VizaHow to get a student visa for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany — requirements, costs, and processing times.
Overview of Student Visas
A student visa allows foreign nationals to enter a country for the primary purpose of pursuing a full-time course of study at an accredited educational institution. Student visas are distinct from tourist visas — attempting to study on a tourist visa is a violation of visa conditions and can result in deportation and future visa bans.
Most student visa programs require you to have an unconditional offer from an accredited institution before you can apply. The visa does not get you into the school — the school admission is what unlocks the ability to apply for the visa. Start your visa application process only after you have confirmed acceptance from your institution.
USA Student Visa (F-1)
The F-1 visa is the primary student visa for the United States, issued to students enrolled in academic programs, language programs, and other accredited institutions. Once issued, the F-1 visa is tied to your SEVIS record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) — your institution must maintain your enrolment for your status to remain valid.
The F-1 application requires a valid I-20 form issued by your US institution, DS-160 online application, SEVIS fee payment of $350 (SEVIS I-901 fee), and a visa application fee of $185. An interview at the US embassy or consulate is required. Processing time varies by post but is typically 2–8 weeks.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (up to 36 months for STEM graduates). This makes the US F-1 particularly attractive for students who wish to gain work experience after their studies.
UK Student Visa
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution holding a Student Sponsor licence. The application fee is £490 for applications made outside the UK. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds: at least £1,334 per month for courses in London, or £1,023 per month outside London, covering the first nine months of study.
The UK Student Visa comes with the right to work part-time during term (up to 20 hours per week for degree-level students) and full-time during official vacation periods. The UK also offers a Graduate Route visa — a 2-year post-study work visa (3 years for PhD graduates) that allows graduates to work or look for work in the UK after completion of their studies.
Canada Student Permit
Canada issues a Study Permit rather than a dedicated student visa. For most nationalities, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is also required for entry and is typically issued alongside the Study Permit. The application fee for a Study Permit is CAD $150.
Canadian study permits allow part-time work on campus and, once enrolled, up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions (subject to eligibility criteria). Graduates of eligible programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, which is a key pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Canada has introduced additional processing improvements, but wait times for Study Permits can still be lengthy, particularly from certain countries. Apply as early as possible — ideally at least 3–4 months before your program start date.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia's Student Visa (Subclass 500) applies to all full-time study in Australia, from primary school through to postgraduate level. The application fee is AUD $710. Financial requirements vary by applicant circumstances but generally require evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
Australian student visa holders are typically permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during official breaks. Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to work in Australia for 2–6 years depending on their study level and location of study.
Germany Student Visa
Germany is an increasingly popular destination for international students, partly because public universities charge no or minimal tuition fees to all students regardless of nationality. Non-EU/EEA nationals need a national visa (Type D) for study purposes, applied for at the German embassy in their home country.
The German student visa requires an unconditional university admission letter, proof of financial resources (typically €11,208 per year held in a blocked account — "Sperrkonto"), proof of German language proficiency or university-level English proficiency, valid health insurance, and academic credentials. Processing time is typically 4–12 weeks.
General Tips for Student Visa Success
Financial proof is critical for all student visa applications. You must demonstrate that you can fund your tuition, living expenses, and return travel without needing to rely on part-time work as a primary income source. A blocked account (like Germany's Sperrkonto) is one way to provide clear, unambiguous proof.
English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) must be at the level specified by your institution and typically must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Check both the institution's language requirements and the visa authority's requirements, as these can differ.
- Apply well before your program start date — minimum 3 months ahead
- Ensure your institution is officially accredited and recognised by the visa authority
- Keep your Confirmation of Acceptance / I-20 / CAS in a safe place — it is essential
- Do not make non-refundable arrangements until your visa is confirmed
- Understand the work rights attached to your student visa before you arrive
- Maintain full-time enrolment — dropping to part-time can violate visa conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a student visa?
Most student visas allow limited part-time work during the academic year (typically 20 hours per week) and full-time work during official vacations. Check the specific conditions for your destination country.
What is the F-1 SEVIS fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students is $350 USD. This is separate from the visa application fee and must be paid before your visa interview.
How much money do I need for a German student visa?
You need to demonstrate approximately €11,208 per year (about €934/month), typically held in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany.
What is a Post-Study Work Visa?
Many countries offer post-study work visas that let graduates stay and work after completing their studies. The UK Graduate Route (2 years), Australia 485 (2–6 years), and Canada PGWP (up to 3 years) are examples.
Can I switch from a tourist visa to a student visa?
In most countries, you cannot change your status from tourist to student while in the country. You usually need to apply for the student visa from your home country before travelling to study.
Disclaimer: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify requirements with the official embassy or consulate before travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
VizaHunt Editorial Team
Visa & Travel Research
The VizaHunt editorial team researches visa policies, passport rankings, and travel regulations across 195 countries. Our data is sourced from official government immigration portals, bilateral treaty records, and embassy publications, cross-referenced for accuracy before publication.