Student visa

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Student visa
Replaced visa	Tier 4 (General) student visa
Stay duration	Up to 2–5 years depending on level
Application fee	£558 per person
Healthcare surcharge	Required; varies by visa length
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Eligibility timing (outside UK)	Apply up to 6 months before course
Eligibility timing (inside UK)	Apply up to 3 months before course
Processing time	3 weeks outside UK; 8 weeks inside
Study rights	Permitted with licensed student sponsor
Work rights	Limited; depends on course level
Family sponsorship	Permitted for eligible postgraduate/sponsored students
Travel facility	Arrive up to 1 week/month early
Citizenship	No automatic citizenship for born children
Visa record	Digital eVisa via UKVI account

---

Purpose and Overview

The Student visa allows individuals aged 16 or over to come to or stay in the UK to study with a licensed student sponsor.

Applicants aged 16 or 17 studying at an independent school may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Student visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer on an eligible course from a licensed student sponsor, evidenced by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued within the last 6 months.
• Meet the English language requirement.
• Meet the financial requirement (have sufficient funds to pay for course fees and living costs).
• Have written parental/guardian consent if you are 16 or 17 years old.
• Obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if required for your subject (RQF level 7 or above).

Eligible Courses

• Full-time course below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with at least 15 hours/week of organised daytime study.
• Full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
• Full-time degree-level course equivalent to a UK higher education course delivered as part of a longer overseas course.
• Part-time course above degree level (RQF level 7 or above).
• English language course at CEFR level B2 or higher.
• Full-time elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate English proficiency (CEFR B2 for degree-level or above; CEFR B1 for below degree-level) by:

• Being a national of an exempt majority English-speaking country.
• Holding a UK school qualification (GCSE, A level, Scottish equivalents) started when under 18.
• Holding a degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis if awarded outside the UK).
• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
• Assessment by a Higher Education Provider (HEP) for degree-level courses.

Financial Requirements

Unless you have been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, or qualify under the differential evidence requirement, you must demonstrate:

• Course Fees: Enough money to pay tuition for 1 academic year (up to 9 months).
• Living Costs (up to 9 months):
  • In London: £1,529 per month.
  • Outside London: £1,171 per month.
  • Boarding school students pay CAS-stated boarding fees instead.
• Holding Period: Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of the visa application date.

Applicants from countries listed under the differential evidence requirement do not need to provide financial evidence upfront but must be able to provide it upon request.

Stay Duration and Extensions

Length of Stay

• Degree level and above (age 18+): Usually up to 5 years.
• Below degree level: Usually up to 2 years.

Staying Longer or Switching

• Extend your visa: Apply to continue current studies or begin a new course at a higher academic level (unless exempt). The new course must start within 28 days of your current visa's expiry.
• Graduate visa: Stay for 2 years (if applied on or before 31 December 2026), 18 months (if applied on or after 1 January 2027), or 3 years for doctoral graduates.
• Switching in the UK: Allowed from most visas, but not permitted from visit, short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, seasonal worker, domestic worker, or leave outside the immigration rules.

Rights and Conditions

Permitted Activities

• Studying on the approved course.
• Working as a student union sabbatical officer.
• Limited work (hours depend on study level and term dates).

Prohibited Activities

• Accessing public funds (benefits) and state pensions.
• Working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
• Self-employment.
• Studying at an academy or local authority-funded (maintained) school.

Family Provisions (Dependants)

Dependant partners and children under 18 may join or stay if the main applicant is:

• A government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months.
• A full-time student on a postgraduate course (RQF 7+) of 9+ months (if started on or after 1 January 2024, must be a PhD/doctoral course or research-based higher degree).

Dependant Financial Requirements (up to 9 months)

• In London: £845 per month per dependant.
• Outside London: £680 per month per dependant.
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days (exempt if in the UK on a valid visa for 12+ months).

Dependant visas expire on the same date as the main student's visa.

Travel Rules

• Course lasting 6 months or less: May arrive in the UK up to 1 week before the course start date.
• Course lasting more than 6 months: May arrive in the UK up to 1 month before the course start date.
• Important: You must not travel to the UK before the valid start date stated on your visa.
• In-UK Applicants: You must not travel outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) while your application is pending, or it will be treated as withdrawn.

Required Documents

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
• Proof of financial support (if applicable).
• ATAS certificate (if applicable).
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
• Written consent from financial sponsor (if sponsored in the past 12 months).
• For under-18s: Written consent from parents/guardians and full birth certificate showing parents' names.

Application Process

1. Obtain a CAS from your educational sponsor.
2. Apply Online:
   • Outside the UK: Earliest 6 months before course start.
   • Inside the UK: Earliest 3 months before course start (must apply before current visa expires).
3. Pay Fees: £558 visa fee per person plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
4. Prove Identity & Biometrics:
   • Scan identity documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
   • Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS service point.
5. Receive eVisa: Successful applicants access their digital immigration status (eVisa) online via a UKVI account.