Studying in the UK in 2026–27: what's changed and how to plan

The UK is still one of the most popular study destinations for students from Bangladesh and South Asia. One-year master's degrees, world-famous universities and a post-study work visa are strong reasons. But the rules in 2026–27 are tighter than they were two years ago.

This guide explains what has changed, what it means for you, and how to plan a strong application for January or September 2027.

What has changed for 2026–27

Four changes matter most for new students.

1. The Graduate visa is getting shorter

The Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after you finish your degree. According to GOV.UK, it lasts:

• 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
• 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
• 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification

So almost everyone who starts a course in January or September 2027 will get 18 months, not 2 years. The change was first announced in the government's Immigration White Paper in May 2025.

The Graduate visa costs £937, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 a year. You can only ever hold one Graduate visa.

2. Universities face stricter compliance targets

Every university that sponsors international students must pass a yearly Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA). The Home Office tightened the targets from June 2026. See the student sponsor compliance guidance.

What this means for you: a university that lets too many students get refused risks its licence. So universities are much more careful. Expect stricter checks on your documents, your funds and your reasons for studying. Some may ask for bigger deposits, hold interviews or refuse applicants they see as risky. This is not personal. Prepare well and it works in your favour.

3. Dependants are only allowed for research degrees

For courses that started on or after 1 January 2024, most postgraduate students cannot bring family members. You can only bring dependants if you are on a PhD, another doctorate or a research-based higher degree, or if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months. See GOV.UK: family members.

A taught master's, such as an MSc in Data Science or an MBA, does not allow dependants.

4. Costs have gone up

The Student visa fee is now £558, whether you apply from outside or inside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for students is £776 a year. Maintenance amounts are also higher than a few years ago. See the full cost table below.

Is the UK still worth it?

For many students, yes. But be clear about the trade-offs.

Strengths:

• Most taught master's degrees take one year, which saves tuition and living costs.
• Strong global reputation and many universities in the world rankings.
• Up to 20 hours of work a week in term time, and full-time in vacations, for degree-level students.
• The Graduate visa, even at 18 months, gives real time to find a skilled job.

Challenges:

• The move to a Skilled Worker visa after the Graduate visa needs a job that usually pays at least £41,700, or the job's going rate if higher. New entrants, such as graduates switching from a Student or Graduate visa, can qualify at £33,400, with the going rate still applying. See GOV.UK.
• No dependants on taught master's courses.
• London living costs are high.

Take an example. Farhan has a 3.2 CGPA in a BSc in Computer Science from Bangladesh and IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. A one-year MSc at a mid-ranked university outside London could suit him. He would finish around September 2028 if he starts in September 2027, so he would apply for an 18-month Graduate visa. His real question is not "Can I get in?" but "Can I get a job paying £33,400 or more within 18 months?" That depends on his skills, projects and job search, not only the degree.

What it costs: London vs outside London

The 28-day rule for funds

You must hold the money for 28 consecutive days. The end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. The money must be in addition to any unpaid first-year tuition shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Students from Bangladesh are not on the list of countries with reduced evidence rules, so expect to show full bank evidence.

How the IHS works

The IHS is £776 a year for students. For a one-year master's, your visa usually lasts a few months longer than your course, so you often pay for more than one year. Use the official calculator on GOV.UK to get your exact figure.

English requirements

For a degree-level course, you need English at CEFR level B2. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the scale UK Visas and Immigration uses. Below degree level, you need B1. See GOV.UK: knowledge of English.

You can show this in several ways:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
• A university's own English assessment, for degree-level courses. The result must still equal B2.
• Some degrees taught in English, where they meet the rules.

Remember: the university's requirement is often higher than the visa minimum. Many ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. Check each course page. Use our IELTS level check to see where you are.

The CAS and the visa process

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a reference number your university gives you after you accept an unconditional offer and meet its conditions (often a deposit and document checks). You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.

Key rules from GOV.UK:

• You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.
• The earliest you can apply from outside the UK is 6 months before your course starts.
• A decision usually takes about 3 weeks from outside the UK.
• Applicants from Bangladesh need a TB test from an approved clinic. See GOV.UK: TB test.
• The UK now uses eVisas, an online record of your immigration status. See GOV.UK: eVisa.

Credibility interviews

Because of the BCA targets, many universities run a credibility interview before they issue a CAS. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can also interview you. They want to see that you are a genuine student.

Be ready to explain, in your own words:

• Why this course, and how it links to your past study or work.
• Why this university, and why the UK rather than your home country.
• What the course modules are.
• How you will pay, and where the money comes from.
• Your plans after the course.

Short, honest and specific answers are best. Memorised speeches usually sound weak. Practise out loud with someone who will ask follow-up questions.

January or September: which intake?

September is the main intake. There are more courses, more scholarships and more time to settle in before the academic year.

January has fewer courses, but it can suit you if you missed September or your results came late. Some programmes run in January with the same content.

Important for 2027: whichever intake you choose, if you finish a one-year master's after 31 December 2026, your Graduate visa will be 18 months.

Your timeline to the September 2027 intake

1. 1
   Now: Oct–Nov 2026Shortlist and test

   Choose 4–6 courses. Check entry and English requirements. Book IELTS if you need it.

2. 2
   Nov 2026–Feb 2027Apply to universities

   Submit applications with your transcripts, statement and references. Many popular courses fill early.

3. 3
   Jan–Apr 2027Offers and scholarships

   Compare offers. Apply for scholarships. Prepare for a credibility interview.

4. 4
   Apr–Jun 2027Deposit and funds

   Pay your deposit. Put your living funds and remaining tuition in the account and keep them there for 28 days.

5. 5
   Jun–Jul 2027CAS, TB test, visa

   Get your CAS. Take your TB test. Apply for your visa as early as allowed.

6. 6
   Aug–Sep 2027Travel and enrol

   Book accommodation and flights. Arrive and enrol on time. Universities must report students who do not enrol.

If you are aiming for January 2027, time is short. You need an offer, CAS, funds held for 28 days and a TB test within the next few weeks. Talk to us now if that is your plan.

For a detailed list with notes, use our UK checklist and read our UK destination page.

After you arrive: work, switching and staying on

Getting the visa is only the start. These rules matter once you are in the UK.

Working while you study

At degree level, with a university that has a track record of compliance, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time in vacations, according to UKCISA. Below degree level, the limit is 10 hours a week in term time. You cannot be self-employed, and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Your university's official term dates decide what counts as "vacation". For many one-year master's courses, the summer is not a vacation, because you are writing your dissertation. Check before you take extra shifts. Breaking work conditions can lead to your visa being cancelled.

Switching to a work visa

If you find a skilled job, you may be able to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa inside the UK. But GOV.UK says you must meet one of these: you have completed your course, your job starts after your course ends, or you are a full-time PhD student who has studied for at least 24 months. You cannot leave your course early to start a job.

Moving to another course

If you want to do another course later, the rules are strict. To extend inside the UK, you usually need to have completed your course, and the new course should normally be at a higher level. The gap between your visa ending and the new course starting must be no more than 28 days. Read our guide for students already abroad for details.

Choosing a university in the new BCA climate

The tougher compliance targets change how you should choose a university.

• Apply early. Late applications leave less time for document checks and interviews, and popular courses can close.
• Expect checks. Document checks, deposit rules and interviews are now normal. Treat them as practice for the visa itself.
• Be consistent. Your statement, your interview answers and your documents must tell the same story. Gaps in study or work should be explained, not hidden.
• Don't choose only on price. A low fee is not helpful if the course does not match your career plan. That mismatch is exactly what interviewers look for.
• Keep your backup ready. Apply to more than one university, in case one cannot issue your CAS in time.

For Farhan, our example student, this means applying to 4 or 5 universities by December 2026, preparing a clear career story around software and data, and having his funds ready well before the 28-day window starts.

Test yourself

What to do next

1. Decide on your intake: September 2027 gives you the most choice.
2. Check your English level with our IELTS level check.
3. Work out your funds using the London or outside-London figure.
4. Shortlist courses where you can explain the career link clearly. Our career choice tool can help.
5. Look for scholarships early.
6. Use the UK checklist and read the UK destination guide. Follow UK news for fee and rule changes.
7. If you have had a UK refusal before, read our refusal guidance first.