Study in the UK vs the USA: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for the UK and the USA— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | the UK | the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 10,539 GBP | — |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,171 GBP | 1,800 USD |
| Visa fee | 524 GBP | 185 USD |
| Typical processing time | ~3 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Jan, Sep | Jan, Aug |
| Required documents | 5 | 7 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: the UK vs the USA
- the UK publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€12,399/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document.
- the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for the USA).
- the UK asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to the UK
- CAS from a licensed student sponsor
- Maintenance funds (held 28 days)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approved English language proof (SELT)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
- ATAS certificate
Unique to the USA
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- Proof of funds (per your I-20)
- I-901 SEVIS fee
- DS-160 + visa interview
- English language proof
- Health insurance
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Frequently asked questions
Which student visa is faster, the UK or the USA?
the UK typically processes faster (~3 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in the UK or the USA?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. the UK publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€12,399/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document. the UK is typically faster to process (~3 weeks vs ~8 for the USA). the UK asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.