Overview
The Student visa is designed for individuals coming to the UK for higher education. You must have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You must also demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be 16 or older, have a place on a course, be able to speak, read, write, and understand English, and have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. If you are 16 or 17, you need consent from your parents or guardians.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1
Receive an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and obtain your CAS number.
- 2
Step 2
Prepare your financial evidence and English language test results.
- 3
Step 3
Complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website.
- 4
Step 4
Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- 5
Step 5
Book and attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometric information.
- 6
Step 6
Wait for a decision on your visa application.
Required documents
- Current passport or valid travel document
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
- Proof of funds to cover course fees and living costs
- Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent (if under 18)
- Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian (if under 18)
- Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
The Student visa itself does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, time spent on a Student visa may count toward the 10-year long residence route, or you may transition to a Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa after graduation.
Family options
Only students on postgraduate level courses (or government-sponsored students) are generally permitted to bring dependent partners or children to the UK.
Language notes
You must prove your knowledge of the English language, usually by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, unless you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
After arrival
Once you arrive, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were instructed to do so, register with the police if required, and enroll at your educational institution.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to provide sufficient evidence of maintenance funds
- Applying before receiving the CAS from the institution
- Incorrectly calculating the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Missing the deadline for submitting supporting documents
FAQs about Student visa
Who is the Student visa for?+
International students who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor and can prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves.
What are the eligibility requirements for Student visa?+
To qualify, you must be 16 or older, have a place on a course, be able to speak, read, write, and understand English, and have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. If you are 16 or 17, you need consent from your parents or guardians.
How much does the Student visa cost?+
Typical fees listed for Student visa: £490 for applications from outside the UK; £490 for applications from inside the UK. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge.. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Student visa processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK; 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK..
How long can I stay on the Student visa?+
Depends on the length of your course and your current level of study (usually up to 5 years for degree-level courses).
Can I work on the Student visa?+
Varies by course level and sponsor type. Generally, students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Dependents may have work rights depending on the student's course level.
Does Student visa lead to permanent residence in United Kingdom?+
The Student visa itself does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, time spent on a Student visa may count toward the 10-year long residence route, or you may transition to a Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa after graduation.
What are common mistakes with Student visa?+
Failing to provide sufficient evidence of maintenance funds Applying before receiving the CAS from the institution Incorrectly calculating the Immigration Health Surcharge