Student Visa
A student visa is the legal permission that lets you enter and stay in another country for the length of your academic programme. Requirements differ by destination, but every application comes down to the same core elements: a genuine offer of study, proof you can fund yourself, and a clean, well-documented file. This page walks through visa types, eligibility, required documents, the step-by-step process, English test requirements, health cover, dependents, renewal and post-study work options.
English test requirements
Typical minimum scores tied to most student visa applications
| Test | Bachelor's programmes | Master's / MBA programmes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall, 5.5 per band | 6.5 overall, 6.0 per band |
| PTE Academic | 55 – 59 | 60 – 65 |
| TOEFL iBT | 75 – 80 | 85 – 95 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 – 100 | 110 – 120 |
Score requirements vary by university and course — always confirm the exact threshold on your specific offer letter.
Post-study work options
What happens after graduation, before you convert to a work visa
OPT / STEM OPT
12 months of Optional Practical Training, extendable to 36 months for eligible STEM graduates.
Graduate Route
2 years of open work rights after a bachelor's or master's degree, 3 years after a PhD.
PGWP
Post-Graduation Work Permit valid up to 3 years, length tied to the duration of the study programme.
Temporary Graduate Visa (485)
2 to 4 years of work rights depending on qualification level and field of study.
Job-seeker permit
Up to 18 months to search for employment related to your qualification after graduation.
Bringing dependents
Conditions for spouses, partners and children joining a student
Programme level often decides eligibility
Postgraduate research and longer master's programmes are more likely to allow dependents than short courses.
Separate applications, linked to yours
A spouse, partner or child usually applies under their own dependent visa referencing your student visa or permit.
Extra proof of funds
Most countries expect additional funds on top of your own to show the family can support itself.
Relationship and birth documents
Marriage certificates, birth certificates and proof of an ongoing relationship are commonly requested.
Work and study rights differ
Some dependent visas allow full work rights, others restrict work or study access — this varies sharply by country and course level.
Renewal, extension and status change
What to do if your programme, institution or timeline changes
Extending for a longer programme
If you progress from a bachelor's to a master's, or your course runs longer than planned, apply for an extension well before your current visa expires.
Transferring institutions
Changing university or course usually requires a new offer letter and, in many countries, a fresh visa or permit application rather than a simple update.
Switching to a work or graduate visa
Post-study work permits typically must be applied for from within the country, before your student visa expires and while your status is still valid.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a student visa take to process?
It varies widely: a few weeks for the US and UK, 4–8 weeks for Australia's higher-education applications, and up to a few months during peak intake seasons. Apply as early as your offer letter allows.
Can I work while on a student visa?
Most destinations allow limited part-time work during term and full-time work during scheduled breaks. Exact hour limits and conditions differ by country, so check your specific visa conditions.
Do I need an English test if my course is in English in a non-English-speaking country?
Usually yes. Most universities and visa offices still ask for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo, even for English-taught programmes in Germany, France or the Netherlands.
What happens if my student visa is refused?
Refusal letters state the specific reason. Depending on the country, you can reapply with stronger documentation, appeal the decision, or in some cases request a review — the right route depends on the refusal ground.
Can my visa convert into a work visa after graduation?
Several countries offer a dedicated post-study work permit — the US OPT/STEM extension, the UK Graduate Route, Canada's PGWP, and Germany's job-search residence permit are common examples.
Can my family join me while I study?
It depends on your programme level and destination. Longer postgraduate programmes are more likely to permit dependents than short courses, and each dependent typically needs their own linked application.
