The UK Student visa lets Algerians study for a bachelor's, a master's, a PhD or a foundation year in the United Kingdom. The application is made online and ends with a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Algiers or Oran. Here are the steps and amounts in force in October 2026.
Step 1: get your CAS from the university
Once you accept your offer (and often pay a deposit), the university issues your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). It is a unique reference number you need for the visa application. At Coventry University, for example, the CAS deposit for North African students is £4,000 (see the Coventry guide).
Step 2: prepare your proof of funds
You must show you can pay:
- your unpaid tuition for the first year;
- your living costs: £1,171 a month outside London, £1,529 a month in London, for up to 9 months.
| Where you study | Living costs to show (9 months) |
|---|---|
| Outside London (Coventry, Manchester...) | £10,539 |
| London | £13,761 |
The money must stay in the account for 28 consecutive days, and that period must end within 31 days of your application. The account can be in your name or your parents' name, with their consent letter and your birth certificate.
Step 3: the tuberculosis test
People living in Algeria who are going for more than 6 months need a TB test certificate from a Home Office approved clinic. In Algiers, the Belkaid Medical Centre (21 rue Ibn El Khatib, Sacré-Cœur) is approved, and an IOM clinic was added to the list in November 2024. Check fees and opening hours directly with the clinic.
Step 4: apply online and pay the fees
Apply on gov.uk up to 6 months before your course starts.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (outside the UK) | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year of visa |
For English, universities can often assess your level themselves for courses at bachelor's level or above. For a foundation year or a lower-level course, an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI is usually required. See our IELTS in Algeria guide.
Step 5: the VFS appointment and the decision
After the online application, book a VFS Global appointment for your photo and fingerprints:
- Algiers: ABC Tower, Tower A, 3rd floor;
- Oran: Othmania City, Maraval.
A decision usually comes within 3 weeks. There is no sticker in your passport any more: your visa is an eVisa, which you view in your UKVI account.
Rules to know once you are there
- Work: up to 20 hours a week during term for a degree-level course, full time during vacations. Details in our article on working as a student.
- Family: students on taught master's courses can no longer bring a partner or children. It is still possible for PhDs and research master's.
- After graduation: the Graduate Route lets you stay and work for 2 years if you apply by December 31, 2026, then 18 months from January 1, 2027 (3 years after a PhD).
Mistakes that lead to refusal
- A bank balance that drops below the required amount, even for one day, during the 28 days.
- A statement that is too old (more than 31 days when you apply).
- A missing TB certificate.
- Differences between your CAS and your application (dates, amounts paid).
We build your file from A to Z, from choosing the university to the VFS appointment. See our UK visa support and our packages.
