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• UK Visas for PhD Students - A Guide

UK Visa Guide for PhD Students

Written by Mark Bennett

The UK's wide range of research-intensive universities make it an excellent choice for PhD study abroad. However, you'll normally need a visa to study for a UK doctorate as an international student .

PhD students are part of the UK's points-based Student Route visa system (previously known as the Tier 4 student visa). Gaining such a visa is not usually complicated, provided you are a genuine student and have been accepted to study at a recognised UK university.

This page explains how the UK's student visa system works, who is eligible and how to apply. We've also covered the new Graduate Route post-study work visa which will allow PhD students to remain in the UK for up to three years after completing a doctorate.

On this page

Uk government immigration updates.

There have been some changes in UK's immigration policies recently. Most recently, the Government has announced an an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As of 6 February 2024, students and their dependants will now have to pay £776 per year (an increase of £306). There have been changes to application fees and dependant rules as well. We've pulled together all the recent changes in a blog for you!

Who needs a visa to study a PhD in the UK?

Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK. This applies to all levels of study, including undergraduate, Masters and PhD.

You should normally apply within your home country, before travelling to the UK and beginning your doctorate. However, you can also apply to extend your visa if you’re already studying in the UK (for example, if you’re enrolled on a Masters programme). Once granted, your visa will last for the stated duration of your degree and normally allow for multiple entries into the UK.

If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss national and you're beginning a PhD that starts after 1 January 2021, you'll need to apply for a student visa.

Who doesn't need a visa to study a PhD in the UK?

Some international students may still be able to study in the UK without a visa for their PhD. This may be the case if you have been granted asylum , recognised as a refugee or have lived in the country for an exceptionally long time ( long residence ).

In most of these circumstances you would already be in the UK and would therefore not be applying for a student visa in the normal way. If in doubt about your visa status contact your prospective university, or see the comprehensive advice provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

What was the Tier 4 student visa?

In October 2020, the UK Government replaced the previous Tier 4 (general) student visa with a new, points-based student visa route.

We’ve covered how these points work below, but in practice there isn’t a huge difference between the two schemes.

However, there are a few key changes to the Tier 4 visa that it’s worth being aware of:

• If you’re applying from outside the UK, you can now begin your visa application six months before your PhD begins (previously it was three months)
• There’s no limit to the time you can spend studying postgraduate qualifications in the UK on the new student visa
• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals have been added to the list of ‘low risk’ countries that don’t need to prove they meet the financial requirements
• If you’ve already studied an English-language qualification in an eligible country, you may not need to prove your language proficiency

Am I eligible for a UK PhD visa?

As a genuine international student, you will normally have no problem applying for a student visa, provided you can satisfy the following criteria:

• You must have been accepted to study at a UK insitution with the right to act as a student visa sponsor and granted confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
• Your course must be a full-time or part-time PhD (or other postgraduate programme) at Ofqual level 7 or above
• You must possess the necessary English language skills for your course
• You must have sufficient money or PhD funding to pay your fees and cover living costs whilst you are in the UK

Further information about these requirements is given below.

Eligible courses

Student visas are available for qualifications at all levels of the UK higher education system, including Bachelors, Masters and PhD programmes.

However, student visas for part-time study are only available to postgraduates . Undergraduate students must study full-time.

Language requirements

In order to study at a UK university you must be able to speak, read, write and understand English at a level sufficient for a higher education degree.

Your university will normally request a score from an academic language test as part of your PhD application. It will then certify this as part of your CAS.

However, if you've already studied a degree-level qualification in an English-language country , you won't usually need to prove your English proficiency using a test.

Money for course fees

You must be able to show that you have enough money to pay for at least the first year of your PhD. This amount will be based on fees stated by your university (as part of your CAS).

Money for living costs

You must be able to show that you have sufficient money for living costs. The minimum requirements are:

• £1,023 per month if your PhD is based outside London
• £1,334 per month if your PhD is based in London

You will need to show that you have sufficient costs to cover you for at least nine months of your PhD. So, if you are studying outside London, you will need access to £9,207. If you’re studying in London, you’ll need £11,385.

The UK Governemnt is currently reviweing the maintenance requirements for students. We will keep this page up-to-date with any new information. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.

Proof that you have sufficient money for your living costs can include:

• Funds in a bank account held by you (or by your parents / legal guardian)
• A student loan granted to you by a government or other state sponsor
• Financial sponsorship or scholarships awarded by your government, the UK Government, your university or a similar body

Other forms of finance, such as personal loan or credit agreements are not normally acceptable. Neither is money you plan to earn from part-time work.

However, if you're from an exempt country , you won't need to prove you meet the financial requirements.

How does PhD student visa sponsorship work?

The Student Route visa system requires universities or other higher education providers to 'sponsor' their students' visa applications. This helps to confirm that students are genuine and that the qualifications they intend to study are suitable for a student visa application.

Once a university has agreed to sponsor you it will issue you with confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). You can then use your CAS to apply for your visa for PhD study.

Which UK universities can act as student sponsors?

The majority of higher education insitutions in the UK can sponsor their students visas (and issue CAS). If in doubt, contact your university, or check the Government's register of licensed student sponsors .

How does CAS work?

Your CAS will be issued to you by your university in the form of a unique reference number (your CAS number). You can then use this to make your visa application.

Once issued, your CAS will be valid for six months . You must apply for your visa within this time.

Can a university stop being a student sponsor?

This is relatively rare, but may lead to two outcomes:

• Your university becomes a legacy sponsor – In this case, your university will not be able to issue new CAS, but any CAS it has already issued with remain valid. You should be able to apply for your visa, or complete a PhD with an existing visa, as normal.
• Your university has its sponsorship revoked – In this case any CAS issued by your university will become invalid, as will a visa it was used to apply for. If you are studying on such a visa you will need to apply for a new CAS from another sponsor, or leave the UK within 60 days.

In practice, it is rare for a university to lose its sponsorship status and most institutions that do will retain some form of legacy sponsor status. UKCISA offers additional resources and advice for students with any concerns.

How do I apply for a UK visa for PhD study?

The UK uses a 'points-based' visa application system. A number of points are awared to you for satisfying each eligibility criteria and you must earn a certain amount before you can apply.

A student visa requires 70 points . These are awarded to you as follows:

• 50 points – for gaining your confirmation of acceptance for studies
• 10 points – for proving that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your degree
• 10 points – for proving you meet the English language requirements

You earn these points separately, but you must have the full 70 in order to be granted a visa.

The points-based system

Don't let the points-based system confuse you. It mainly serves to keep track of the different parts of your application. Provided you meet the criteria for your visa you will earn the necessary 'points' as you go.

Application process

There are three steps to applying for a student visa for a PhD in the UK:

• Step one: apply for a PhD – You'll need to find a PhD in the UK and be accepted before you can begin a visa application. Your university will confirm that you meet the requirements for your course, including academic qualifications and language proficiency.
• Step two: receive CAS – Once it has offered you an unconditional place, your university will issue you with a CAS number. This confirms that the university will sponsor you as a genuine international student. Your CAS is valid for six months .
• Step three: apply for a visa – You can now begin your student visa application online . You should do this from within your home country, no more than six months before your PhD begins.

Visiting a visa application centre

Once you have registered your online application, you should make an appointment at an official visa application centre (VAC). You should check in advance to find your nearest centre .

Staff at the VAC will take the photograph and fingerprints you'll need later for your biometric residence permit .

Sometimes you will also be interviewed to check why you are applying for a visa. If so, simply explain why you want to study a PhD and why you have chosen to do so at your UK university. Your answers don't need to be very detailed: you just need to prove that you are genuinely interested in studying a PhD abroad in the UK.

If you’re from a specified country and have a biometric, you may be able to use a mobile app called ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ to verify your identity without visiting a VAC.

You will have to pay some fees as part of your student visa application. The exact amount will vary depending on your circumstances.

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll pay an application fee of £490.

If you’re applying from inside the UK (to extend an existing student visa or switch from another kind of visa), you’ll pay an application fee of £490.

Some visa application centres may also charge a small VAC fee to cover their administrative costs. You should be able to check this in advance.

Most students will also need to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge allowing you to use the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your degree. The fee for this is normally £470 per year for students, but you can check the exact amount . As of 6 February 2024, this amount will be increasing to £776 per year

Processing times

If you’re applying from outside the UK, most visa applications are processed within three weeks, but the exact time required may vary. You can begin your application six months before your PhD begins.

If you’re applying from inside the UK, your visa will usually be processed within eight weeks and you can apply three months before the PhD programme starts.

What other conditions are there?

Once you have your visa you will be allowed to come to the UK and get started with your PhD. There are a few terms and conditions that will apply to you whilst you study.

Arriving in the UK

You can arrive in the UK up to one month before your PhD begins.

Initially your visa will be issued as a short-term entry 'vignette' (a sticker in your passport). This will allow you to enter the UK for up to 90 days , during which time you must collect your longer-term biometric residence permit.

Collecting your biometric residence permit

Your biometric residence permit (BRP) functions as your immigration document for the remainder of your degree. It contains records of your photograph and fingerprints (taken at your visa application centre) as well as specific details about your visa.

Your BRP will normally be sent to your visa sponsor (your university). You should collect it from them within 10 days of arriving in the UK, or before your short-term entry permit expires.

Working alongside your PhD

You can work in the UK with a student visa, subject to the following conditions:

• You can only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time (there is no limit on working hours during vacation periods)
• You must be a full-time student as confirmed by your university
• You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or in certain other jobs

Don't forget that you cannot rely on income from employment to cover your living expenses in the UK.

Bringing family members

A recent change to UK visas has meant that dependents can only be brought with you on Phd courses, doctoral qualifications and research-based higher degrees. This means, as a PhD student, you are still able to bring dependants (such as your partner or children) to live with you in the UK during your PhD.

You will need to pay an additional immigration healthcare surcharge for each dependent and demonstrate that sufficient money is available to support them during their time in the UK. You must also be studying for your PhD full-time.

Visas for part-time PhD students

The UK's student visas include part-time postgraduate students. However, students on these visas are not normally allowed to work during their degrees, or bring dependants with them to the UK.

Visa duration

Your visa will be valid for the duration of your PhD, provided you continue to study at your sponsoring university.

Once you have completed your doctorate, you can remain in the UK for up to four additional months . You will still be covered by the terms of your student visa during this period, but may use the time to seek skilled work and potentially apply for another visa.

Alternatively, you may apply for the UK's Graduate Route scheme (see below). However, you must do this before your visa expires.

What is the Graduate Route visa?

The Graduate Route is a new UK post-study work visa option being introduced for international students who complete a doctorate after 1 July 2021. It will allow you to remain in the UK for up to three years after your PhD.

This option will replace the Doctorate Extension scheme for new PhD students starting in 2020-21.

You can sign up to our free newsletter for information and updates.

UK Government immigration update

The new immigration update from the UK Goverment has no effect on the duration of the Graduate Route visa yet. Students currently applying for the visa will continue to get two or three years depending on their qualification. We will keep updating this page with the most up-to-date information on Graduate Route visas.

What was the Doctorate Extension Scheme?

The Doctorate Extension Scheme allowed international PhD graduates to extend their visa for up to 12 months in order to seek work in the UK.

From summer 2021 the Doctorate Extension Scheme will be replaced by the new Graduate Route, which allows all eligible international PhD students to remain in the UK for up to 36 months

Further information

We've done our best to ensure the information on this page is accurate and up-to-date, but we recommend you check your visa requirements carefully. The following resources may be useful to you:

• The UK Government website publishes official information on student visa requirements
• The UK Council for International Student Affairs offers a wide range of resources and guidance for overseas students
• The international office at your university may also be able to offer specific assistance with your visa application and requirements

If you're looking for a visa to study a UK Masters degree, rather than a PhD, see the full guide at FindAMasters.com

Search for a UK PhD

The first step to applying for a student visa is finding a PhD. Why not take a look at some of the current opportunities on our website?

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Everything international students need to know about UK student visas

This guide to uk student visas details everything you need to know about deadlines, costs, language requirements and post-study work options.

How to get a UK student visa

The UK is a top study destination for international students because it is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Students often think the process of securing a visa is difficult, feeling overwhelmed by various deadlines and the need to produce supporting documents. But you shouldn’t let that put you off studying abroad. Once the visa process is complete, the experience of studying abroad will outweigh any headaches you may have faced during the visa application process.

Step into your future: attend our events

In this article we will look at:

Applying for a UK student visa

How much a UK student visa costs

The type of visa required

How to overcome problems in the application process

The student visa, previously known as a Tier 4 visa, refers to the immigration permission granted to international students, 18 years old or over, who want to pursue full-time, part-time or long-term higher education study in the UK.

All guidelines are updated regularly on the student visa government web page .

UK student visa types

There are three student visa types in the UK:

1. Student visa (formerly Tier 4 general) – ideal for individuals aged 18 and above pursuing full-time degree-level education in the UK.

2. Child student visa (also Tier 4) – tailored for individuals aged four to 17 seeking education in the UK.

3. Short-term study visa – designed for short courses, such as language programmes, with flexibility in course types. Typically granted for six months (or 11 months for English language courses). Suited for those not planning an extended stay.

To help with your applications, we’ve put together this easy-to-use table for a quick overview of the key things you need to know about applying for a student visa for the UK.

Applying for your UK student visa

1. Apply to a university course and receive an unconditional offer from the university

The first step to applying for a UK student visa is to secure your place at a UK university . Research courses and institutions and apply to up to five universities through Ucas . Once you receive an unconditional offer, you can begin preparing for your visa application.

2. Obtain your CAS document (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies)

Once you have secured an unconditional offer, the university will issue you with a CAS document. This document contains essential details about your course, the duration of your studies and other relevant information.

To obtain the CAS, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of finances and language proficiency. The CAS is a key component for your visa application, so ensure that the information on it is correct before proceeding to the visa application.

3. Start your visa application

With your CAS document, you can begin your UK student visa application online. Complete the application form, providing accurate and truthful information. Prepare supporting documents, including your CAS, passport details, academic transcripts, proof of funds, and language proficiency test results. Pay attention to the specific requirements outlined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and follow the guidelines.

4. Calculate and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

As part of your visa application, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This contribution gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. The amount varies depending on the duration of your course, and payment is made online as part of the application process.

If your stay is six months or less, you will be required to pay £388. However, if you are due to stay longer than six months, you will be charged £776 per year to cover your IHS. Once you have paid this, you will have access to

• A&E (accident and emergency) services
• NHS hospital treatment
• GP services
• Sexual health, family planning and contraceptive services
• Diagnosis and treatment of certain infectious diseases
• Treatment of any conditions caused by domestic violence or sexual violence
• Some palliative care services
• Psychiatric treatment or treatment that has been ordered by a court
• Covid-19 tests and treatment, as well as vaccination against Covid-19.

European students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be able to apply for a refund for the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Check the GOV.UK website to find out if you are eligible to do so. Note that working on a student visa in the UK during your studies could impact your eligibility for a refund, so consider this before requesting the refund.

UK student visa cost

How much does the uk student visa cost.

The current cost for a student UK visa is £490 per applicant, any person studying at an institution of higher education requires this visa. It also costs £490 for students applying from outside the UK or switching to a student visa from another visa type.

If you need faster processing through priority or super-priority services, it will cost extra. For the priority service students will have to pay an additional £500 on top of the application fee. The super-priority service, for both overseas and in-country applicants, is an additional £1,000.

What money do I need for my UK student visa?

Applicants must also prove they have the financial means to live in the UK. As of April 2023, the minimum living cost requirement is £1,334 per month for those studying in London and £1,023 per month for those outside London. Students will also need to show evidence that they have the funds to pay for one year’s worth of tuition fees, which can vary between courses and universities for international students.

The cost of studying at a university in the UK Scholarships available in the UK for international students How can you study in the UK

When should I apply for my UK student visa?

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you can start the process as early as six months before your course is due to begin. Application responses aim to come back within three weeks, but this is subject to application numbers at the time.

If you are applying for a new visa from inside the UK, the earliest you may apply is three months before your course begins. You must submit the application before your existing visa expires, and your new course must start within 28 days of the existing expiry date. You should then receive an answer within eight weeks of your application.

These timelines are suggested to allow you with extra time should there be any delays.

Can you bring family on a UK student visa?

The Home Office has changed the regulations around bringing in family members on a student visa.

Most students are not allowed to bring their partners and children to the UK, called “dependants”, on their student visa.

However, there are some exemptions to this. Students enrolled on specific postgraduate courses categorised as research programmes – including PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, or master’s programmes that involve research and the creation of original work – are able to bring dependants into the UK.

This means that no undergraduate students or students on taught postgraduate programmes are permitted to bring family members into the UK with them.

The restriction on bringing dependants began from 1 January 2024.

What happens after I apply for a student visa in the UK?

Brp and uk student visa.

After you have had your student visa application approved, the next crucial step is obtaining the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. This permit serves as an official identification document, containing essential details such as your visa expiry date and other visa conditions.

Each BRP issued to a student has a unique residence permit number. This number is linked to an individual’s visa and is used in various official documents and processes. Students should familiarise themselves with this, as they will use it often.

As part of the UK student visa application process, applicants are required to provide biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph. This information is crucial for identity verification and is used to generate the BRP. Applicants must attend a designated visa application centre to undergo the biometric data collection process.

Student visa problems

Delays and complications in processing.

It is common for students to encounter delays and complications during the visa process. These issues can be a result of high application volumes, administrative issues or unforeseen circumstances. Preparation and strict adherence to the guidelines is the best way to try to avoid these from impacting your application.

Impact of delays

Application delays can impact students significantly when applying for a student visa. It can lead to disruptions in travel plans, delayed course start date and anxiety for the student themselves.

The best way to avoid these delays is to apply for your visa as early as possible and to keep on top of your application. Set up a spreadsheet with key dates, and keep checking your emails to make sure  that you are sending all your documents as soon as they are required.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the student visa office if you need an update on your application at any point in the process.

Withdrawal and refund processes for UK student visa

Delays or personal difficulties may prompt students to withdraw from their intended course and to cancel their visa application.

Refunds depend on the stage your application is in when you cancel. Exceptions exist if you only want your documents returned or if you applied from within the UK and now wish to apply for a different visa.

It’s important to note that once the cancellation is received by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), it cannot be reversed, and if you are in the UK, cancelling may affect your permission to stay. The cancellation process and refund eligibility will vary depending on how you were instructed to prove your identity during the application.

If you were told to attend an appointment, you will need to fill an online form to withdraw the application. If you used the “UK Immigration: ID Check” smartphone app, you can cancel online through your account.

If you do choose to cancel your application, ensure that you cancel any appointments at the visa application centre as this will free up the schedule for other students.

Please note that all costs and conversion rates were correct at the time of publication. These may vary over time.

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Visas for research and study visits

Whether you are looking to visit the University of Leeds as a student or to do research, you will need to know who to contact and which visa to apply for.

Before making an immigration application, you should confirm details of your visit with the relevant academic department. They will usually need to provide you with a document for immigration purposes. 

When applying for a visa, you should choose the immigration category that best describes the purpose of your visit, taking care to ensure that you meet all of the requirements.

Visits from short-term students who want to undertake taught studies

If you want to visit Leeds for a taught course, you must contact the appropriate office before you make a visa application:

• Email the undergraduate admissions office via [email protected]
• Email the taught postgraduate admissions office via [email protected]
• Email the Language Centre via [email protected]
• Email the Study abroad/exchange office via [email protected]

Visiting postgraduate researchers

To be eligible to visit us as a postgraduate researcher, you must be studying a research degree elsewhere and will be visiting the University of Leeds to undertake research toward this degree.

Before you apply for a visa, you will need to contact the school you wish to study in to see if this is possible. You will then need to apply to study at the University and, if accepted, your school will then provide you with an offer letter that you can use for your visa application.

There is a visiting postgraduate researcher fee , if your visit is for less than 12 months this will be charged pro rata as indicated in the rate table.

Visits to Leeds for periods of research up to six months

You will need a Standard Visit Visa .

Find out more information about this visa on our Which visa should I apply for? page .

Visits to Leeds for periods of research of more than six months

You will need a Student visa if your visit will last for more than six months. Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Student visa .

Please note: the Home Office requires the University to monitor the attendance of all Student visa holders. We must report all extended, unauthorised absence to UK Visas and Immigration.

Once your visa has been granted, you can then register online as a miscellaneous research non-degree (non-award bearing) student via the normal online registration route and obtain a student ID card.

King's College London

Visiting research students, eligibility.

Visiting undergraduate research students should be current students at another institution either in the UK or internationally. The end date of their current degree study must be after the end date of the proposed visit. They should identify a supervisor who is an academic member of staff at King’s and will personally support their application.

Please note that applications will only be accepted from students who have arranged a visit with a potential supervisor. Unfortunately, any speculative applications will be withdrawn.

How to apply

Students should apply using the  King's Apply  application system at least 8 weeks before their proposed start date. Please search for the Non-Award Undergraduate programme in your subject and complete the following sections of the application form:

Personal Information

• Detail any previously completed qualifications i.e. high school.
• Provide the details of your current undergraduate degree study (letter confirming your current degree study will need uploading in the Supporting Statement section only).
• English language - You should provide any certification of your competence in English as part of your application e.g. previous tests, previous study. Please read the guidance below on English language requirements for further information.

Supporting statement

You will be required to upload an official letter confirming you are currently studying an undergraduate level degree. This needs to be on official headed paper and signed or stamped by your university. If the original letter is not in English, we will also need to see an official translation. The letter should confirm:

• The title or your current study
• The date you enrolled
• Your expected completion date

Provide the details of your supervisor at King’s as your referee

Provide a reference from your tutor on your current undergraduate degree

Students should allow 6 weeks for applications to be processed.

Fee structure

• For visits of up to 3 months, no fee would be charged;
• For visits between 3 up to 6 months, a fee of £500 would be charged;
• For visits between 6 and up to 9 months, a fee of £2,000 would be charged;
• For visits between 9 to 12 months, a fee of £4,500 would be charged.
• For visits of more than 12 months, normal tuition fees for your fee status will apply.

Please note - the Non-Award visiting programmes are not for those who enter King's through a formal exchange agreement. Applicants under these partnership routes must apply via study abroad .

English language requirements

All Visiting Research and Visiting Research Experience Students should be able to communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and be able to do so in an academic environment. You should provide any certification of your competence in English as part of your application e.g. previous English Language tests, previous study. The level of English language you are required to demonstrate is below:

If you are visiting for up to 6 months and wish to apply for a Student Visa, or you are visiting for over 6 months up to 12 months and require a Student Visa, you must meet the minimum UKVI English language requirement prior to your visit. This is 5.5 overall, with 5.5. in each skill for IELTS.

If you do not require a visa to study in the UK, or you are visiting for up to 6 months and will apply for a Standard Visitor visa, competency is assessed on a case-by-case basis following your application. If you are required to demonstrate your level of English, you must meet a minimum of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each skill for IELTS prior to your visit.

Visa requirements

If you are a student who requires a visa to study in the UK, and you are visiting the university for more than six months, you will require a Student visa. By applying through the King's Apply Admissions Portal, all visiting undergraduate research students who are visiting for more than 6 months would be subject to full checks on their visa status, and will be assigned a CAS number for their visa application.

If you are visiting the university for more than six months you may require a Student visa. If you are visiting for less than six months, you may be able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead. By applying through the portal, all visiting research students would be subject to full checks on their visa status, and could be assigned a CAS number for their visa application if applicable.

Please see the guidance from our Visa & International Student Advice team for further information.

We are required to monitor the continuing engagement of all Student visa students; given the short nature of the visit, options for this monitoring are being considered.

Further information for supervisors

Please contact the relevant Undergraduate Senior Admissions Officer who is responsible for your department if you have any questions.

If you have an applicant you wish to accept, please contact the relevant Undergraduate Senior Admissions Officer for your department, who can then start the process of opening the programme on King's Apply for the application to be submitted.

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Student visa (Student Route)

As an international student coming to the University to study a full-time course of more than six months you must apply for a Student visa (under the Student Route) before coming to the UK to start your course. For shorter courses, or part-time or distance learning courses, check the  Before you arrive  page to find out if studying as a Visitor may be appropriate.

The Student Route replaced the Tier 4 Student system on 5 October 2020

The Student route is similar to Tier 4 but includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting study on or after 1 January 2021 who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme. EU/EEA or Swiss nationals resident in the UK before 11pm 31 December 2020  had until 30 June 2021 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.  If you have a Tier 4 visa for a previous course you do not need to change it but your new application will be under the new student route. 

1. Student visa sponsorship and your CAS

The University of Oxford is the sponsor for your Student visa, and issues your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you need for a Student visa application. Once your offer to study is unconditional (you have met all academic and financial conditions) the University will contact you by email about the preparation of your CAS. This is a unique number that will enable government officers to access information which your college and the University have provided. 

Your CAS gives information such as your course start and end date, fees,  and may list one or more of your academic qualifications on which your offer was based. Check our application guide to see if you will need to provide evidence of finances with your visa application. If you are coming for degree level study you probably won't have to provide evidence of previous qualification. 

Read this page for full information about your CAS number and frequently asked questions.  

2. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is for security clearance from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office for courses where students’ knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology (ACMT), weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) or their means of delivery. 

You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate if you are studying for a Masters or DPhil in certain science subjects, mathematics, engineering, technology or medicine or a 4 year undergraduate Masters in Physics or Materials. 

If you are a nationals of an EU country, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America you do not need an ATAS certificate.

For a list of courses at Oxford that require ATAS at postgraduate level, see the Graduate Admissions website . 

If you are applying for a Student route visa for an ATAS subject you will need an ATAS certificate to include with your visa application. If you are coming as a Standard Visitor for a short period of study or research requiring ATAS you must have the certificate before you start the study or research. Although you don't have to submit the ATAS certificate for a Standard Visitor visa application you will need to apply for it before you come to the UK because of the long processing times. 

Read our ATAS FAQs and guide if you need to apply for ATAS. 

3. Where and how to apply for your visa

Download and read the  Oxford guide to applying in your home country . Most new students and some students doing a further course must apply in their country of residence. 

If you are already in the UK, you may be able to apply in-UK for your student visa, though not if you are here as a visitor or without a visa. Our page on applying for a Student visa in the UK explains circumstances in which you can apply here.  You MUST not come to the UK as a visitor or without a visa as you will not be able to make a Student visa application from within the UK or start your course. 

For those applying for a Student visa:

• There is a maximum five year time limit for study on courses at undergraduate degree level with exceptions for some courses. There are now no time limits for postgraduate study
• The financial requirement for your living expenses you may need to show is £1023 a month
• If you will be living in University accommodation you will only be able to offset a maximum of £1,334 paid in advance against the amount you need to show for living expense even if you have paid more than this to the University
• You may be called for a  Student visa interviews  
• You must have at least one blank page in your passport or travel document for your visa sticker to be added to

Cost of visa application

The basic fee is £490 payable in local currency. You may need to pay an additional fee for a biometric appointment, and there may be additional charged services available from the visa application centre. Sometimes you can choose to have your application prioritised for an additional £500 (5 day service) or £1000 (2 day service). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the time of your visa application - see 5 below. 

4. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening

You might need to have a TB test and get a screening certificate to show you do not have TB for your visa application if you are living in any of these  listed countries or have been recently.

• The certificate is valid for six months from the date of your x-ray so you can’t use a test older than this for your visa application
• The TB test must be done at an approved clinic
• If you have been living in a listed country shortly before your visa application, you will need a TB test even if you are applying in a country not on the list.
• You only need a TB test if you are coming to the UK for more than six months, but remember to count the extra time after your course end date that will be included in your visa
• You don’t need a TB test if you lived for at least 6 months in a country which is not on the list and you’ve been away from that country for no more than 6 months
• If you don’t need a test but are applying for your visa in one of the listed countries make sure it is clear where you have been living on your visa application form, for example use the additional information box at the end to explain.

5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to NHS treatment

If you are coming to the UK for more than 6 months you will be required to pay the IHS as part of your Student visa application.

• IHS needs to be paid in full for the whole of your student visa duration, see examples of what you might pay below
• Your dependants will also need to pay this if they are able to accompany you, see visas for your family  
• If a student (or a dependant) is making a visa application in the UK, they will be required to pay the health surcharge even if the period applied for is less than six months.

The IHS must be paid even if you have your own private medical insurance and do not intend to use the NHS. Paying the IHS means that you will have access to the UK's National Health Service on the same basis as other UK residents.  

There is full information on the IHS on the  Home Office website .

Amount you will need to pay

The charge is £776 per year and part years less than 6 months are charged at £388. 

The charging period includes additional time added by the Home Office before your course start date and after the course end date as specified on your CAS. For 9, 10 or 11 month Masters 2 months will be added to your course end date for the visa expiry date and charging period; for courses 12 months or longer four additional months will be added to your course end date.  

As an example for Oxford courses:

• 3 year BA degree plus 4 months added by the Home Office to course end date; 3.5 year charge i.e. £2,716
• 12 month Masters plus 4 months added by the Home Office to course end date; 1.5 year charge i.e. £1,164 
• DPhil courses at Oxford are set at 4 years maximum submission date plus 6 months to allow for viva and corrections and then 4 months added by the Home Office to the course end date; 5 year charge i.e. £3,880

Ask your department (graduate students) or college (undergraduate or visiting) student if you need clarification on the exact start and end dates that will appear on your CAS.

You will pay the charge in the local currency, where you apply for your visa, and exchange rates will often mean the calculation is more than the amount above.

If you are considering making an early application before the increase, you need to check very carefully that you are fully eligible when you apply. Bear in mind that the earliest you can apply is 6 months before the course start date given on your CAS. 

IHS reimbursement scheme for students from the European Union or Switzerland who have a European Health Insurance Card:  if you do not work and do not intend to work in the UK and you have an EHIC issued by your country of nationality you might be eligible for a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge paid as part of your Student Visa application.  Before deciding whether to apply for a refund be careful to assess the effect this will have on your access to healthcare both if you are relying on EHIC cover or you later decide to work, as this could invalidate your EHIC. For further information read the UK Home Office's page, Immigration health surcharge for EU and Swiss students in the UK . 

6. Giving biometrics and visa processing times

After you have completed your visa application you will need to book a biometric appointment to give a face scan and fingerprints, after which your visa application will be processed.  European and Swiss applicants are not usually required to have a biometric appointment, but instead can use an identity confirmation app. The standard visa processing time following biometrics is 15 working days but you can sometimes pay for a Priority or Super Priority service for a quicker visa decision. The priority services are not always available in all locations, so check availability before making your appointment. UKVI has an information page about the Priority and Super Priority Visa services .  If your application is going to take longer than 15 days UKVI should contact you. 

7. When your visa is issued

When your application has been decided you should receive a confirmation email which gives details of the full length of your Student visa permission. Check your junk mail folder as well as your inbox. 

If your Student visa application is for a course longer than six months a 90-day travel vignette/sticker will be stuck into your passport when your visa is approved to allow you to travel to the UK. On arrival in the UK you will need to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), with the full visa duration for your course, from the main Post Office in Oxford or a Post Office nearer to your residential address.

European and Swiss nationals will normally have their student permission granted in the form of an eVisa and will not have a passport sticker or BRP to collect. 

8. When can you come to Oxford?

The date you can arrive in the UK will be the 'valid from' date on your visa. This will usually be seven days before the ‘intended date of travel’ you put on your visa application but cannot be earlier than one month before your course starts.  You should not attempt to enter the UK before your travel visa is valid. If you are coming for less than six months, and are not on a pre-sessional course, you will be issued with the full-length visa which is stuck into your passport before you travel but it will only start seven days before the course. 

9. Your responsibilities once you arrive in Oxford

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection

You must collect your BRP before your vignette expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is the later.   Your email decision letter when your visa is granted includes instructions. Please collect your BRP promptly so that you can enrol; your college will need to have an electronic copy of both your passport id page and the BRP. Do also carefully check the information on the BRP card.  If there is an error please see Section 11 below.

Passport scanning

When you start at the University, your college will need an electronic copy of your passport id page and visa as required by the UKVI. This will be collected electronically this year and your college will explain the process to you when they begin your enrolment. Recognised students will need to liaise with the Student Information team who will manage their enrolment. See your Student visa obligations . European and Swiss nationals granted an eVisa will need to provide a share code. 

Police Registration

Police Registration was abolished on 5 August 2022 and new students are no longer required to register with the Police on arrival even if stated on their visa; current students do not need update their details. For further information see the  UKCISA website

10. Student and University obligations for visa holders

The University is required to tell the Home Office if you do not arrive for enrolment, leave your course, suspend your studies, or if you are absent for a long period. Please keep your college or department up-to-date with any changes in your circumstances, including your contact details and any matters that may affect the progress of your studies.

It is your responsibility to keep to the conditions of your visa and to make sure you do not stay beyond its end date, unless you have put in a renewal application. If you break the conditions, you could be prosecuted or made to leave the UK and it could make it more difficult for you to get another visa.

Your visa will be issued for study at the University of Oxford only, for the course and duration specified on your CAS statement. You will usually be granted an additional two or four months after your course end date depending on the length of your course.  

For information on renewing / extending your visa while you are in the UK, travel, working during your study and your legal responsibilities, visit during your studies .

11. Correcting errors

It is possible to amend an error which appears on your Biometric Residence Permit once you have collected this in the UK. The Home Office should be advised of any error within 10 working days of collecting your BRP . A mistake can be amended free of charge by emailing the Home Office.  For more details, visit the Home Office webpage and follow the instructions.

BRPs are not issued with an expiry date later than 31 December 2024. If you see this date on your BRP this does not need to be reported as an error. Refer to your visa decision notification email to check your visa expiry date. UKVI have explained that you will not need a BRP after this date as you will be able to prove your immigration status online. You can read about UKVI’s implementation of the digital immigration system and eVisas on their page, Online immigration status (eVisa) .

If you have been issued with a visa for the length of your course which is stuck into your passport and you think there is a mistake, please contact [email protected] attaching a copy of the visa sticker in your passport.

12.  Visas for your Family

For information about whether family members would be able to accompany you to the UK as dependants and how to apply for a visa, please see our Visas for your family page.

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If you cannot find the answer to your query on this site or in the Oxford guide for visa applications made outside the UK , email us for help quoting your student number, course and nationality: [email protected]

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Find information on how to apply to be a visiting student at Cambridge at Types of Study .

The information below is relevant to visiting students who are registered for a degree at another institution and attending Cambridge for a period of study or supervised research as part of their overseas degree. 

Visiting for more than 6 months

If you intend to visit the University of Cambridge for a study period of greater than six months and have been accepted by a Faculty or Department, the appropriate visa is under the student route. The University holds a student sponsor licence which allows it to sponsor eligible students for a student visa. For visa sponsorship, the visit to Cambridge must be for the purpose of study or research that is part of your overseas qualification. This qualification must be at the same level as, or above, a UK degree. If you are not a registered student at another institution, visa sponsorship cannot be provided.

Certain courses will require you to obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before a CAS can be issued for your student visa application . The requirement for ATAS clearance is determined by the CAH3 code of the course. Students who hold an EEA nationality or one of the following nationalities are exempt from this requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland. An ATAS application has a processing time of 20 working days and a CAS cannot be issued until the FCDO have issued your certificate. Departmental staff intending to host visiting students can find further guidance on the International Student Office's ATAS process web pages.

Visiting for six months or less

If you are coming to Cambridge for less than six months, you will be able to do this as a visitor to the UK. Further information on coming to the UK as a visitor is outlined on our short period of study page . This includes information on the requirements and restrictions of coming to the UK as a visitor, and whether you need to apply for a visa in advance. Where the period as a visiting student is to undertake a short period of research at Cambridge, this must be as part of your degree course at your home institution to meet the immigration requirements. A letter from the home institution confirming that the study at Cambridge is part of, or relevant to, your course overseas is required.

Once accepted as a visiting student for a period under six months, your host Faculty or Department will provide a visa letter. Please note this is different to the acceptance letter you may receive from your supervisor or Department at Cambridge.

Visiting students undertaking postgraduate-level research in certain science and technology subjects will require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate to support either their visa application, if you are required to apply for a visitor visa in advance of arriving in the UK, or entry to the UK at immigration control. You will be informed as part of your acceptance as a visiting student if this applies to you. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) manages ATAS. You must apply online to the FCDO and applications are normally decided within 20 working days. You will be sent the ATAS certificate via email and will need to print it out to support your visa application, or carry in your hand-luggage in case it is requested on entry to the UK at immigration control. Students who hold an EEA nationality or one of the following nationalities are exempt from this requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland.

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Short-term visiting research students

We welcome applications from students registered at other Universities to the University of Edinburgh for a period of research, within the Graduate School of Biological Sciences.

As a Registered Visiting Student coming to the University of Edinburgh, you can gain research experience and/or study which will directly contribute to your degree. There are two categories of visiting research students:

1) Visiting Research (VRes) Student for less than or up to twelve weeks, you will not be charged a fee and are not subject to the university’s English language entry requirements;

2) Visiting Research (VRes) Student for more than twelve weeks and up to and including twelve months, you will be charged a flat rate. Current fee rate here . You will be subject to the university’s English language entry requirements. Further information regarding this is noted below.

 All visiting students to the University must be registered on the University’s student record system EUCLID, unless the duration of the visit is less than two weeks.

Once registered, you will have access to courses, supervision, and full library and IT facilities. You will also receive an official record of the time you spend at the University of Edinburgh.

How to apply

If you wish to be considered for a place as a visiting research student, you should make contact with a member of our academic staff in your field and identify someone willing to supervise you.

Then complete the application form below.

You must include with your application:

• evidence that your home institution has approved your visit, eg a supporting letter from your home institution/supervisor, or a copy of Erasmus agreement if applicable (note that the standard length of visits for students on Erasmus+ traineeships is 3 months)
• evidence that your potential supervisor in the School of Biological Sciences has agreed to host your visit

Students who require a visa must submit their formal application at least 8 weeks before the intended start date. You should note that only the Graduate School can issue offer of admission letters which may be used for Visa application purposes. All others must apply at least 6 weeks before otherwise we cannot guarantee that applications will be processed in time.

Forms should be sent to  [email protected]

English language requirements

Any Visiting Research Student applicant in attendance for longer than twelve weeks, will be expected to provide evidence that they meet the minimum English language entry requirements. For PhD programmes within the school these are-

• an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries
• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 (at least 6.0 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 92 (at least 20 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 61 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 176 (at least 169 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components
• If you cannot provide evidence of your competency in English, your application will not be considered by the school.

International students

International students must apply for a Student Route Visa (previously Tier 4) for visits of more than 6 months. All students holding a Student Route visa must study full-time and meet English Language requirements as set out above. For visits of less than 6 months you should apply as a Standard Visitor    Nationals of one of the countries that appears on the List of Visa Nationals will need to apply for their visa 2-3 months before they intend to travel.

For visits under 6 months, Non-visa nationals (including all EU nationals) can request entry to the UK as a Standard Visitor on arrival to the UK.

The Standard Visa is only valid for a maximum of 6 months, with no extensions permitted. 

You should indicate on the application form what type of visa you will hold to come here. Please contact the University's Student Immigration Service if you require any advice about visas.

You should also check whether you require an ATAS certificate ;  the CAH3 code is CAH03-01-01.

University Policy on Visiting Students

Fee information   

V isa advice from our Immigration website

English language requirements  

Student Experience: Immigration & Compliance

Visiting research students.

In this section you will find information about routes to conduct a period of research at Warwick. If you will not be physically based at Warwick and only requires access to our library, please refer to University of Warwick Library | Using other libraries .

Scenario 1:, if you are:, currently enrolled on a research course (such as a phd course) in your home country, or, in a different uk institution,, your institution does not have a formal 'exchange' or 'partnership' agreement with the university of warwick,, the research you intend to conduct at warwick is part of/ related to your overseas research course:.

Your contact will be the Postgraduate Admissions Team

They will provide you with information as to how to make an application, how to meet offer conditions and how to request a CAS or a Visitor Visa supporting letter.

You can find more information on the Postgraduate Admissions ' 'Visiting Research Student' Link opens in a new window ' webpage.

If your period of visit is less than 6 months, you may wish to apply for a Visitor visa .

Scenario 2:

Currently enrolled on an undergraduate course (for example, a bachelor's degree course), or, a postgraduate master's course in your home country,, you would like to come to warwick to learn how to conduct research (this includes taking an active role in a research project) - some institutions also use terms such as 'internship' or 'placement' or 'erasmus+',, the research you intend to conduct at warwick is part of/ related to your overseas course:, your institution does not have a formal 'exchange' or 'partnership' agreement with the university of warwick:.

Please contact the Immigration Service team who will ascertain who is the best contact for you.

Unless your research can be classed as 'research tuition', it is likely that you will require a Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa - see Erasmus+ webpage and GOV visa option for European nationals for more information.

Scenario 3:

Currently enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course in your home country,, your institution has a formal 'exchange' or 'partnership' agreement with the university of warwick (bilateral agreement or erasmus),.

You will usually be nominated by your institution and our Study Abroad team would contact you directly with information on how to make an application to study at Warwick.

If you are unsure, please contact our Study Abroad team Link opens in a new window who will guide you on the application process and provide you with a CAS if you are coming to Warwick for more than 6 months, or, a Visa supporting letter if you are coming to Warwick for less than 6 months.

Scenario 4:

Currently enrolled on a doctoral research course (such as a phd) in an overseas institution, or, have just graduated from your phd,, the research you intend to conduct at warwick is not part of/ related to your overseas course,, you will receive a salary (this can be paid either by warwick or an independent organisation) at a minimum of uk national living wage, you intend to conduct research for a period of up to 2 years at a minimum skill level of rqf level 3:, employed at an overseas institution, will remain paid and employed overseas but wish to carry out activities incidental to your job overseas., are highly qualified within your field of expertise and working in that area before coming to the uk (generally holding a phd or higher).

Your contact will be Warwick H.R. immigration team Link opens in a new window

You may require a Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa sponsored by Warwick, or an Academic visitor visa (part of Standard Visitor Visa).

If unsure, click on Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Visa requirements for academic visitors (doctoral students and faculty) to Oxford University

• OxPo - People
• Academic exchanges
• Collaborative projects
• Publications

From 1 January 2021 all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals visiting a department/ faculty or college, that have not been resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, will need to enter the UK under the appropriate visitor route:

• Academic visitors who are non-visa nationals ( Check UK visa  and  visa national list ),  visiting for less than 6 months  (e.g. professors, postdocs, doctoral students) must show the Academic Visitor letter to a Border Control officer on arrival to get a visitor stamp in their passport. Please email your host department in the UK to request the letter.
• Academic visitors who are visa nationals or non-visa nationals ( Check UK visa  and  visa national list ),  visiting for more than 6 months  (e.g. professors, postdocs, doctoral students) can apply for the  academic visitor visa  (sub-category of the standard visitor visa) for  up to 12 months . Please see  Academic Visitor Visa  section: ( Types of Standard Visitor visas | Staff Immigration (ox.ac.uk) ). Such visitors will also need the Academic Visitor letter before travelling to the UK. Please email your host department in the UK to request the letter.

Students will not be supported for visits of over 6 months. 

• Student visitors who are non-visa nationals ( Check UK visa  and  Visa national list ), must show the Student Visitor letter to a Border Control officer on arrival to get a visitor stamp in their passport. Please email your host department in the UK to request the letter.
• Student visitors who are visa nationals ( Check UK visa  and  Visa national list ) will need a visa and the Student Visitor letter before travelling to the UK. Such students can apply for the Visitor Visa(for visits up to 6 months). The visa cannot be extended over 6 months or be changed into the student route. A letter can be provided by the Department to assist with the application.  More information about these student visas can be found here: ( Before you arrive | University of Oxford )

Note, all visitors will need to obtain additional medical insurance for all costs not covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Please consult the UK government website for details:  Healthcare for visitors to the UK from the EU - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Exchange and study abroad visas

Study abroad and exchange visa support

Check which visa you need to study abroad in the UK

If you will study on an  Exchange or Study Abroad programme , you need to apply for a visa depending on how long you will be in the UK:

Visas for 6 months or less

Visas for more than 6 months.

You will need a visa from the  ‘Standard Visitor for the purpose of Study’  category to study an Exchange or Study Abroad programme in the UK for 6 months or less. 

The ‘Standard Visitor for the purpose of Study’ visa can’t be extended and you aren’t permitted to work on this visa. 

If you’re a citizen of the  EU, EEA or Switzerland  and already hold pre-settled or settled status in the UK, you don’t need another visa to study an Exchange or Study Abroad programme in the UK.

If you’re from a country on  this list of nationalities requiring entry clearance , then you’ll have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa for the purpose of study before you travel to the UK. 

If you are from a country that is  not on this list  you can choose to apply for a visa before you travel or when you enter the UK. If you don’t get a visa before you travel, you’ll need to produce all the documents to support your application to enter the UK as a Standard Visitor for the purpose of study to the Border Force Officer when you arrive at the port of entry in the UK.

If you hold an  Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) document  you don’t need to apply for Entry Clearance before you travel. Please ensure that you meet the criteria for this.

If you’re a national of Qatar you’ll need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) instead of an EVW from now. If you’re a national of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates you can get an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024. You’ll be able to apply from 1 February 2024.

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LIVE: The political parties’ manifesto commitments on higher education

• 10 June 2024

The 2024 General Election is scheduled for Thursday 4th July. As the political parties release their manifestos, we will be analysing and discussing them here.

Here we focus on the largest UK-wide parties – the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Reform, and the Green Party – and two national parties, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru.

The one-pager below is a short, downloadable summary of the parties’ commitments. It will be updated as the manifestos are released. Further analysis is available below the summary.

Fees and funding

In its 2024 manifesto, the Conservative Party has made no new commitments in this area, suggesting they would keep the current model.

The Labour Party has moved away from its 2019 commitment to scrap tuition fees. In its 2019 manifesto, it declared that ‘higher education is in crisis’ and ‘the current higher education funding settlement does not work for the taxpayer, universities, staff, or students’. But is vague on detail, saying only that Labour will act to create a ‘secure future’ for higher education.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to a review of higher education funding, to take place in the next Parliament. (The most recent review of higher education reported in 2019. )

Reform would scrap interest on student loans, but would extend the repayment period to 45 years. Modelling from London Economics shows that increasing real interest rates would make the system more progressive – that is, higher-earning graduates pay much more than lower-earning graduates. This policy from Reform would therefore probably make the system less progressive, so higher- and lower-earning graduates pay similar amounts, with most paying off their loans in the 45-year window.

The Green Party would scrap undergraduate tuition fees entirely, and in the long run, would aim to cancel graduate debt.

Plaid Cymru has noted it has repeatedly raised the issue of university funding. It would work to make university free for all and would work with universities to make sure their provision is financially viable.

The Conservative Party has pledged to, in the next Parliament: increase public spending to £22 billion a year, up from £20 billion; maintain research and development tax reliefs worth £280 million; continue to invest £1.5 billion in ‘large-scale compute clusters’, to support research into the safe uses of AI; continue with its Advanced Manufacturing Plan to secure strategic manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace, life sciences and clean energy; and build on its nine specialist ‘Catapults’ to further support innovation by distributing £1.6 billion of funding.

Labour has promised to scrap short funding cycles and replace them with 10-year budgets. It will has also committed to work to support university ‘spinout’ companies.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to continue participation in Horizon Europe , the EU’s R&D funding platform, which the UK rejoined in January 2024. They have pledged to join the European Innovation Council , an innovation programme targeting high-risk, high-reward ‘breakthrough’ technologies. They have called for 3% of GDP to be invested in R&D by 2030 and 3.5% by 2034, which builds on their target of 2.4% in their 2019 manifesto.

In 2019, Labour promised to spend 3% of GDP on research by 2030.

The Green Party have committed to spending £30 billion more on research by the end of the next Parliament. Additional spending would primarily be targeted at alleviating the climate crisis and focused in areas such as:

• energy storage;
• agroecological agriculture and soil health;
• re-use, repair, recycling and designing out waste;
• carbon neutral construction;
• carbon-neutral production; and
• carbon capture technology.

Green MPs will also push for partnership with universities and Global South institutions to alleviate climate change.

Plaid Cymru would increase investment in R&D and would seek to devolve responsibility for R&D funding in Wales to the Welsh Government.

International

The Liberal Democrats have committed to rejoin Erasmus+, which facilitates a range of travel and study opportunities across the EU. The UK left Erasmus when it left the EU in 2020, having rejected the option to join as an associated third country.

The Liberal Democrats have also committed to report international student flows separately from long-term migration. In practice, this is likely to make international students less likely to be caught up in debates about reducing the overall level of migration.

In line with the recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) , the Conservative Party has kept the Graduate Route visa in its current form but will crack down on agents used to recruit international students.

Labour is yet to make significant manifesto promises on international students.

Reform would ‘Stop [the] backdoor route to immigration through [the] use of low quality degree courses.’ This might involve closing courses and/or restricting immigration options for students.

By contrast, the Green Party would allow international students to bring dependents. It would also give all of those on visas, including international students, to vote in elections and referenda.

Plaid Cymru supports retaining the Graduate Route visa.

Maintenance support

As they did in 2019, the Liberal Democrats have committed to bring back maintenance grants for disadvantaged students.

The Conservative Party, while in government, has raised maintenance loans in England in line with a prediction of inflation. However this has, in practice, fallen far below actual inflation, causing maintenance support to fall in real terms.

Labour has highlighted the financial challenges faced by students. In 2019, it promised to bring back maintenance grants. However, the current Labour leadership has stressed its financial responsibility and is unlikely to make big spending pledges in this area.

The Green Party has pledged to ‘fully fund every student’ (presumably to fully meet their living costs ) and restore maintenance grants.

Non-traditional routes into higher education

The Conservative Party has championed alternatives to the traditional degree for school leavers, such as apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. On 29 May, the Party pledged to cut 130,000 ‘low-quality’ higher education places, around one-eighth of the total, and spend the money on funding more apprenticeships.

The Conservative Party has also committed to ‘deliver’ the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). The LLE, and the problems with implementing it, was discussed at length in this HEPI paper from 2023 . The Conservatives would also expand adult skills programmes.

Labour would develop a comprehensive ‘post-16 skills strategy’ with a number of elements, including reform of the Apprenticeship Levy and the establishment of Skills England. But it is difficult to know how many of these will affect higher education. We are only told that the strategy will direct institutions on the role of providers, supporting students to move between institutions, and ‘strengthening’ regulation.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to create Lifelong Skills Grants for all adults worth £5,000 to spend on skills and training throughout their lives, with the hope these will later increase to £10,000.

The Greens commit to additional spending on lifelong learning but say this will be targeted at further education, rather than higher education.

Plaid Cymru would create new ‘flexible pathways’ into HE, including through short courses; and would create a new Lifelong Learning Allowance to support adults to undertake education and training throughout their lives.

The Conservative Party has committed to scrap 130,000 ‘rip-off’ degrees, which it says will raise £910 million by 2030, to fund its apprenticeship pledge.

The Labour Party has a broad commitment to act to improve access to higher education.

The Liberal Democrats would create a statutory duty of care which higher education institutions must abide by, placing new legal obligations on institutions to look after students. It would ensure they continue to work to widen participation. It would also require them to be transparent about their selection criteria – perhaps building on a tool recently developed by UCAS to allow applicants to see the actual grades successful entrants to a programme receive.

Reform would implement student number caps to reduce the number of students to ‘well below current levels’ and enforce minimum entry standards. They would cut funding to universities that undermine free speech. They would also require universities to provide 2-year graduate courses, to help students enter employment more quickly and leave them with less debt when they graduate.

The Green Party also notes the challenges posed by the changes to employer contributions to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and commits to working with universities to address these.

Plaid Cymru would work to increase the number of students accessing higher education.

Links to the parties’ manifestos:

Conservatives

Liberal Democrats

Green Party

Plaid Cymru

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