds (GOV.UK).
After you graduate
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work after an eligible course. The rules are changing:
- 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
- 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
- 3 years for PhD and other doctoral graduates
The application fee is £937, and you usually pay the health surcharge at £1,035 a year (GOV.UK).
Scholarships for the UK
- Chevening Scholarships: fully funded one-year master’s degrees in the UK, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations (Chevening).
- Commonwealth Scholarships: master’s and PhD awards for candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries, with master’s awards aimed at lower and upper middle income countries and PhD awards at least developed countries and vulnerable states (CSC). Check that your country is eligible before you apply.
