What is Right to Study and what changes when you transition between UK student visas?

What is Right to Study

Right to Study is a mandatory check that UK universities must perform on every international student before enrollment. The university is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to collect and retain copies of your immigration documents to verify that you have permission to remain in the UK and that permission does not restrict you from studying.

You will provide proof of your immigration status through official documents, typically a passport and visa confirmation. British and Irish nationals do not require this check. For students holding a physical BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or switching to the new eVisa system, the university will verify your status within the first three weeks of your enrollment.

Non-completion of the Right to Study check prevents full enrollment and may affect access to student facilities and tuition payment processing.

BRP to eVisa Transition Deadline: June 1, 2025

All BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits) expired on December 31, 2024. The UK Visas and Immigration replaced physical permits with a digital immigration system called eVisa, linked to your UKVI account.

As of June 1, 2025, you can no longer use an expired BRP for travel to the UK . You must register for a free UKVI account and access your eVisa online at www.gov.uk/evisa . Setting up an eVisa account does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your visa.

Airlines increasingly require electronic verification of immigration status before boarding, making eVisa setup essential for international travel.

Dependent Restrictions Effective January 1, 2024

As of January 1, 2024, most international students can no longer bring family members (spouses or children) on a student visa. This restriction applies to all students starting courses on or after that date.

Only these students are exempt:

• Government-sponsored students pursuing courses lasting longer than 6 months, where the government scholarship covers both tuition fees and living expenses
• Postgraduate research students enrolled in PhD programs or other research-based doctorates (RQF level 8)

According to the Home Office, dependent visas granted to accompany students fell by 80% in the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 .

If you began your course before January 1, 2024, these restrictions do not apply to existing dependents, and you may apply to extend their visas.

Financial Requirements Increased November 11, 2025

The UK raised maintenance fund requirements for student visa applicants to account for rising living costs.

Current amounts (as of November 11, 2025):

Dependents require additional funds: £845/month in London and £680/month outside London .

You must prove you have held the required funds continuously for at least 28 consecutive days, with evidence dated within 31 days of your application. Total required funds include both your course fees and maintenance costs.

Acceptable evidence includes student loans from government schemes, official sponsorship letters, and bank statements. Cryptocurrency, stocks, pensions, and overdrafts are not acceptable .

Visa Application Fees: April 8, 2026 Increase

UK student visa fees increase on April 8, 2026. Applications submitted before that date use current fees; applications submitted on or after that date use new fees.

Student visa fees:

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is separate from the visa fee and currently costs £776 per year for students . For a 2-year visa, total IHS cost is £1,552.

Total cost for a standard 3-year student visa is approximately £3,570 (visa fees) plus £2,328 (IHS), not including course fees or living costs.

Graduate Visa Duration Changes: January 1, 2027

The UK is shortening the post-study work visa for bachelor's and master's degree holders starting January 1, 2027.

Duration by qualification:

Applications submitted on or before December 31, 2026 will still receive the current 2-year permission. The new 18-month period is expected to encourage graduates to transition into skilled employment or sponsored work visas more quickly .

Real-World Example: Student Starting Master's in September 2025

A student from India enrolling in a 12-month master's program at Imperial College London in September 2025 faces these costs and timelines.

Visa and health costs:

• Student visa: £524 (current fee, since application before April 8, 2026)
• IHS: £776 × 2 years = £1,552 (visa covers one year post-graduation under current 2-year grant)

Financial requirements (Right to Study):

• Course fees: (varies by program, typically £25,000-35,000)
• Maintenance funds: £1,529 × 9 months = £13,761

After graduation (assuming 2025 graduate visa rules still apply):

• 24-month Graduate visa allows work search and skilled employment
• Must transition to a sponsored work visa before expiration or leave the UK

If this student graduates in September 2026 and applies for the Graduate visa in December 2026, they receive the full 24 months. If they apply on January 1, 2027 or later, they receive only 18 months.

The student cannot bring dependents on the master's visa unless they are a PhD student or government-sponsored.

Key Deadlines and Dates

Sources

• UK Student Visa Financial Requirements - GOV.UK
• Financial Evidence for Student Visa Applicants - GOV.UK
• Immigration Health Surcharge Costs - GOV.UK
• Graduate Visa Overview - GOV.UK
• eVisa Updates - GOV.UK
• Student Visa Updates from UKCISA
• UK Visa Fees Increasing from April 8, 2026 - UKCISA
• Immigration Health Surcharge Increases - UKCISA
• BRP to eVisa Deadline Extensions - Lewis Silkin
• Student Dependent Visa Restrictions - Times Higher Education
• Student Visa Dependent Rules from January 1, 2024 - Davidson Morris
• Graduate Visa Changes 2027 - Hexton's Law