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Study at world-class UK universities and colleges with expert visa support
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to study at UK educational institutions, from English language courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and offers a world-class education system that attracts students from around the globe.
To apply for a Student Visa, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student Sponsor, meet financial requirements to cover your course fees and living costs, and demonstrate English language proficiency at the required level. The visa duration depends on your course length, and you can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays.
After completing your studies, you may be eligible for the Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay in the UK for 2-3 years to work or look for work. This provides an excellent pathway to building your career in the UK and potentially transitioning to other visa categories such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
You can apply for a UK Student Visa if:
We can help you prepare a strong application and navigate the requirements.
To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must meet several requirements relating to your course, finances, English language, and genuine student status.
The application process for a UK Student Visa requires careful preparation, especially when gathering financial evidence and ensuring your CAS is valid.
Accept your course offer and pay any required deposits. Your institution will issue your CAS reference number, which is valid for 6 months. Review your CAS carefully to ensure all details are correct.
Ensure you have sufficient funds in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. Gather bank statements dated within 31 days of your application, showing course fees and living costs. If fees are already paid, obtain receipts.
Complete the online application form, upload all required documents including your CAS, financial evidence, passport, TB test certificate (if required), and English language evidence. Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Attend your biometric appointment (if required) and wait for a decision. Standard processing is typically 3-4 weeks. Once approved, you can travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival.
Student Visa applications require comprehensive documentation to prove your course acceptance, financial capacity, and English language proficiency.
The costs for a UK Student Visa include government fees set by the Home Office. These fees are subject to change, and we will provide you with the most up-to-date information during your consultation.
In addition to the application fee, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the NHS during your stay in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the length of your visa and is typically paid upfront for the entire duration.
* Fees are set by the UK government and may change. The IHS rate for students is lower than the standard rate. We will confirm the latest fees during your consultation. Priority and super priority services may be available for an additional fee in some locations.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the UK Student Visa route.
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to study at UK educational institutions, from English language courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student Sponsor, meet financial requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency. The visa duration depends on your course length, and you can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays.
You can apply for a Student Visa if you are 16 or over, have been offered a place on a course by a licensed Student Sponsor, can speak, read, write and understand English, have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and are from a country that is not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. You must also meet the genuine student requirement and intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies (unless you plan to switch to another visa category).
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by your UK educational institution. It confirms your place on a course and is essential for your visa application. Your institution will issue the CAS once you've accepted your offer and paid any required deposits. The CAS contains important information about your course, fees, and is valid for 6 months. You cannot apply for a Student Visa without a valid CAS.
You need to show you can pay your course fees plus living costs. For living costs, you need £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London (maximum £12,006), or £1,023 per month if studying outside London (maximum £9,207). You must have held these funds for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, and the bank statements must be dated within 31 days of your application. Your CAS may confirm if your institution has already received fee payments, which can reduce the amount you need to show.
Yes, most Student Visa holders can work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays. Some courses, particularly those below degree level or at certain institutions, may have more restrictions or prohibit work entirely. You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or work in a permanent full-time role. Your CAS will indicate your work rights.
The Graduate Visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your course to work or look for work. You must have successfully completed a degree or above at a UK institution with a track record of compliance, and your Student Visa must still be valid when you apply. There's no minimum salary requirement, and you can work in any job, switch jobs, or be self-employed. This provides an excellent pathway to building your career in the UK.
You can bring dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18) if you're studying a postgraduate course of 9 months or longer at RQF level 7 or above, or if you're a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months. Your dependants will have full working rights. You'll need to show additional funds to support them (£845 per month for each dependant for up to 9 months, in addition to your own maintenance funds).
You need CEFR Level B2 for degree-level courses (RQF level 6 and above) and CEFR Level B1 for courses below degree level (RQF level 3-5). This can be demonstrated through an approved English language test (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. Some institutions may have higher requirements, and your CAS will confirm the level needed.
The visa duration depends on your course length. For courses of 12 months or more, you'll typically get permission to stay for the full course length plus 4 months after. For courses of 6-12 months, you'll get the course length plus 2 months. For courses less than 6 months, you'll get the course length plus 7 days. You can extend your visa if you need to continue or change your course, subject to meeting the requirements.
Yes, you can switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK if you're currently on certain visa categories, such as a Visitor Visa (in limited circumstances), another Student Visa, or some work visas. You must meet all the Student Visa requirements and have a valid CAS. You cannot switch from a Visitor Visa if you entered the UK specifically to study, but you may be able to switch if your circumstances changed after arrival.
The UK offers world-class education and excellent post-study work opportunities. Our expert team can help you navigate the Student Visa process, prepare your application, and ensure all requirements are met for a successful outcome.