What Do You Need to Study in the UK?
This is a comprehensive Study in the UK checklist designed for international students who wish to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. If you are a UK local student (holding ILR or British citizenship), please refer to our separate UK Local Student Checklist. We’ve broken down all the essential steps from receiving an offer letter to visa application, post-visa procedures, and university registration. It’s important to follow each stage carefully to avoid delays in your application process.
This guide includes:
- Study in the UK Checklists
- UK Student Visa Checklists
- Document Requirements for UK Study Applications
Let’s begin with the Offer Letter Checklist. Once you receive your offer letter from the university, please ensure it is properly scanned and sent to us in the correct format. Do not take photos with your mobile phone, as such images are often rejected and may delay your application.
Student Documentation Checklists for Offer Letter
- Passport
- IELTS if needed
- CV (click here for Sample CV)
- SOP ( Statement of Purpose) – Click here for Sample SOP
- All academic certificates, such as SLC (SEE) or GCSE Equivalent, 10+2 (O and A-Level), Bachelor, Master Certificates, whatever you have
- Please provide a work experience or an explanation letter if you have a GAP.
- Reference letter
- Work experience ( if available)
You need to send the files below
- Passport ( only make this one PDF)
- Last Academic Degree certificate only in PDF format ( only make this one PDF
- Final Degree Mark sheet only in PDF ( only make this one PDF)
- All other academics into one PDF ( only make this one PDF file)
- Letter of recommendation ( single file PDF )
- Experience letter if you have ( single file PDF)
- IELTS if you have ( single file PDF )
- CV in MS Word – ( not PDF )
- SOP in MS Word (not PDF)
Now, let me explain a little bit more. Please send us nine files. If you are applying for a master’s degree, you need to make a PDF file for a bachelor’s degree certificate only in a PDF file. 2nd file will be a bachelor’s degree mark sheet only. Similarly, scan the third file with other academic documents, such as school-level certificates and 10+2 (in some countries, school certificates, grade 12, or O and A levels). 4th single file will be a letter of recommendation if available. 5th single file will be the Work Experience Letter. The 6th single file will be IELTS if needed. The last two files, 8 and 9, are in Microsoft Word format. You must prepare a CV and an SOP as samples, as shown above. CV and SOP must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx). PDF versions of CVs and SOPs will not be accepted.
Format for Writing an SOP to Study in the UK
Now, let’s discuss the Statement of Purpose (SOP). Each university may have its own preferred format and requirements. You can follow the structure below or create your own format to effectively showcase your academic background, career aspirations, and suitability for the chosen course. Our recommended SOP structure:
- Introduction, Academic Background
- Professional Experience (if applicable)
- Why the United Kingdom? Why This University?
- Why This Course? (Include relevant modules, specialisations, and how they align with your academic and professional goals.)
- Career Plan (short-term and long-term career objectives, how the course will help you achieve them, and the skills and knowledge you expect to gain. You may also briefly mention post-study opportunities, such as the Graduate Route visa or placement opportunities, where relevant to your career development.) Click for sample formats.
UK Student Visa Application Checklist
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) / Resume
- Valid Passport
- No objection letter from the Education Ministry (For Nepali students)
- TB Clearance Certificate
- Attested copies of mark sheets (if required)
- Visa process preparation
- Application Fee
- International Health Surcharge (IHS) fee
- CAS from the University
- Birth Certificate or a bank statement in the parents’ name
- Bank Statement (See below maintenance funds section)
- Sponsorship letter of bank statement in the parent’s name
Maintenance funds to study in the Uk for International Students – Living Expenses for International Students
Increased Maintenance Funds (Living Costs): The figures on the page are slightly outdated. As of January 2, 2025, the monthly requirements have increased:
- Inside London: £1,483 per month (previously £1,334).
- Outside London: £1,136 per month (previously £1,023).
Financial Evidence Rules
- Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days
- The closing balance date must be within 31 days of the visa application
- Funds must be in an acceptable bank or financial institution.
What is the 28-day rule for UK visas?
The money you use for maintenance (tuition fees and living costs) must be in your account for 28 consecutive days. The funds must not fall below the required amount on any day during the 28 days; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Dependant Eligibility for UK Student Visa
You can bring dependants to the UK only if you are studying a postgraduate research programme, such as:
- PhD / Doctoral Degree
- Master’s by Research (MRes, MPhil)
- Some DBA programmes are recognised doctoral research programmes. Students should verify their dependent eligibility with their university and in line with current UKVI guidance.
Since January 2024, most international students enrolled on taught degree programmes can no longer bring dependants to the UK. Dependants are generally permitted only for students studying postgraduate research programmes such as PhD, MPhil, MRes, or other recognised research degrees.
Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa) in the UK
The UK Graduate Route allows eligible international students to stay in the UK after completing their studies. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, seek employment, or start a career in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship.
Graduate Visa Duration
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Graduates
- If you apply for the Graduate Route before 1 January 2027, you can stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your studies.
- If you apply on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route duration will be 18 months.
PhD and Doctoral Graduates
- Students who complete a PhD or other eligible doctoral qualification can stay in the UK for 3 years under the Graduate Route, regardless of their application date.
Benefits of the Graduate Route
- No employer sponsorship is required.
- Work in almost any sector and at any skill level.
- Change employers freely.
- Be self-employed or start your own business.
- Gain valuable UK work experience after graduation.
- Switch to other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Graduate Route, you must:
- Complete an eligible degree or qualification at a UK higher education institution.
- Hold a valid Student Visa at the time of application.
- Apply from within the UK.
- Have your course completion officially reported to the UK Home Office by your university.
Important Information
The Graduate Route is one of the most popular post-study work options for international students in the UK. Students planning to graduate in the coming years should be aware that the post-study work period for bachelor’s and master’s graduates will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months for applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to receive 3 years of post-study work permission.
For the latest immigration guidance and visa requirements, always refer to the official UK Government website before making an application.
UK Dependent Visa Application Documents Checklist
Below is the list of documents needed for UK Student Dependent Visas.
- Passport
- Application Form
- Cover Letter
- Joint Bank Statement and Balance Certificate
- TB Certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Marriage photograph
- Relationship certificate
Can I show a loan?
The bank is supposed to be regulated by a Centre bank with an A Grade. Many countries require a loan Dispersion letter.
eVisa Requirements
- Create and access your UKVI account.
- Verify your eVisa details before travelling.
- Keep a copy of your share code when required.
- Ensure passport details linked to your UKVI account remain up to date.
Thank you for visiting this page. We hope it has provided all the essential Information you need to begin your journey to study in the UK. For more details, explore our International Student Study in the UK Checklist, which covers everything you need to know about UK university admissions. If you’re ready to apply, please complete the application form. Once we receive your submission, our team will review it and get back to you with any missing documents. If you’re unsure or need further guidance, fill out the University Admissions Application Form with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced education consultants will contact you to discuss the next steps. You’re also welcome to visit your nearest Real Dreams office for in-person assistance. Alternatively, feel free to contact us via social media and follow our channels for regular updates on studying in the UK and university admission support.
Finally, don’t miss our helpful resources, including how to study in the UK without IELTS, the UK university admission process for local students, and our list of over 40+ UK university partners.
