UK STUDENT VISA

Who can apply?

You’ll normally need to show that you:

• are 16 or over
• have been offered a place on an eligible course by a licensed student sponsor
• have a valid CAS
• meet the financial requirements
• meet the English language requirement for your course
• meet any other requirements that apply to you
• have no suitability issues that would lead to a refusal

If you’re 16 or 17, you’ll also need consent from your parents or legal guardian.

What is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record from your university or college confirming they’re sponsoring you. It includes details of your course, fees and qualifications. You’ll get a CAS reference number to use in your application.

A CAS is normally valid for six months and can only be used once. Having a CAS doesn’t guarantee your visa. You still need to meet the requirements.

Which courses qualify?

Eligible courses include:

• undergraduate degrees
• postgraduate taught degrees
• postgraduate research, such as a PhD
• some further education courses
• some English language courses
• other courses that meet the rules

Different rules can apply depending on the type of provider, the course level and whether you’re studying full or part time. Check your course qualifies before you apply. For short courses of up to six months, you may be able to study on a visitor visa instead.

How much money do you need?

You’ll need to show you can pay your course fees and support yourself while you study.

Course fees

You’ll normally need to show you can pay any outstanding fees for your first year, up to nine months. The amount is on your CAS. If you’ve already paid some fees, that can be deducted, as long as you have evidence.

Living costs

• In London: £1,529 a month, for up to nine months (£13,761)
• Outside London: £1,171 a month, for up to nine months (£10,539)

These are on top of any outstanding fees. Different rules apply to students at residential independent schools.

How long must the money be held?

If you’re relying on your own or your family’s money, it must have been in the account for at least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application. There are different rules if you’re using a student loan or official financial sponsorship. Some applicants don’t have to send financial evidence with their application, though the Home Office may still ask for it.

If you’ve been in the UK with permission for at least 12 months before you apply, you may not need to show funds at all.

English language

You’ll need English at the level required for your course: normally B2 for degree level and above, or B1 below degree level, in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Some universities can assess your English themselves. Otherwise, you’ll usually need an approved English test or another accepted qualification. Nationals of certain English-speaking countries are exempt.

What documents will you need?

You’ll need a valid passport and your CAS reference number. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need:

• financial evidence for your fees and living costs
• evidence of a student loan or official sponsorship
• English language qualifications
• an ATAS certificate for certain courses
• a tuberculosis test certificate, if required
• parental consent, if you’re under 18
• your academic qualifications
• written consent from a financial sponsor, if needed

Documents not in English or Welsh may need certified translations.

Applying from outside the UK

You can apply up to six months before your course starts. You apply online with your CAS details and evidence, and verify your identity. Most decisions are made within three weeks, but allow plenty of time before your course starts.

Switching to a Student visa inside the UK

If you’re already in the UK, you may be able to switch to a Student visa without leaving. You can’t switch from a visitor visa, a short-term student visa or some other visas. You’ll normally need to apply before your current visa expires, and no more than three months before your course starts.

Can you work on a Student visa?

It depends on your course and university. Full-time degree students at eligible universities can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time. Some full-time courses below degree level allow 10 hours a week. Some students can’t work at all.

Where work is allowed, you can usually work full time outside term time. There are restrictions on self-employment, running a business and some types of job, so check the conditions on your visa before you accept work.

Can you bring your partner and children?

Only in limited cases. Most students starting a taught undergraduate or postgraduate course can’t bring dependants. You may be able to if you’re:

• a government-sponsored student on a course longer than six months
• on a postgraduate research course, such as a PhD

Your dependants will also need to meet their own requirements. Where the financial requirement applies, you’ll need extra money for each dependant: £845 a month in London or £680 a month outside London, for up to nine months.

How long does the visa last?

Usually for the length of your course, within the maximum periods allowed. You’ll get some extra time before your course starts and after it ends, so you can prepare, leave the UK or apply for another visa.

Extending your Student visa

You may be able to extend your visa to continue studying or start a new course. You’ll normally need a new CAS and to meet the requirements for the new course. Academic progression rules may apply if you’re starting a new course from inside the UK. Apply before your current visa expires. If you’ve changed courses, taken a break from your studies or extended before, check how that affects you.

What happens after your course?

Graduate visa

If you complete a qualifying course, you may be able to stay in the UK on a Graduate visa:

• 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
• 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027
• 3 years if you’ve completed a PhD or other doctorate

Skilled Worker visa

If you get an eligible job offer from a licensed employer, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. Extra conditions apply if you want to switch before you finish your course.

How much does it cost?

The application fee is £558, whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. You’ll also pay the student rate of the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £776 for each year of your visa. Other costs can include an English test, a tuberculosis test, translations and optional faster services.

Fees correct at October 2026. You can check the latest Home Office fees on GOV.UK.

What if your visa is refused?

Common reasons include problems with financial evidence, an invalid or withdrawn CAS, not meeting the English requirement, or concerns about your immigration history.

If you think the Home Office made a mistake, you may be able to ask for an administrative review. Otherwise, you may be able to make a fresh application. Check the deadlines in your refusal letter.

UK Student visa advice from Fusco Browne

A Student visa application needs an eligible course, a valid CAS and evidence that you meet the requirements. Problems often come from financial evidence that doesn’t meet the rules, previous study in the UK, or questions about academic progression.

We advise on Student visa applications, extensions, switching from other visas and cases involving previous refusals.

If you’re planning to study in the UK, or need advice about your current Student visa, call us for a free initial assessment.