Study in the UK on a Student visa

Student visa

Overview

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
can speak, read, write and understand English
have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.

If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay.

Staying longer in the Country

You may be able to:

extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course

When you can travel

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.

Fees

It costs:

£490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the Country
£490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the Country

You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts.

Your partner and children

You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’).

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study
work as a student union sabbatical officer

You may be able to work – how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

You cannot:

claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
be self-employed
study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

Your course

You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.

To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course. You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.

Courses you can study

You can do one of the following courses:

a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study
a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

You can also apply for this visa if you’re taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying or researching sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.

The qualification levels are different in Scotland.

Postgraduate doctors and dentists

You can apply for this visa if you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme and you’ve:

finished a recognised Country degree in medicine or dentistry
received that degree from a registered student sponsor
spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once they’ve offered you a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

You must enter this reference number on your visa application.

You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

Money you need

You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the Country.

How much money you need depends on your circumstances and what you’re applying for.

Course fee

You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this money for your visa application.

Money to support yourself (‘financial requirement’)

You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself – unless you’ve been in the Country with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.

How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either:

£1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
£1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.

London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.

You’ll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.

You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

Example

If you submit your application on 1 January 2021, you’d have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December.

If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company.

Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself

You do not need to prove the financial requirement if:

you’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your Student visa application – you must currently be in the Country
you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer
you’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme

Study Visa Consulting for UK Universities – Key

Information for Students

If you’re planning to study in the UK, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey smooth and successful!

1. Why Study in the Country?

✅ World-Class Education – Top-ranked universities with globally recognized degrees.
✅ Shorter Courses – Undergraduate (3 years) & Postgraduate (1 year) save time and money.
✅ Post-Study Work Opportunities – Stay back in the UK for 2–3 years after graduation.
✅ Diverse Culture – A welcoming and multicultural environment.

2. Study Visa Types

🔹 Student Visa (Tier 4) – For full-time degree programs at recognized UK institutions.
🔹 Short-Term Study Visa – For courses under 6 months (like English language programs).

3. Basic Requirements for a Student Visa

📌 CAS Letter – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a university.
📌 Financial Proof – Show funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
📌 English Language Proficiency – IELTS, PTE, or equivalent test scores.
📌 Genuine Student Interview – A short interview to confirm your study intentions.

4. Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)

🎓 Allows students to work in the Country for 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or 3 years (PhD) after graduation.

5. Application Process & Timeline

📅 Step 1: Choose a UK university and apply for admission.
📅 Step 2: Receive your CAS Letter from the university.
📅 Step 3: Prepare and submit your UK Student Visa application.
📅 Step 4: Attend the Genuine Student Interview (if required).
📅 Step 5: Receive your Student Visa and plan your journey!

Why Choose Apply Global Opportunities?

✅ Expert guidance on university selection.
✅ Hassle-free visa application process.
✅ Personalized support for interviews and financial documents.
✅ Assistance with scholarships and accommodation.

🚀 Start your study journey today with Apply Global Opportunities!

Apply Global Opportunities

Student visa

Overview

When to apply

Applying from outside

Applying from inside

How long you can stay

Staying longer in the Country

When you can travel

Fees

Healthcare surcharge

Your partner and children

What you can and cannot do

You can:

Study Visa Consulting for UK Universities – Key

Information for Students

1. Why Study in the Country?

2. Study Visa Types

3. Basic Requirements for a Student Visa

4. Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)

5. Application Process & Timeline

Why Choose Apply Global Opportunities?

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