Student Visa
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3 weeks from outside UK
- Fee
- £524
- Validity
- Up to 5 years for degree-level, 2 years below degree
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Replaced Tier 4 visa. Requires Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from licensed sponsor. Points-based system requiring 70 points. Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year applies. Can apply up to 6 months before course starts.
Eligibility
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Age
Must be 16 or over to apply for Student visa
Min age: 16
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Purpose of visit
Further or higher education course at UK institution with valid sponsor license
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Financial
Must have £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 outside London for 9 months, plus full tuition fee amount. Funds held for 28 consecutive days.
Minimum funds: £13,761 (London) or £10,539 (outside London) for 9 months plus tuition
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm digital format for online application
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: £1,529/month London, £1,171/month outside London for 9 months; Months required: 1
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, education loan letter, official financial sponsorship; Minimum amount: £13,761 for London, £10,539 outside London (9 months) plus tuition
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Student Visa Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas; Location: Visa Application Centre or UKVCAS
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert, Trinity College SELT; Minimum score: B2 CEFR level (varies by course)
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: TB screening from approved clinic; Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £776 per year; Applicant category: Students and dependants
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Study acceptance confirmation
Confirmation number: CAS reference number (issued by licensed sponsor); Issuing institution: UK licensed student sponsor (university or college)
How to apply
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Online application
Apply online for Student visa with CAS reference number from UK institution
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Document gathering
Gather CAS, passport, academic transcripts, English language test, bank statements (28 days), TB certificate if required
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Fee payment
Pay £524 visa fee plus £776 per year Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Attend appointment for fingerprints and photo, or use UK Immigration ID Check app
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Document submission
Upload or submit supporting documents including CAS, financial evidence, qualifications
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Processing wait
Wait for visa decision (priority service available for £500 extra)
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Visa collection
Receive digital eVisa or collect passport with visa vignette