Residence and formalities for students in Europe

Since Brexit, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens need a visa to study in the UK, just like everyone else. The exceptions are Irish citizens, who can live and study in the UK freely under the Common Travel Area, and people with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. You enter the UK with a passport. An EU ID card is only enough for people with EU Settlement Scheme status – a biometric card indefinitely, an older one until changes are announced.

Everyone else – whether from the EU or from any other country – needs a Student visa:

• first you get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university,
• from outside the UK you can apply 6 months before your course starts at the earliest,
• application fee: £558 (since 8 April 2026),
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 for each year – it gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS),
• money to support yourself: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months, plus any unpaid part of your tuition fee; the money must be in your account for at least 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply,
• English at level B2 (see: Language).

If you have settled or pre-settled status, or are an Irish citizen, you don't need a visa.