Student Visa Studying in the United Kingdom

The UK Student Visa allows individuals aged 16 and over to study a further or higher education course at a licensed institution in the United Kingdom. This visa replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa and is now the sole route for international students coming to study in the UK.

Who is this visa for?
The Student Visa is for individuals who have been offered a place on a course at a UK licensed student sponsor, wish to study at further or higher education level, and can demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves and pay for their course.

Key Requirements
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before applying, you must have a CAS reference number from your education provider. This is a unique reference issued by your institution confirming your place on the course.

Financial
You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. The amount required will vary depending on your institution and whether you will be studying in London or outside London.

English Language
You must demonstrate English language proficiency at the level required by your course and institution.

ATAS Certificate
If you are studying a postgraduate course in certain sensitive subjects, you may be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before applying.

Dependants
This is an area where the rules changed significantly on 1 January 2024 and it is important to understand your position clearly.
For courses commencing on or after 1 January 2024, the majority of students are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK. Dependants may only accompany you if you are studying a full-time research based postgraduate course (such as a PhD) of nine months or longer at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, or if you are in receipt of a government scholarship or sponsorship for a full-time course of six months or longer.
If your course commenced before 1 January 2024, the previous rules continue to apply and your dependants may still be eligible to extend their permission to remain in the UK.

How long does it take?
Applications made from outside the UK are typically decided within three weeks. Applications made from inside the UK are typically decided within eight weeks.