Overview

The UK Student visa allows international students aged 16 or over to study at an approved educational institution in the United Kingdom. It replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) route. Applicants must have an unconditional offer from a licensed education provider, meet the financial and English-language requirements, and hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Visa Duration and Extension

Permission is usually granted for the length of the course plus a short additional period before and after.
Students can extend their visa to continue their studies or start a new course at a higher academic level, provided they meet the academic progress requirement.
The maximum time permitted to study below degree level from age 18 is two years.
Students may later switch into other post-study or work routes, such as the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker Visa, if eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

Be 16 or over.
Have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor (educational provider).
Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued within six months of applying.
Meet the financial maintenance requirement to cover tuition and living costs.
Meet the English-language requirement for the level of course.
Pass the genuineness assessment confirming genuine intent to study.
Intend to leave the UK when studies are completed, unless switching under an eligible route.
Obtain parental consent if under 18.

Documents Required

Valid passport or travel document.
CAS reference number issued by a licensed sponsor.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Evidence of English-language ability (e.g. Secure English Language Test or previous UK qualifications).
Academic certificates or transcripts listed on the CAS.
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Parental consent letter if aged under 18.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

The CAS is an official electronic document confirming the offer of a study place.
It must be issued no more than six months before the visa application.
Holding a CAS does not guarantee approval — all immigration requirements must still be met.
Some specialist courses (such as ACCA) are restricted to specific accredited sponsors.

Maintenance (Financial Requirement)

Applicants must show funds to cover first-year tuition fees plus living costs for up to nine months.
From 2 January 2025:

£1,483 per month if studying in London.
£1,136 per month if studying outside London.
Funds must:
Be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before application.
Be in accounts allowing immediate access (cash, pensions, or investment accounts that can be instantly withdrawn).
Be verified by a financial institution using electronic records.
Reflect deductions for prepaid tuition or accommodation (maximum £1,265 deductible for university accommodation).
Students who have held valid leave in the UK for 12 months or more are exempt from the financial requirement.

English-Language Requirement

Degree-level (RQF 6 or above): minimum B2 level on the Common European Framework.
Below degree level: minimum B1 level, unless studying English itself (then B2).
Students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can be assessed directly by the institution instead of providing a SELT certificate.
Applicants with a UK-awarded GCSE, A level or Scottish Highers in English automatically meet this requirement.
The list of recognised English-speaking countries includes Malta and Ireland in addition to existing nations.

Dependants

Only students who are government-sponsored or enrolled on PhD, doctoral, or research-based programmes can bring dependants.
Dependants already in the UK may extend their leave under previous rules.

Work Rights for Students and Dependants

Students:

At degree level or above – may work up to 20 hours per week in term time and full-time in vacations.
Below degree level or at publicly funded FE colleges – up to 10 hours per week in term time.
At private colleges – no work allowed.
Students cannot fill permanent full-time roles.

Dependants:

May work if the student’s course is degree level or above and for 12 months or longer, or if the student is government-sponsored.
Cannot work if the main student’s course is below degree level (except government-sponsored cases).

Switching Rules

You may switch to a Student visa from within the UK unless you currently hold one of the following:

Visit visa
Short-term student visa
Parent of a Child Student visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
Leave outside the Immigration Rules

Students can only switch into a work visa (such as Skilled Worker) after completing their course.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Study at an approved institution.
Work within the allowed hours and conditions.
Serve as a student union sabbatical officer (if eligible).

You cannot:

Claim public funds or pensions.
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Be self-employed.
Study at a state-funded school or academy.

Processing Times and Priority Service

Standard processing time: up to three weeks from biometrics submission.
Priority and Super Priority options may be available for an extra fee.
Applications can be submitted up to six months before the course start date.
Entry is ultimately at the discretion of a border officer.

Home Office Fees

Application fee: £490 (outside or inside the UK).
Immigration Health Surcharge: approximately £776 per year of leave granted.
Priority services available at additional cost.
All fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

Administrative Review (Entry Clearance and Extensions)

Applicants may request an Administrative Review within 28 days (if outside the UK) or 14 days (if inside the UK).
Only previously submitted evidence will be considered — no new documents may be added.
Only one review is permitted per decision.

Appeals

Appeals are only available on human rights grounds.
Must be lodged within 10 working days of the decision notice.
No new evidence may be introduced beyond that in the original application.

Student Visa UK (Previously Tier 4)