Studying in the UK for Ukrainians

Ukrainian citizens, like most international students, need a student visa to study in the UK.

Your student visa will allow you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course.

You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you are 16 years old or over, and

• you have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor;
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances;
• have a good command of the English language;
• have parental consent if you are 16 or 17 - you will need proof of this when you apply;

When can I apply?

When you can apply depends on whether you are applying from within or outside the UK.

🇬🇧💡 To ensure a safe move to the UK, we advise you to contact a specialist. Our qualified specialists with legal education will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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Applying from outside the UK

You can apply for a visa 6 months before the start of your studies.

You will usually receive a visa decision within 3 weeks.

Applying from within the UK

You can apply 3 months before the start of your course.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiry date.

You will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

How long can I stay in the country?

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what studies you have already completed in the UK.

If you are over 18 years old and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is a lower level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Extending your stay in the country

You can:

1. extend your visa if you are eligible to continue your studies in the UK;
2. get a postgraduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successful completion of your course.

When can I travel to the UK?

You can arrive before the start of your course. This can be:

• 1 week before the start of your course if your course lasts 6 months or less;
• 1 month before the start of your course if your course lasts more than 6 months.

You must not travel to the UK before the start date on your visa, regardless of when your course starts.

Proof of ability to pay for your course

You need to have enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove that you have this money for your visa application.

🍀 To move safely to study, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. Health insurance can be purchased on our website at the link.

Documents to be submitted

When applying for a student visa, you must provide

1. a valid passport or other valid travel document;
2. Confirmation of Admission to Studies (CAS) from the course provider.
3. You may also need to provide:
4. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this depends on your circumstances;
5. A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it;
6. Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you are under 18 years of age;
7. Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian if you are under 18 years of age;
8. Tuberculosis test results;
9. Written consent to your application from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for course fees and living expenses within the last 12 months.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Please read the instructions for a full list of documents you need to provide.

You will need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at the visa application center. During the application process, you will be told if you need to do this.

You will need to pay an application fee of £363.

If you are under 18 years old

If you are under 18 years old, you will need the written consent of both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they are solely responsible).

This must include their consent to:

• your visa application;
• your living and care arrangements in the UK;
• your travel to the UK.

You will also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or other document issued by a government agency) showing the names of your parents.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Generally, you will receive a decision within 3 weeks.

After submitting the application

You will be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example, because

• your supporting documents need to be verified;
• you need to attend an interview;
• personal circumstances (for example, if you have a criminal record).

If you need to change anything about your application after you have submitted it, contact UKVI.

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you receive a decision

If your application is successful, you will receive

1. a biometric residence permit - if you provided biometric information at the visa application center;
2. a digital immigration status that you can view and confirm online - if you used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check':

Find out what happens after you receive your decision here.

Can I combine study and work in the UK?

According to British law, students can work part-time while studying for up to 20 hours a week. But, as in many other countries, with certain restrictions.

However, some universities set their own rules, for example, a time limit of no more than 16 hours per week. You cannot exceed the standard set by the university or college, because then you may be returned to your home country, arguing that the student works more than he or she studies, which does not meet the purpose of coming.

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an identity document that you will receive if you apply for a long-term study visa valid for more than six months or if you extend your visa for more than six months.

The holders of this permit can use it for identification purposes, to prove their eligibility for education and to access public services or benefits (where applicable).

You do not need to apply for a biometric residence permit separately. If your visa application requires a biometric residence permit, you will receive it automatically (after submitting your biometric data to the UK Visa Application Center).

💡 To ensure a comfortable and safe move to a new country for study purposes, we recommend that you contact specialists. Our qualified specialists with a law degree will help you with your studies in the UK by preparing the necessary documents and other issues. To learn more, please follow the link.

How do I get a biometric residence permit?

Once you have been approved for a long-term visa to study in the UK, you will receive a letter with the address of the UK Visa Application Center in your country of residence, which you need to visit. During your visit to the visa center, you will need to provide all the necessary documents that were used to apply, as well as biometric information, which includes a photo and a digital scan of your fingerprints (remember that this is necessary to obtain a biometric residence permit if your study course lasts longer than 6 months).

After that, if you have applied for a visa from the UK, you will receive your BRP by courier to the address you provided in your visa application form.

If you applied for your visa from outside the UK, you must collect your BRP when you arrive in the country. You should usually collect your BRP within ten days of your arrival in the UK. Instructions on where to collect your BRP will be provided in your visa decision letter.

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Admission to a British university consists of two parts: first, you need to receive an official invitation from the university, and only then apply for a student visa. Therefore, the main task of a future applicant is to prepare a package of documents correctly and meet the deadlines.

What documents are required?

Depending on the level of education, the set may vary, but the basic list is as follows:

• A certificate or diploma with a transcript of grades and an English translation. Often universities accept an ordinary translation, but to increase your chances, you should order a UK ENIC (Statement of Comparability) certificate, which will confirm which British level your education is comparable to.
• Certificate of English language proficiency. British universities recognize only tests from the UKVI list (for example, IELTS for UKVI). Most programs require a B2 level, but for medicine, law, or journalism, the requirements are higher.
• Personal Statement explaining why you have chosen this particular program and how it relates to your goals.
• Teacher recommendations are required for both bachelor's and master's programs.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) and portfolio - required for creative or technical majors.

💡 Practical advice from Visit Ukraine. We can translate and apostille documents for the requirements of British universities and UKVI. This will save time and reduce the risk of rejection due to formal inaccuracies.

Do I need exams or a preparatory year?

In most cases, entrance exams are not required. But there are exceptions:

• Medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine - UCAT or BMAT may be required;
• Law - sometimes you need to pass the LNAT;
• creative specialties - portfolio or interview.

If the level of knowledge does not meet British standards, you can take Foundation Year or International Year One - these are preparatory programs at universities, after which you move on to the main course.

How to apply?

• To apply for a bachelor ' s degree, you can use the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) platform. One application form allows you to choose up to 5 programs. All universities receive documents through this system.
• For master's and PhD programs, you can apply directly on the websites of the universities through their own portals.

Deadlines

The UK is very strict with deadlines, so plan ahead.

• October 15 is the deadline for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, and all medical, dental, and veterinary programs.
• Mid-January (the date is specified annually) is the main deadline for most bachelor's programs.
• After March, you can still apply through UCAS, but the competition is greater because universities have already allocated most of the places.
• For master's and PhD programs, the deadlines are individual: in top universities, the deadline may be in the fall, while in regional universities, the application process lasts until the summer.

Additional permits

Some STEM programs require special permission from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). This applies to courses that may have a “dual purpose” (e.g., related to nuclear technology). If this is your case, the university will warn you and explain how to apply.

Everyone is looking for housing in Britain: freshmen, international students, and young professionals. Therefore, the main rule is to start your search early and have a “plan B”. The choice is usually between university halls and private rent. Below is how it works in practice, without rose-colored glasses.

University dormitories: when and for whom it is beneficial

Dormitories often give freshmen a “soft” start: a fixed price, security, and the company of fellow students.

• What to expect. Options range from standard rooms to studios. Often all-inclusive: the price includes utilities, internet, and sometimes meals (catered halls).
• Prices and contracts. The benchmark is £120-£250/week (more expensive in London), contracts for 42-51 weeks.
• How to get in. Apply as soon as you have confirmed your place at the university; many universities guarantee a room to those who meet the deadline.
• Pros/cons in real life. The pros are the simplicity and social life of the campus. Minus - more expensive and regulated rules (visitors, silence, fines for damage).

Private rental: what to check before signing

After the first year, most people move out - to a shared house/HMO or studio. The details of the contract are important here.

• Contract and deposit. Read the tenancy agreement: duration, early termination, break clause, who pays the utility bill. The deposit is up to 5 weeks of rent; the landlord must keep it in a deposit protection scheme.
• Checks and guarantors. Usually, reference checks are conducted (income/rental history). Foreigners often need a British guarantor; if they do not have one, they may ask for 6-12 months' notice or allow them to use a guarantor service.
• Furnishing of the apartment. Many apartments are “furnished”, but check what exactly is included (mattress, table, kitchen appliances).
• Inventory. At check-in, ask for an inventory with photos and the state of things; this will protect the deposit at check-out.
• Utilities and “hidden” costs. If bills are not included, budget £50-£120/month (gas/light/water/internet). Separately: TV License (if you watch BBC terrestrial/streaming), laundry rental in the building, parking/permit area.

Location and cities: how not to overpay

The difference between cities is enormous.

1. London - high prices, but a wide range of offers near campuses and transportation (it is often more profitable to live further from the center, but near the fastest metro line/Overground).

2. Large cities of England (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool) - reasonable prices and many student areas.

3. Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland - usually cheaper, but fewer options.

Evaluate not only the price, but also the travel time: 20-30 minutes by direct route is often more profitable than “cheap, but 3 transfers”.

Rules and benefits that are easy to forget

• Council Tax. A full-time student is exempt - get a certificate from the university and submit it to the local council.
• Right to Rent. The landlord will check your right to live in the UK (passport, visa/eVisa). This is a normal procedure.
• Payment security. Avoid cash and transfers to a “stranger”. First, the contract, then payment to the official details/platforms.
• Energy efficiency. Ask for the EPC rating of the house: low rating = higher heating bills in winter.

If the accommodation is not yet available on the day of arrival

The normal scenario is temporary accommodation for 2-4 weeks: campus short-stay rooms, serviced apartments, hostels, or rental on platforms with verified identification. During this time, you have time to see the apartments in person and avoid scams.

Studying in the UK attracts with prestige and quality, but it is considered one of the most expensive in Europe. It is important to understand the real costs before applying, as visa requirements require proof of financial solvency.

The cost of education

British universities set their own prices for international students, and they vary greatly depending on the program and the university's ranking.

• Bachelor' s degree for foreigners (including Ukrainians): from £11,000 to £38,000 per year. Humanities are cheaper, engineering and business are more expensive, and medicine is the most expensive (sometimes over £40,000).
• Master's degree: most programs cost £12,000-£30,000. Prestigious universities or technical fields may go beyond that.
• PhD: fees vary by faculty, but are often lower due to grants or paid research contracts.

Mandatory payments before the visa

Students have to pay several fees before arrival:

1. Visa fee - £524 (for applications from outside the UK).

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - £776 for each year of study. This is a fee that provides access to the British healthcare system (NHS).

These amounts must be paid in advance when applying for a visa.

Living expenses

The UK officially defines the minimum funds that a student must show on the account:

• £1,334 per month in London;
• £1,023 per month in other cities.

This is for a maximum of 9 months of the academic year. If the course lasts longer, the financial confirmation is still done within this framework.

In practice, the costs look like this:

• Housing: from £450-£900/month for a room in a shared apartment; dormitory: £120-£250/week.
• Food: £180-£300 per month if you cook at home. Meals in university canteens or cafes will cost more.
• Transportation: students enjoy benefits such as railcards, discounts on the subway or buses. The average cost is £40-£100 per month depending on the city.
• Utilities and internet: £50-£120 per month (if not included in the rent).
• Other expenses: textbooks (~£200-£300 per year), mobile phone (£10-£20/month), leisure activities.

Insurance

Although IHS students have access to the NHS, private health insurance is mandatory at the visa application stage and highly advisable in the first weeks until all the paperwork is completed.

💡 Practical advice: an international policy accepted by British consulates can be quickly arranged on the Visit Ukraine website.

How much does a student really spend?

On average, the budget of a Ukrainian student looks like this:

1. Bachelor's degree at a regional university: £12,000 for tuition + £9,000-£10,000 for living expenses = about £22,000 per year.

2. Master's degree in London: £18,000-£22,000 tuition + £12,000 living expenses = about £30,000-£34,000 per year.

Completely “free” education for foreigners in the UK is rather an exception. However, Ukrainian applicants can actually reduce their budget through government programs, grants from universities, and special support funds.

Government programs: where to start

Chevening (1-year master's program). This is the flagship scholarship of the UK government: it covers the full cost of tuition, provides a monthly stipend, and covers basic relocation expenses. The program is open to Ukrainians; in the current cycle, applications are accepted until October 7, 2025, 12:00 (UTC) (hereinafter referred to as the next cycle). Requirements include citizenship of a participating country, willingness to return home for 2 years after graduation, and at least ~2,800 hours of relevant work experience (approximately 2 years full-time).

Scholarships and discounts from universities

Most universities have International Excellence/Merit Scholarships (typically a 10-50% discount on tuition), and sometimes full waivers for the strongest applicants. The conditions vary: sometimes a high GPA and a good motivation letter are enough, sometimes a portfolio or an additional essay is required. You should look for it in the Fees and funding / International scholarships sections on the website of a particular program or on the general Study UK funding pages.

Special initiatives and support funds for Ukrainians

After 2022, some British universities have launched targeted scholarships/Hardship Funds for students affected by the war. Some of these offers are aimed at applicants with protection or refugee status. Current opportunities are conveniently tracked through the STAR (Student Action for Refugees) database, which contains 80+ university programs with scholarships, fee waivers, and accommodation grants. Check the criteria: some programs are also open to Ukrainian citizens, depending on your status in the UK.

How to increase your chances (almost always works)

1. Apply early. Many grants close by January-March of the previous academic year.

2. Strong application package. A clear Personal Statement, 1-2 references, relevant experience, portfolio (if necessary).

3. Strict adherence to the requirements. For Chevening, leadership examples, a network of influence, and a plan for returning to Ukraine are required; for university grants, specific faculty criteria are required.

How can Visit Ukraine help?

• Translation and apostille of diplomas/transcripts to meet the requirements of universities and UKVI - so that the scholarship application is not rejected due to formalities.
• Legal advice on financial documents (proof of funds, letters of sponsorship), as well as on the terms of scholarship contracts.