United Kingdom · Student visa
A one-year UK master's now buys you 18 months to work afterward
Americans skip the English test and usually hear back in about three weeks. The part that trips people up is 28 days of money sitting in the bank.
Most UK bachelor's degrees take three years (four in Scotland) and most master's take one, so you pay fewer years of tuition than you would at home. That matters, because international tuition usually runs £10,000 to £25,000 a year (about $13,250 to $33,110 in September 2026), and the visa is the small bill.
What the visa side costs in 2026
£558
Visa application fee
about $740, since April 2026
£776
NHS surcharge, per year of visa
about $1,030, paid with the application
£13,761
Bank balance to show, London
9 months of living costs, about $18,230
20 hours
Work allowed per week in term time
degree-level students
Get the offer first, then the visa
You can't apply until a licensed student sponsor gives you an unconditional offer. Your university is that sponsor, so admissions is the real application.
Good fit
- A one-year taught master's or a three-year bachelor's
- A PhD, the one level where you can still bring a spouse or kids
- Part-time study, but only above degree level (RQF level 7 or higher)
Poor fit
- Couples on a taught master's: for courses starting since January 2024, partners and children can only come with PhD or research students, or government-sponsored students
- Anyone planning to freelance on the side
- Anyone already in the UK as a visitor: you can't switch from a visit to a Student visa, so you apply from home
The bank test goes up at the end of November 2026
Applications made from November 30, 2026 need £1,570 a month in London (about $2,080) and £1,203 elsewhere (about $1,590). Applications made before then are judged on the current amounts below.
The 28-day bank test
On top of any tuition you still owe, you show living costs for up to nine months: £1,529 a month in London (about $2,025) or £1,171 elsewhere (about $1,550). Outside London that's £10,539, about $13,960.
The money has to sit in the account for at least 28 days in a row, and that stretch has to end within 31 days of your application. If the balance drops below the line on any day, the 28 days start over.
London means the City of London and the 32 boroughs. If you've already lived in the UK on a visa for 12 months, you don't have to show funds at all.
What the visa lets you do
Work 20 hours a week
In term time, at degree level. A week runs Monday to Sunday, and you can't average hours across weeks.
Full time in vacations
During your university's official vacation periods. Research students count as in term all year unless leave is approved.
No freelancing
Freelance, contract and consulting work all count as self-employment, which the visa doesn't allow.
NHS care from day one
The surcharge covers NHS care from the date your visa starts. Prescriptions, dental and eye tests still cost extra.
No benefits
You can't claim public funds or pensions while you're on this visa.
An eVisa, not a card
Your status lives online. You reach it by setting up a UKVI account.
How Americans pay for a UK degree
The good news is a UK master's usually takes one year. The funding still has to come from savings, family or U.S. loans.
Federal loans
Some UK universities take U.S. federal loans and some don't. Look yours up in the FAFSA school search: "eligible" schools can issue new loans, "deferment only" schools can't. Pell Grants and TEACH Grants never work at foreign schools.
Grad school got harder to fund
Grad PLUS closed to new borrowers in July 2026. Graduate students now top out at $20,500 a year in Direct Unsubsidized loans, $100,000 lifetime.
Your 529
A 529 can pay for a whole degree at a school that's eligible for federal aid: tuition, books, and room and board if you're at least half time. Flights don't count.
Taxes
You're still taxed on worldwide income, so a part-time UK job goes on your U.S. return. Americans abroad get an automatic two-month extension to file.
What comes after graduation
The Graduate visa gives bachelor's and master's graduates 18 months if they apply in January 2027 or later (two years if they apply by the end of December 2026), and PhD graduates three years. You apply from inside the UK before your Student visa runs out, and it can't be extended. To stay longer, most people move to a Skilled Worker visa: you can switch once your course is finished, or after 24 months of full-time PhD study. Student and Graduate years can count toward 10 years of lawful residence for settlement.
People who can help with the move
Skola
Studying Abroad in Europe
Helps Americans find affordable, English-taught degree programs in Europe and the UK, from choosing a university through the visa.
Clearview Relocation
UK Relocation
UK relocation services for people planning a move to Britain.
Aury Lambert
Attorney Relocation Guide
Relocation guidance for attorneys moving to the United Kingdom.
Simon Conn
International Mortgage Lending
International mortgage lending for buyers in the United Kingdom.
Marshmallow
Auto Insurance in the UK
Car insurance for drivers in the UK.
MyExpatTaxes
U.S. Expat Tax Service
U.S. tax return preparation for Americans living abroad.
Moneycorp
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange and international money transfers.
UK Student visa questions
Do Americans need an English test for a UK Student visa?
No. The UK counts the United States as a majority English-speaking country, so U.S. nationals don't have to prove their English separately for the visa.
Can my spouse come with me on a UK Student visa?
Only in narrow cases. For courses starting since January 2024, partners and children can come only with PhD or other research students, or government-sponsored students on courses longer than six months. Each family member pays the visa fee.
How long does a UK Student visa take?
From the U.S., you can apply up to six months before your course starts, and decisions usually come within three weeks. For courses longer than six months you can arrive up to a month early.
Can I use federal student loans at a UK university?
Yes, if the school takes part in the federal loan programs; check the FAFSA school search for "eligible" status. Pell Grants don't work abroad, and Grad PLUS closed to new borrowers in July 2026, so graduate students are capped at $20,500 a year in Direct Unsubsidized loans.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, within limits. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time during official vacations. Freelancing, contracting and other self-employment aren't allowed.
How much does a UK Student visa cost for an American?
The application fee is £558, about $740, as of April 2026. You also pay the immigration health surcharge, £776 a year (about $1,030) for each year of your visa, when you apply. Tuition and living costs come on top.
How much money do I need in the bank for a UK Student visa?
Up to nine months of living costs: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere for applications made before November 30, 2026, then £1,570 and £1,203. The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application.
Can I stay in the UK after I graduate?
Usually, through the Graduate visa, which you apply for from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. Bachelor's and master's graduates get 18 months if they apply in January 2027 or later, two years if they apply by the end of December 2026, and PhD graduates get three years. It can't be extended.
Weighing the UK against other places to study?
Talk it through with an Expatsi advisor before you commit to a year of tuition.