What are the student visa requirements and application process in UK/USA for a Master's?
You must first secure admission to a university before applying for a student visa for the UK or USA. Here’s a summary of the typical requirements and steps:
UK Student Visa (Masters, September 2027):
- Admission offer: Unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK university.
- Financial proof: Show funds for tuition plus living costs (about £1,529/month for London or £1,171/month outside London, up to 9 months). Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
- Application: Apply online up to 6 months before your course. Current visa fee: £558. Attend a biometric appointment.
- Health surcharge: Pay £776/year for NHS access.
- Other: English proficiency (IELTS) and, if required, a tuberculosis (TB) test.
USA F-1 Student Visa (Masters, September 2027):
- Admission offer: Acceptance and Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified institution.
- Financial proof: Show funds for tuition and living expenses (amount varies).
- Application: Pay SEVIS fee ($350), fill DS-160 form, pay visa fee ($185), schedule and attend a visa interview.
- Documents: Passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, transcripts, proof of funds, English test scores.
Visa fees, financial requirements, and policies are subject to change.
More expert answers
For a master's program in the UK starting January 2027, you’ll need to:
1. Secure admission: Get an unconditional offer from a UK university and receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
2. Prepare documents:
- Valid passport
- CAS number
- Proof of funds (about £1,529/month for up to 9 months in London, or £1,171/month outside London; funds held for at least 28 days)
- English proficiency evidence (such as IELTS, unless exempt)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- TB test certificate (from a UK-approved clinic)
- ATAS certificate (if required for your course)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (about £776/year; subject to change)
3. Apply online: Submit your visa application up to 6 months before your course starts. The current application fee is £558 (subject to change).
4. Biometric appointment: Provide fingerprints and a photo at a visa application center.
5. Await decision: Processing typically takes 3 weeks.
6. Receive your visa: If approved, your visa will be linked to your passport.
Most master’s students cannot bring dependents unless government-sponsored or enrolled in a research degree. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Graduate visa (post-study work visa) to stay and work in the UK for up to 18 months.
Not sure which documents your UK visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
More UK questions
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?