Student Visa is Most countries require proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Many student visas also permit part-time work and offer post-study work options.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Acceptance letter from an accredited institution |
| Financial Proof | Sufficient funds for tuition + living costs for at least 1 year |
| Language | English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) or local language certification |
| Health Insurance | Valid health insurance coverage |
| Clean Record | No criminal record; medical clearance in some countries |
Which Countries Offer This?
- United States Immigration Guide
- United Kingdom Immigration Guide
- Canada Immigration Guide
- Australia Immigration Guide
- Germany Immigration Guide
Processing Time & Cost
UK/Canada amounts checked 9 October 2026. UK fee table, effective 8 April 2026 · UK Student financial requirements and exceptions · UK maintenance changes from 11 November 2025 (APP ST3–ST5) · IRCC living-cost amounts by application date and family size. This update covers these UK/Canada amounts; it is not a new review of every country example on this page.
Processing Time: 2-8 weeks (varies by country and embassy). US F-1: 3-5 weeks. UK: 3-6 weeks.
Cost: US F-1: USD $185 (SEVIS) + $185 (visa). UK Student: GBP 558 application fee from 8 April 2026; the immigration health surcharge (IHS) is separate. Canada: CAD $150.
Explore programme requirements
Explore recorded programme requirements and sources. Your answers provide context; they do not decide whether you qualify.
Get your free resultsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a student visa?
Most countries allow 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays. US F-1 restricts off-campus work without authorization.
What happens after graduation?
Many countries offer post-study work visas: the UK Graduate Route gives 2 years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027 (3 years for PhD graduates); Canada's PGWP runs from the programme length up to 3 years; Australia's 485 is generally 2 to 3 years, with longer periods for some nationalities.
Do I need IELTS?
Requirements depend on the country, the institution and the course; many accept IELTS or equivalent tests and some waive them for native English speakers or graduates of English-taught programmes. Check the requirement with your institution and the visa authority.
How much money do I need to show?
UK Student: GBP 1,529/month in London or GBP 1,171/month outside London, for up to 9 months, for applications made on or after 11 November 2025, plus the course fees on your CAS. Funds normally must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days before application. Living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, residential-school boarding, financial sponsorship and differential-evidence rules may change the evidence needed; accompanying family members need additional funds. Canada study permit: CAD 23,448 for one person for the first year, excluding tuition and transportation, for applications on or after 1 September 2026 outside Quebec. Larger families need the applicable IRCC household amount; Quebec has separate rules. US: varies by institution.
Can a student visa lead to permanent residence?
Not directly, but post-study work permits and employer sponsorship can lead to PR in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK.