Five document types. The only non-obvious one is Ecctis — apply for it first because it takes 2–4 weeks. Everything else is straightforward once you have Ecctis.
The five documents you need
1. Valid passport or travel document
Your passport must be valid. If it expires before or during your intended stay in the UK, renew it before applying. The Home Office needs to see your identity and nationality.
2. Ecctis qualification certificate (most important)
Ecctis is the organisation the Home Office uses to verify overseas qualifications. For HPI, they confirm two things: your degree level (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate), and that your programme was taught in English. Most applicants need both confirmations in one certificate.
Cost: £252 including VAT. Processing time: Standard is 2–4 weeks; express options are available at extra cost. Apply at ecctis.com.
This is the single longest lead-time item in the HPI process. Apply for it the moment you decide to pursue HPI — don't wait until you're ready to submit everything else.
3. English language evidence
For most applicants, this is covered by the Ecctis certificate itself (which confirms English-medium instruction). If you're exempt by nationality or have a SELT result, you'll use that instead. You don't need both an Ecctis certificate and a SELT — pick the relevant route.
4. Bank statements showing £1,270 maintenance
You must show you have at least £1,270 in savings, held continuously for 28 consecutive days before the date of your application. The statements must cover the full 28-day period and be from a bank account in your name.
- The 28 days must be consecutive — gaps in the period don't count
- The balance must not drop below £1,270 at any point during the 28 days
- Joint accounts count if your name is on the account
- This requirement is waived if you've held a valid UK visa continuously for 12+ months before applying
5. TB test certificate (if applicable)
If you're applying from a country on the Home Office's designated TB list, you'll need a certificate from an approved clinic confirming you don't have active tuberculosis. Check the current gov.uk list — it changes periodically. The test itself is straightforward and typically available at approved clinics in most countries.