Study in the UK: The Complete Guide for International Students (2026)
A realistic 2026 guide to studying in the UK — CAS and Student visa basics, real costs, work rights, and how the shrinking Graduate visa changes your post-study plan.
The UK remains one of the most internationally recognized places to study, but the post-study landscape shifted in 2026 — the Graduate visa is shrinking to 18 months for most applicants from January 2027, which changes how much runway your study choice actually buys you afterward.
CAS and the Student visa
Your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you have an unconditional offer — this is the reference number your Student visa application is built around, alongside proof of funds (tuition plus a fixed monthly living-cost allowance, higher for London) and, in most cases, an English test result at the required level.
What it costs
International tuition ranges roughly £15,000-£38,000+ a year depending on the course and institution, with London carrying a substantial living-cost premium over other UK cities. See our [cost of living comparison](/blog/cost-of-living-international-students-2026) for a realistic city-by-city view rather than a national average.
Work rights while studying
Most Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations — useful supplementary income, though (as with Canada and Australia) not a substitute for the funds required at application.
With the Graduate visa shrinking to 18 months from 2027, your program choice now has a shorter runway attached to it than it used to.
Compare UK universities and programs, and see how your timeline lines up with the new Graduate visa and Skilled Worker rules before you commit.
Planning for after graduation
If you're applying now, you may still qualify for the current 2-year Graduate visa (3 years for PhD) if your application is made before 1 January 2027 — timing genuinely matters here. Either way, the Graduate visa itself doesn't lead to settlement; it's a bridge into a Skilled Worker visa. See our guides on the [Graduate visa changes](/blog/uk-graduate-visa-2026-changes) and the [ILR 10-year rule](/blog/uk-ilr-changes-2026-skilled-worker) for the full picture before you choose a program.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAS and do I need one before applying for a visa?+
Yes — your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued by your university once you accept an unconditional offer, and your Student visa application is built around its reference number.
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?+
A fixed monthly living-cost figure (higher for London) plus your remaining tuition balance, held for a specified period before applying — confirm current figures, as thresholds are reviewed periodically.
Will my Graduate visa be 2 years or 18 months?+
It depends on when you apply: applications made on or before 31 December 2026 generally still qualify for the current 2-year duration (3 years for PhD); from 1 January 2027, most new applicants get 18 months.
Does the Graduate visa count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain?+
No — time on a Graduate visa doesn't directly count toward ILR; you typically need to move onto a route like Skilled Worker, which does count.
Can I work unlimited hours during university vacations?+
Generally yes, full-time work is permitted during scheduled vacation periods, reverting to the 20-hour weekly cap once term resumes.
Ready to take the next step?
Turn this into a plan — check your visa fit, browse real universities, or find a role that matches your occupation.
