Study in the UK from Bangladesh: Timelines, Costs, Documents
Get an offer from a UK Student-sponsor (DLI equivalent), collect your CAS, prove funds at 2025 rates (£1,483/month in London or £1,136/month outside London, up to 9 months) plus tuition, take a TB test, meet English and (if needed) ATAS, pay the visa fee (£524) and IHS (£776/year), give biometrics, then wait 3 weeks for a decision.
Step by step timeline from Bangladesh to the UK
1) Choose a course and get an offer
Select a student route at a licensed university/college and meet the entry requirements (grades, portfolio, experience). When you accept the offer and pay any deposit the university requires, they’ll issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) with your course, fees due/paid, and start dates. (The CAS figure for fees guides how much funding you must show.)
2) Check if you need ATAS (some STEM/research fields)
Specific taught/research courses (mainly at master’s/PhD level) require an ATAS certificate before the university can issue a CAS or before you apply. Your department will tell you if ATAS applies.
3) Prove your English
Most degree-level applicants show English at CEFR B2. You can prove it with an approved SELT, a recognised English-taught degree via Ecctis assessment, or by your university’s own assessment if it’s a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Check what your offer letter requires.
4) Book your TB test in Bangladesh
You must take a TB test at a UK-approved clinic and upload the certificate with your visa file (valid for 6 months). Clinics operate in multiple cities (e.g., Dhaka, Sylhet).
5) Assemble money, maintenance & tuition evidence
For applications on/after 2 January 2025, you must show funds for living costs of:
- £1,483/month if your campus is in London (max 9 months = £13,347)
- £1,136/month if outside London (max 9 months = £10,224)
Plus outstanding first-year tuition shown on your CAS. Hold the funds for 28 consecutive days, and the final day must be within 31 days of your application date. Scholarships/loans are acceptable with official letters.
Applying with family? Each dependent needs extra maintenance (£845/month in London or £680/month outside London, up to 9 months).
6) Create a UKVI account and apply for a Student visa
Complete the online form, upload documents, and pay:
- Visa fee: £524 (each applicant)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of leave granted (student rate).
7) Biometrics & document submission
Book biometrics at the TLScontact/VAC and submit any remaining evidence as instructed. You may be able to pay for priority service (availability varies). Standard outside-UK processing is about 3 weeks after biometrics/identity verification.
8) Decision, visa, and travel
If successful, you’ll get a visa vignette/eVisa. Carry your CAS, TB certificate, fee receipts, proof of funds, and accommodation details for the UK border.
Can I bring my spouse/children?
Only some students can bring dependents. You must be either:
- A government-sponsored student on a course >6 months, or
- A full-time postgraduate (RQF 7+) on a course of 9+ months that is a PhD/doctorate (RQF 8) or a research-based higher degree if it starts on/after 1 Jan 2024. Dependants also need separate maintenance funds.
Working during studies & after graduation
- During term time: Most degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week; full-time during official vacations. Always check your visa conditions.
- After you finish: The Graduate route lets eligible graduates stay 2 years (PhD: 3 years) to work or look for work. It remains available in 2025 while the government continues policy evaluation—check the status before you apply.
Documents checklist (quick)
- Passport (valid)
- CAS (with fee info)
- Financial evidence meeting the 28-day/31-day rule
- TB test certificate (Bangladesh)
- English proof (per offer letter)
- ATAS (if your course needs it)
- Receipts for any tuition/housing already paid
- Consent letters if a financial sponsor funds you
See UKVI’s money and English sections for exact formats and exemptions.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Showing insufficient funds or breaking the 28-day rule.
- Missing TB or ATAS where required.
- Using an unapproved English test or the wrong score level.
- Assuming dependants can join all master’s courses (they cannot unless research-based/other criteria are met).
FAQs: Studying in the UK from Bangladesh
1) What is a CAS, and when do I get it?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique reference from your university confirming your offer, course details, and fees paid/due. You receive it after you meet your offer conditions and any deposit requirements.
2) How much money do I need to show?
You must evidence first-year tuition (minus what you’ve paid) plus living costs (up to 9 months) at the current UKVI rates (London vs outside London). Keep funds for 28 consecutive days, and apply within 31 days of that period’s end.
3) What English proof is accepted?
Most degree-level students need CEFR B2. You can show an approved SELT (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI) or, for many universities, an institutional assessment if they have a track record of compliance. Follow your offer letter.
4) Do I need a TB test?
Yes. Bangladesh applicants require a TB test certificate from a UK-approved clinic. It’s normally valid for 6 months and must be uploaded with your visa application.
5) Do I need ATAS?
Some STEM/research courses (mainly PG) require ATAS clearance before obtaining a visa (and sometimes before CAS). Your department will advise you to apply early, as processing can take weeks.
6) How long does the visa take?
Standard outside-UK processing is around 3 weeks after biometrics/identity checks. Priority and Super Priority services may be offered in Bangladesh at extra cost, subject to availability.
7) Can I bring my spouse/children?
Only certain students can bring dependants (e.g., government-sponsored students or those on eligible research-based postgraduate routes). Each dependent must meet maintenance funds and other requirements.
8) Can I work while studying?
Most degree-level students may work up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in official vacations, as shown on your visa conditions and CAS notes. Always check the exact restriction on your vignette/eVisa.
9) What fees will I pay?
Expect the Student visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), charged per year of leave granted. You’ll also budget for TB testing, ATAS (if applicable), English testing, and document verification.
10) What documents are essential?
Passport, CAS, financial evidence meeting the 28-day/31-day rule, TB certificate, English proof, ATAS (if needed), receipts for any tuition/accommodation paid, and sponsor/consent letters where applicable.
11) Can scholarships/loans reduce my required funds?
Yes—official scholarship/loan letters can count toward funds. Your CAS should reflect any payments/awards; keep letters on institutional letterhead with contact details.
12) Can I switch universities after I apply?
Possibly, but you’ll need a new CAS and, in many cases, a new visa application. Changing courses late can affect start dates, funding evidence, and accommodation—speak to your university and an adviser first
Speak to Our UK Education Counsellor
Worried about funds, CAS, or timelines? Our counselor helps you ace every step:
- Course & university match: Shortlists with realistic entry & budget fit.
- Funds mapping: We structure bank/scholarship/loan evidence to satisfy the 28-day/31-day rule.
- Document pack: TB, ATAS, English, receipts—no gaps, no guesswork.
- Visa form & IHS: Clean application, biometrics booking, and checklist reviews.
- Arrival brief: Border documents, work-rights do’s & don’ts, and settling in.
Book your free 15-minute consult now and get a personalised UK study plan you can submit with confidence.