UK Student Visa Requirements 2025: The Ultimate Guide for International Students

Applying for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is more than just filling out a form. It’s a strict legal process where a single mistake—like a missing stamp on a bank statement or a vague answer in an interview—can lead to immediate refusal. For the 2025 intake, the Home Office has introduced stricter financial requirements and tighter rules on dependants. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to secure your visa successfully.

1. Eligibility & The Points-Based System

The UK uses a strict Points-Based System for student visas. To be granted a visa, you must score exactly 70 points. There is no flexibility here; if you miss even one point, your application will be refused.

The 70-Point Breakdown:

• 50 Points: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  This is the most critical document. It is a virtual document issued by your UK university (sponsor) that confirms they have accepted you. You cannot apply without a CAS number.
• 10 Points: Financial Requirement (Maintenance Funds)
  You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself. This is where most rejections happen (see the 28-day rule below).
• 10 Points: English Language Proficiency
  You must prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English to a B2 level (degree level). This is usually done via IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

2. Financial Requirements (2025 Updates)

The UK government increased the maintenance (living cost) requirements in 2025 to reflect inflation. You must show that you hold the following amounts in your bank account, in addition to any unpaid tuition fees:

Note: If you have already paid a deposit to the university, you can deduct that amount from the total you need to show. However, the amount paid must be reflected on your CAS.

3. The "28-Day Rule": Where Students Fail

This rule is non-negotiable. The required funds (Tuition Balance + Living Costs) must be in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. The count resets if the balance drops below the required amount for even one day.

• Day 1: You deposit the money.
• Day 28: The money has been there for 28 days without dropping.
• Day 29-31: You must print your bank statement and submit your visa application within 31 days of the statement's closing date.

Common Mistake: Do not use a statement that is more than 31 days old on the date you submit your online application. It will be considered expired.

4. Country-Specific Nuances

For Students from India 🇮🇳

You must use banks regulated by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India). Cooperative banks are sometimes scrutinized more heavily. We recommend using major national banks like SBI, HDFC, or ICICI for smoother processing. Education loans are widely accepted but must be fully sanctioned.

For Students from Nigeria 🇳🇬

The UKVI is very strict about financial verification in Nigeria. Microfinance banks are frequently rejected because they often lack the international verification systems UKVI uses. Stick to Tier-1 commercial banks (Access, GTB, Zenith). Also, remember that you must do a TB test at an IOM clinic in Lagos or Abuja.

For Students from Pakistan 🇵🇰

HEC Attestation is mandatory. Your academic documents (Bachelor's/Master's degrees) must be attested by the Higher Education Commission. Without this, universities cannot issue your CAS. Bank statements should be from scheduled banks regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan.

5. The Credibility Interview

Not everyone gets interviewed, but if you are from a "high-risk" country or have a study gap, you might be called for a Credibility Interview. The officer will ask:

• "Why did you choose the UK over Canada or Australia?"
• "Why this specific university? Did you research others?"
• "How does this course help your career back home?"
• "Do you know the modules of your course?"

Warning: If you give generic answers (e.g., "UK education is good"), you will be refused. You must be specific about your course content and career goals.

Your Next Steps

Applying for a visa is the final hurdle in your study abroad journey. Don't let a paperwork error ruin your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dependants (spouse/children)?

Under the new Jan 2024 rules, most international students cannot bring dependants. Exceptions are only for students on PhD or postgraduate research courses. Master's (taught) students are no longer eligible.

Can I work while studying?

Yes. If you are studying a full-time degree-level course, you can work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays. Students below degree level (foundation) can only work 10 hours.

What if my visa is refused?

You can apply for an Administrative Review (AR) if you think the caseworker made a mistake. However, if the refusal was due to missing documents (your fault), you usually have to re-apply with a new CAS. Contact us for refusal help.