Destinations
Studying in the United Kingdom
The UK has short degrees, often three years for a bachelor's and one year for a master's, which keeps total costs down. Visa rules have tightened, and the Graduate route gets shorter in 2027.
Applying for undergraduate study
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. For courses starting in 2027, the deadlines are:
- 15 October 2026 at 18:00 UK time for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
- 13 January 2027 for most other courses, which gives equal consideration.
- 23 September 2027 as the final deadline, after which applications go into Clearing.
Postgraduate applications go directly to each university.
The Student visa
You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor. The visa fee from outside the UK is £558. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of the visa.
Maintenance funds
For applications from 30 November 2026, students in London must show £1,570 a month for up to nine months, which is £14,130, held for 28 consecutive days. The figure for study outside London is lower. Check the current amount on GOV.UK before you apply.
Working while studying
Students on a degree-level course can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time in official vacations. The limit is printed on your visa.
The Graduate route
For applications from 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa lasts 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates, down from two years. PhD graduates get three years. The fee is £937, and the health surcharge is £1,035 a year.
Choosing a university
UK universities differ a lot in teaching style, size and location. The UniversitiesDB guide to UK universities covers institutions across the country, and its page on universities in London is useful if you are weighing the capital's higher living costs.