United Kingdom Student Visa
Before beginning their studies in the UK, international students must apply for a UK Student Visa.
Study in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom Student Visa Requirements, Application & Guidelines
Students from abroad who are accepted into a British educational institution and intend to move to the United Kingdom for study purposes must apply for a UK Student Visa before they start their courses in the institution. This is a complete guide to the UK Student Visa information, requirements, application procedures and FAQs.
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These figures were last updated on MONDAY, 7th NOVEMBER 2022, at 3:45 PM GMT +4
UK student visa overview
The United Kingdom Student Visa is for anyone sixteen (16) years of age and older who intends live and study in the UK throughout their course. The UK Student visa replaces the Tier 4 (General) student visa.Â
- Live and study in the UK
- Work as a student union sabbatical officer
- You can bring your partner and children as ‘dependents’
Our immigration specialists frequently help international students who want to migrate to the UK to continue their education or who want to prolong their stay there.
Our specialists will walk you through the convoluted Home Office laws and policies because they are authorities on student immigration choices.
On this page
UK study visa eligibility
- A licensed student sponsor has offered you a place on a course
- Ensure that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your studies – your situation will determine how much money you need
- The ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
- In the case of 16- or 17-year-olds, you have proof that your parents have consented to your study decision
UK study visa requirements
- A licensed student sponsor has offered you a place on a course
- Ensure that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your studies – your situation will determine how much money you need
- The ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
- In the case of 16- or 17-year-olds, you have proof that your parents have consented to your study decision
- You must provide the following information when applying for a student visa:
- Valid travel documentation, such as a passport
- You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the course provider
- Additionally, depending on your circumstances, you may need to
- Show proof that you have money to support yourself and pay for your course
- Valid ATAS certificate should it be required for your course and nationality
- A copy of your parental or legal guardian’s consent if you are under 18
- If you’re under 18, a proof of your relationship to your parents or guardians
- Results of your tuberculosis test
- If you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months, you must submit written consent from your financial sponsor
- For your visa, you will need a blank page in your passport if you need to provide biometric information
The healthcare surcharge is also part of the application process. Your visa’s duration determines how much you pay.
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you’ve been accepted for the course.
Your visa application must include this reference number. The time limit for applying for your visa after receiving your CAS is six months.
You can do one of the following courses:
- Full-time study leading to a qualification below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours of daytime study per week
- A full-time course leading to a degree or higher qualification (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
- A full-time degree course (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that is equivalent to a UK higher education course and is part of an international course
- Part-time courses that lead to higher level qualifications (RQF level 7 or above)
- An accredited foundation program for postgraduate doctors and dentists
- Taking an English language class at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
If you are in a full-time elected position as a student union sabbatical officer, you may qualify for a student visa.
If you are studying or researching sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or higher, you may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
If you wish to extend your stay on the Doctorate Extension Scheme, you currently hold a student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) Student visa), and your course must lead to a PhD
You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the United Kingdom. You’ll need money based on your circumstances and what you’re applying to study.
Course fees for a UK student visa
It is necessary to have enough money to cover the costs of your course for one academic year (up to nine months). You will find the amount you need to pay on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
You do not need to prove that you have this money if you have been in the UK for at least 12 months and have a valid visa.
You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself – unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.
Where you study determines how much money you need.Â
You’ll have to pay boarding fees instead if you attend an independent residential school. Your CAS will show the amount you need to pay.
For each additional family member, you bring to the UK as a dependent, you’ll need to show you have extra cash to support their stay.
These funds must be kept for at least 28 consecutive days. You must apply for your visa within 31 days of the end of the 28 days.
If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll be required to provide evidence from the company that provides you with the loan or sponsor.
English language requirements for a UK student visa
When applying, you must prove your English proficiency. Here are some ways to demonstrate your English proficiency:
Obtaining a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
Show proof of you Studying English at a UK school since you were under 18 years old and earning GCSEs, A levels, Scottish National Qualifications level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English
If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider
You can have your Higher Education Provider (HEP) assess your English level if you’re at a degree level or higher. A different test may be required. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.
If you have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the 18 shortlisted countries, English competence proof is not required. Contact Royal Migration to find out if you do not need to prove your English proficiency.
If you meet one of the following criteria, you don’t have to prove your English proficiency:
- You are a Canadian citizen
- You are applying to study abroad in the UK as part of an American university degree program
- In a previous visa application, you demonstrated your English proficiency
Apply for a UK student visa
You can apply for a Student Visa 3 months before the start of your course if you are applying from inside the UK. The course must start no more than 28 days after your previous leave expires.
You should submit your application for a Student Visa not more than six (6) months before your course if you are applying from outside the UK.
Fill out the contact form on this page to get help with your visa application process from a top-notch immigration expert at Royal Migration.
How long it takes to get a decision for a UK student visa
It takes approximately three (3) weeks for a decision to be made. Depending on your application, you may be able to pay for a faster decision.
After you apply
You will be contacted if your application is complex and is going to take longer, the reasons could be:
- Documents supporting your application need to be verified
- An interview is required
- The nature of your circumstances (for example, criminal convictions)
After you get a decision
You will receive either of the following if your application is successful:
- A biometric residence permit if you have provided your biometric information at the visa application centre
- Your digital immigration status will be available online using the app ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’
Working on a student visa
If you are a student undertaking a course below degree level in the UK, you will be permitted to work 10 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside of term-time.
If you are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a degree level or higher, you may work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term-time.
Working is prohibited for all other students, including part-time students.
Dependent family members of UK students
Your partner and children (‘dependents’) can apply for a visa if you are one of the following:Â
- Full-time student enrolled in a postgraduate course (RQF level 7 or above) for at least nine months
- Students sponsored by the government and enrolled in a course lasting more than six months
- A student enrolled in the Doctorate Extension Scheme
If you apply, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationships, such as Your partner’s marriage or civil partnership certificate and a birth certificate for your child(ren).
If your child is 16 or 17 at the time you apply, you must prove they do not live an independent life, such as being married or in a civil union.
You’ll need to prove the following:
- Where they live – If they don’t live with you, explain why
- Rent or upkeep they pay you each month
- The fact that you support them financially if they are not living with you
Extending your stay under a student visa
You may be able to extend your student visa to stay longer and continue your course or change courses. The same applies if you have a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
If you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months with a valid visa, you will need to prove that you’ve got the money to support yourself while you’re in the UK.
If you complete your course, you can switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for two years. You will usually need to show that your studies will be on a higher academic level than what you are currently studying in the UK.
To extend your partner’s or children’s visa, you will need to apply separately. They can apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.Â
Switching to the UK student visa
If you already have permission to be in the UK, you may be able to switch to a student visa. Check out your eligibility to switch to a student visa by filling out the contact form and getting a free eligibility assessment from a Royal Migration certified consultant.
A visa is not required if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.Â
Questions? You’re covered
Yes. If you are under the UK student Visa, you will be restricted from obtaining benefits and pensions from the public sector, performing certain jobs, such as coaching sports or being a professional athlete, own your own business. If your application is successful, you'll be informed of your visa's restrictions.
There is only one CAS number per visa application, so you cannot use the same CAS number twice. CAS numbers are valid for six months after they are issued.
The best time to apply for a student visa is six months before your course start date. Note that you cannot apply more than 3 months before the course start date as stated on your CAS. The application process for a UK visa is one of the most rigorous and scrutinized in the world. fill out and submit the inquiry form to get started on your application with an experienced Royal Migration UK Student visa consultant as soon as possible.
UK Study Visa Eligibility Check
Are you eligible for the UK study visa program?
Our consultants will walk you through the intricate Home Office laws and policies as they are specialists in immigration options for students.