Over 700,000 international students study in the UK annually. The Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) uses a points-based system and comes with a 2-year Graduate Route after completion. Key changes in 2025 include digital eVisas replacing physical BRP cards.
The United Kingdom remains one of the world's top destinations for international students, home to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and dozens of other world-ranked institutions. The UK Student Visa (points-based) requires 70 points across language, finances, and academic conditions. A major change in 2025: physical BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) cards have been replaced by digital eVisas, accessible through your UKVI online account.
Core Requirements
To qualify for a UK Student Visa:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor institution
- IELTS minimum 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalent
- Financial maintenance: £10,543 for 9 months outside London; £13,761 in London
- Visa fee: £524 + Immigration Health Surcharge of £776/year
- Minimum age: 16
Work Rights During Studies
UK students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays. Average wages range £10–£15 per hour. This work experience is valuable both financially and for future UK immigration applications. You cannot switch to a work visa from within the UK without leaving — use the Graduate Route instead.
Graduate Route: 2 Years of Open Work Rights
After completing your UK degree, you can switch to the Graduate Route visa without leaving the UK. This gives you 2 years of unrestricted work rights (3 years for PhD graduates, though this is reducing to 18 months for most in 2027). You can work for any employer, in any role, at any salary — it is a genuine open work permit. This is often the first step toward a Skilled Worker visa and eventual UK settlement.
Processing & Application
Standard processing: 3 weeks. Priority service: 5 working days (£500 extra). Super-priority: 1–2 business days (£1,000 extra). Apply online through the UKVI system. Iranian applicants have an approximately 85% approval rate. Apply at least 6 weeks before your course start date.
