UK Student visa: requirements and documents
How to apply for a UK Student visa, including the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, funds and English requirements.
- You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
- You must prove you have enough money for course fees and living costs.
- You need to meet an English language requirement.
- You can usually only study at a licensed student sponsor institution.
What the Student visa is
The Student visa lets you study at a UK institution that holds a student sponsor licence. It covers degree-level and certain other courses.
It replaced the old Tier 4 (General) route and, for most students, allows part-time work during term time.
Eligibility and the CAS
You need an unconditional offer of a place from a licensed student sponsor, who will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) with a unique reference number.
You must use the CAS when you apply, and the course, institution and dates on your application must match it.
Money (maintenance) requirement
You must show you have enough money to pay your course fees for the first year and to support yourself, unless you qualify for an exemption or your sponsor confirms your funding.
The amount depends on where you will study, and the money must have been held for a set period before you apply.
English language requirement
You must prove English ability at the required level (usually CEFR B2 for degree-level study), through an approved test or a qualification taught in English.
Nationals of certain English-speaking countries are exempt.
Documents you need
Typical documents include a valid passport, your CAS reference, proof of finances, evidence of English ability, and, for some countries, a tuberculosis test certificate.
You may also need academic transcripts and, for under-18s, parental consent.
Costs and processing time
The visa has an application fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge. Check the VisaWyse fee calculator and processing-time page for current estimates.
Apply early once you have your CAS, because processing can take several weeks and you must not travel to the UK before your visa is issued.