UK Student Visa Translation Requirements
Last updated: March 2026
The Student route turns on two evidence streams: academic and financial. UKVI wants to see you have the qualifications to study here. They also want to see you have the funds to support yourself while you do. Anything not in English needs a certified translation. That includes degree certificates, transcripts, sponsor letters, and bank statements showing maintenance funds. Universities and UK ENIC accept the same translations during admissions, which avoids paying twice.
What documents need translation for a UK student visa?
Student visa applicants need certified translations of degree certificates, academic transcripts, bank statements showing financial means, sponsorship letters, and any other supporting documents not in English or Welsh.
The Student route (Tier 4 until the 2020 rebrand) has had the same basic shape for years. Prove the qualifications. Prove the funds. The funds bit usually means 28 consecutive days of bank statements showing maintenance money plus tuition. The qualifications bit means whatever's relevant to the course — secondary school for undergraduates, a previous degree for postgraduates.
Three countries dominate the inbound flow. India is at roughly 24% of all study visa grants. China is at 21%. Pakistan is at 9% (Home Office migration statistics, 2025). Students from those three are the heaviest users of certified translation.
- Degree certificates and diplomas
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Bank statements (28 consecutive days, sufficient funds)
- Sponsorship letters (if government-sponsored)
- English language test results
- TB test certificate (from certain countries)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Do UK universities require translated documents?
Yes. UK universities need certified translations of all academic documents not in English as part of admissions. These are often needed before the visa application stage, for CAS issuance.
Universities usually ask for translations during the conditional offer stage. You may need translated transcripts to receive an unconditional offer. That is required before your CAS can be issued.
UCAS also needs certified translations for undergraduate applications. UK ENIC comparability statements may be requested alongside translations.
How much do student visa translations cost?
A typical student visa translation package costs £40–£80. That covers a degree certificate, transcript, and bank statements. Each document costs from £12.99 per page.
Student visa translations are usually straightforward. A degree certificate is usually 1 page (£12.99). Transcripts are 2–5 pages (£25.98–£64.95). Bank statements vary by length.
Frequently Asked Questions
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