Latest update May 2024

      student visa

      Find out how long you can stay in the UK with your visa.

      student visitor

      How long can I stay in the UK with a Student visa?

      The length of your course will help you understand how long you can stay in the UK, as you’re able to stay until you’ve completed your course.

      For example, if you’re aged 18 or above and you’ve chosen a degree-level course, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. However, if your course is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

      Learn more about how long you can stay in the UK. 

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      Will I have the option to stay longer in the UK if I want to?

      Yes, you’re able to stay for longer with one of the following options:

      Extend your Student Visa
      Extend your student visa -  if you’re eligible, you can apply to continue your studies in the UK for an extended time.
      Switch to a Student visa from another visa
      Switch to a Student visa from another visa - this option is for those who are already in the UK.
      Switch to a Graduate Visa
      Switch to a Graduate visa - this option will allow you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after you’ve successfully completed your original course.

      Do I have the option to travel to the UK before my course has started?

      Yes, but the course you’ve chosen will determine how much earlier you’re able to travel to the UK, for example:

      • If you’ve chosen a course that is 6 months long or less, you’re able to travel to the UK up to 1 week before.
      • If you’ve chosen a course that runs for longer than 6 months, you’re able to travel up to 1 month before.

      Don’t forget, you won’t be able to travel to the UK before the start date that is noted on your visa, and this is still the case even if your course has already started. 

       

      Last updated 15 May 2024