September 9, 2025

The UK remains a top destination for master’s, PhD, and pathway students because of its academic strength and strong graduate outcomes. But 2025 isn’t a “copy last year’s file” moment: funds thresholds are higher, dependants are tightly restricted, and your status is digital. Treat your application like a lab report: a clear hypothesis (your study plan), verified numbers (tuition + maintenance), and replicable evidence (bank statements, test scores). UK study visa consultants can guide you through this process, turning a maze into a map with precision and expertise.

What’s new in 2025 (at a glance)

  • Higher maintenance funds. £1,483/month in London; £1,136/month outside London, up to 9 months
  • Application fee. £524 per applicant (inside or outside the UK).
  • IHS (health surcharge). Students pay £776 per year; time is rounded up in 6-month blocks (e.g., many 12-month master’s pay £1,164).
  • Dependents. Only allowed for government-sponsored students (course >6 months) and postgraduate research degrees; taught master’s generally cannot bring dependants if the course starts on/after 1 Jan 2024.
  • eVisa. Physical BRP cards are out; set up a UKVI account and access a digital eVisa.

The roadmap: offer letter → visa (8 crisp steps)

1) Offer letter

Accept the university offer and meet any conditions quickly (grades, English, payments). Keep your email trail tidy and ensure deadlines are visible in your calendar.

2) CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

Your CAS ties your application to your university. Check every line—course title, dates, tuition due/paid, and passport details—before you apply. Think of the CAS as your boarding pass: if details don’t match, the gate (UKVI) will stop you.

3) Evidence pack

Funds: Tuition (per CAS) plus maintenance at the correct city band, held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of your application. London requires £1,483 per month; outside London requires £1,136 per month, both capped at 9 months. English: Degree-level courses typically require CEFR B2; below degree, usually B1. Prove via an approved SELT or qualifying credentials. ATAS: Required for certain sensitive research subjects—get this before you apply. TB test: If you’re from a listed country, book an approved clinic well in advance. UK study visa consultants can help ensure all these requirements are correctly documented and submitted, giving you the best chance of approval.

4) Apply online + pay

The earliest application is 6 months before your course start date (outside the UK). Pay the visa fee (£524) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in one flow.

5) Biometrics / ID app

Give biometrics at a visa application centre or use the ID Check app where available. Upload documents exactly as instructed; legibility beats aesthetics.

6) Decision

Typical timelines are about 3 weeks outside the UK and about 8 weeks inside. Priority or super priority services may be available in some locations.

7) eVisa setup & travel

Create your UKVI account, link your passport, and access your eVisa (digital immigration status). Save a share code and carry PDFs of your CAS, fee receipts, and accommodation details for airline and university checks.

Big-picture guidance (the “why” behind each step)

Admissions, immigration rules, and airline checks now interlock like gears. The CAS proves admission and fees; funds evidence proves sustainability; English/ATAS/TB safeguard eligibility; the online form mirrors your CAS; biometrics confirm identity; and the eVisa replaces physical cards. If one gear slips—say, your bank statement is a day short—the whole machine grinds. Front-load checks, version-control document names, and cross-read everything for spelling, dates, and sums. It’s like building a bridge: measurements matter more than paint.

Costs you should actually plan for (with a quick example)

Standard fees

  • Visa fee: £524.
  • IHS: £776 per year; many 12-month master’s pay £1,164 due to extra months granted around the course.

Example (12-month Master’s in London):

  • Maintenance: £1,483 × 9 = £13,347.
  • IHS: £1,164 (charged as 1.5 years).
  • Visa fee: £524.
  • Tuition: per your CAS.

Think of your finances like a safety harness—strong, visible, and the first thing an ECO checks.

Dependants in 2025 (tight criteria)

Dependants are generally allowed only if you are government-sponsored for more than six months or on an eligible postgraduate research degree (typically PhD or other research-based degree) of nine months or more. Each dependent needs additional maintenance funds, their own visa fee and IHS, and must meet document rules.

Documents checklist (tick before you click)

  • Passport valid for travel.
  • CAS with correct details and recorded payments.
  • Funds evidence that meets the 28-day rule and falls within 31 days of application.
  • IHS and visa fee payment confirmations.
  • English evidence (SELT/qualifications) at the correct CEFR level.
  • ATAS certificate (if required).
  • TB certificate from an approved clinic (if required).
  • Certified translations where applicable.

Common mistakes—and how we prevent them

  • Funds timing off by one day—back-plan bank statements to hit the 28-day holding and 31-day application windows.
  • Wrong city band—maintenance differs for London vs outside London; map to your campus postcode.
  • Missing ATAS or TB—silent show-stoppers if overlooked; check early.
  • eVisa not set up—guide UKVI account linking and share-code checks before travel.

Timeline you can actually follow (work backwards)

  1. Week 8–6: Secure/confirm CAS; book TB/ATAS if needed; plan the funds window.
  2. Week 6–5: Apply, pay visa fee, and IHS.
  3. Week 5–3: Biometrics/ID app and document uploads.
  4. Week 3–2: Typical decision window for outside‑UK applications.
  5. Week 2–1: Set up UKVI account; confirm eVisa is visible and shareable.

Should you use a consultant?

  • Up-to-date rule checks and policy interpretation.
  • CAS cross‑reads and evidence strategy aligned to UKVI practice.
  • Higher chance of first-time approval; fewer reworks and delays.

Why Jupiter Consultants

As the best visa consultants for UK study, we turn complex immigration policies into a simple, timed checklist tailored to each student. Our team carefully stress-tests your financial documents, resolves mismatches before they risk refusal, and ensures every requirement is met on time. From counselling and documentation to application submission, decision tracking, and eVisa activation, we stay with you at every step—so you move confidently from Offer Letter to eVisa without stress or surprises.

Sources (official & current)

FAQs

1. When can I apply?

Up to 6 months before your course if applying from outside the UK.

2. How long will it take?

Usually about 3 weeks outside the UK and about 8 weeks inside. Priority may be available.

3. How much IHS do students pay?

£776 per year, charged in whole or half-year blocks.

4. Can I bring dependants?

Only if government-sponsored for more than 6 months or studying eligible postgraduate research degrees.

5. What’s an eVisa?

Your digital immigration status—access it via a UKVI account and share codes when needed.