As an international student coming to the UK, you might need to apply for a visa, depending on which country you're from. EU students, students from the EEA and Swiss students On 1st January 2021, things changed for students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland coming to the UK. Until 31st December 2020, these students didn't need a visa to live and study in the UK. If you were living in the UK before 31st December 2020, you were able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. This allows you to work, study and access benefits and services on broadly the same basis as you could before Brexit. If you moved to the UK after 31st December 2020, you need to use the following information on student visas. Students from outside Europe coming to the UK If you're from a country outside the EU/EEA (excluding Switzerland), you've always needed a visa to study in the UK. If you'll be studying in the UK for less than six months, you'll need a Standard Visitor visa. You can't work in the UK if you have this visa, unless it's an elective (an optional placement as part of a medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine course). If you want to work during your stay, you'll need to apply for a Student visa (more on this below). You can also apply for a Short-term study visa if: Your course is between six and 11 months (but no longer) You're 16 or over You'll be studying an English language course. This means a course where you'll be learning about the English language, not just a course taught in English. Standard Visitor visas cost £95 and Short-term study visas cost £186. Student visas If your course lasts for longer than six months (or less than six months, but you want to work), you'll need a Student visa. This has replaced the Tier 4 student visa. These are some of the documents you'll need for your student visa application: Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) – This is a 14-digit reference number you'll receive from your uni once you accept your offer. Proof of finances – You'll need to prove that you have enough money to pay for your first year of tuition fees. On top of this, you need to prove you have £1,023 (£1,334 for those studying in London) per month for up to nine months to cover your living expenses. This can either be through self-funding, an official sponsorship or an education loan. English language skills – You'll have to prove you meet the minimum level of English language proficiency, usually by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The Student visa costs £348 if you're applying from outside the UK, or £475 if you're in the UK and want to extend or switch to this visa. You may have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your visa application. This costs £235 for six months or £470 for the whole year, and allows you to use the NHS. If you're applying for a student visa from outside the UK, you can apply up to six months before you start your course. You have three months if you're applying from inside the UK (and you must apply before your current visa expires). You could get a response within a few weeks, but it's best to apply as soon as possible. Check out the government's website for a list of visa processing times for each country.