United Kingdom · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) lets you study at a licensed student sponsor. Once you accept an unconditional offer your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), valid for six months from issue. You apply online on GOV.UK with financial evidence and usually an approved English test, and pay the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives NHS access. You can apply up to six months before the course starts.
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) lets you study at a licensed student sponsor. Once you accept an unconditional offer and meet the conditions, your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS); you then apply online on GOV.UK, prove your finances and (usually) an approved English test, and pay the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. You can apply up to six months before the course starts.
- Your course provider must be a licensed student sponsor; the CAS is valid for six months from issue.
- Apply online on GOV.UK with your CAS, financial evidence and (usually) an approved Secure English Language Test.
- You pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives access to the NHS during your stay.
- Work rights depend on your study level and term/vacation periods — check the conditions on your visa.
- 1
Check your provider is a licensed sponsor
Only a licensed student sponsor can issue a CAS. Verify the licence before committing to a course or paying a deposit.
- 2
Accept the offer and get your CAS
The CAS is issued once you hold an unconditional offer and meet the conditions. It is valid for six months from issue, so timing matters.
- 3
Prepare financial evidence and the English test
You must prove your finances and, usually, pass an approved Secure English Language Test. Check the required amounts and accepted tests before booking anything.
- 4
Apply online and pay the IHS
Apply on GOV.UK with your CAS. You pay the visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the NHS during your stay.
- 5
Apply within the six-month window
You can apply up to six months before the course starts. Applying early gives room for processing without wasting the CAS validity.
- 6
Check the work conditions on your visa
Work rights depend on your study level and on whether it is term time or vacation. The conditions are stated on your visa — read them rather than assuming.
- Provider verified as a licensed student sponsor
- Unconditional offer accepted and CAS received
- CAS six-month validity tracked against the application date
- Financial evidence meets the required amount
- Approved Secure English Language Test taken if required
- Visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge paid
- Work conditions on the visa read and understood
- UK Student visa (GOV.UK)
Official requirements, fees and online application.
- Study UK — visas and immigration (British Council)
Official guidance on the student-visa process.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAS and how long is it valid?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is the reference your licensed sponsor issues once you hold an unconditional offer. It is valid for six months from issue, so do not request it far ahead of when you intend to apply.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
It is a charge paid alongside the visa fee that gives you access to the NHS during your stay. Budget for it separately, because it is a substantial cost on top of the visa fee itself.
How early can I apply for a UK Student visa?
Up to six months before the course starts. Since the CAS is also valid for six months from issue, coordinate the two so your CAS does not expire while the application is pending.
Government portals
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — UK's unified government services portal — visas, taxes, driving licences, benefits and more
- UK Visas and Immigration — UK visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP), and work authorization
- HM Revenue & Customs — Self Assessment tax returns, National Insurance, VAT registration and payment