Knowledge Guide

Student Visa Guide 2025: Every Major Country

UK Student visa, Canada Study Permit, Australia Subclass 500, Germany student visa, USA F-1 visa. Updated June 2025.

UK
UK Student Visa
Required for full-time study at a UK university for 6 months or more
Requirements
  • Unconditional offer from a licensed Student sponsor (CAS number)
  • English language: IELTS 5.5 to 7.5 depending on course and university
  • Financial evidence: £1,334 per month for up to 9 months in London
  • Valid passport
  • ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate science courses
Key facts
  • Application fee: £490 from outside the UK
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
  • Work rights: 20 hours per week during term, full-time during vacations
  • Processing time: 3 weeks standard
  • Graduate Route: 2 years post-study (3 for PhD)
Your university must have Track Record of Compliance status for you to access the Graduate Route after graduating. Always verify this before accepting your offer.
CA
Canada Study Permit
Required for full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada
Requirements
  • Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution
  • Financial evidence: at least CAD 20,635 per year for living expenses
  • English language test as required by your institution
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • No criminal record
Key facts
  • Work rights: 20 hours per week off-campus during term, full time during breaks
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: duration matches study period, up to 3 years
  • Field of study restriction removed in 2025 - all graduates eligible for PGWP
  • Processing time: often 8 to 16 weeks
Canada has the clearest path from international student to permanent resident. Canadian work experience and Canadian credentials together significantly increase your Express Entry score.
AU
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Required for full-time study at a CRICOS-registered institution in Australia
Requirements
  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered institution
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
  • Financial evidence: AUD 24,505 per year for living costs
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement
  • English language: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
Key facts
  • Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during vacation
  • Indian students: up to 5 years post-study work (master's) under ECTA
  • Other nationals: 2 to 4 years post-study work depending on level
  • Application fee: AUD 710
Indian students studying in Australia receive significantly more post-study work rights than most other nationalities under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
DE
Germany Student Visa
Required for study at German universities for non-EU nationals
Requirements
  • University admission letter or Uni-Assist application
  • Blocked bank account with at least €11,904 (access €992 per month)
  • Common providers: Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank
  • German language: B1 to C1 for German-medium programmes
  • Health insurance for the duration of study
Key facts
  • Tuition: zero at most public universities (semester fee 150 to 350 euros)
  • Work rights: 120 full days or 240 half days per year
  • Post-study: 18-month job seeker residence permit after graduation
  • EU Blue Card requires job offer paying €45,300+ per year
  • Path to settlement: 33 months on EU Blue Card (21 with B1 German)
Germany charges zero tuition at public universities. The blocked account is the main financial requirement before your visa is approved. Most international students use Fintiba or Expatrio.
US
USA F-1 Student Visa
The primary non-immigrant visa for academic study in the United States
Requirements
  • Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified institution
  • SEVIS fee payment: USD 350
  • US Embassy visa application fee: USD 185
  • Bank statements showing you can fund tuition and living costs
  • Evidence of intent to return home after study
Key facts
  • Work rights during study: 20 hours per week on-campus, very limited off-campus
  • OPT: 12 months after graduation; STEM extension: additional 24 months
  • H-1B lottery: approximately 11% selection rate in 2025
  • Green Card: EB-2 and EB-3, wait times of years to decades
2025 policy environment: US immigration policy is changing rapidly. Verify current requirements at travel.state.gov before applying.

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