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 UK 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 UK 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 UK 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 to the UK 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 UK £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK 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. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply. 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.

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 UK 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 .

You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. 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 UK 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: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London £1,023 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 UK you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer you’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories: Australia Austria Bahrain Barbados Belgium Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Chile China Croatia Republic of Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark The Dominican Republic Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Peru Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Tunisia United Arab Emirates United States of America However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application. If you do need to provide it, you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) after you’ve submitted your application. Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove your knowledge of English by: passing a Secure English Language Test ( SELT ) from an approved provider having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18 Level of English You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR ) scale . What you’re studying Level Degree level or above Equivalent to CEFR level B2 Below degree level CEFR level B1 If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider ( HEP ) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2. Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re from one of the following countries or territories, or you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of them: Antigua and Barbuda Australia the Bahamas Barbados Belize the British overseas territories Dominica Grenada Guyana Ireland Jamaica Malta New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago UK USA You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies: you’re a national of Canada you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA you proved your level of English in a previous visa application

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply for your Student visa you must provide: a current passport or other valid travel documentation a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) from your course provider You may also need to provide: proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances a valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18 proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18 your tuberculosis test results written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide . You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply. If you’re under 18 If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility). This must include their consent for: your visa application your living and care arrangements in the UK your travel to the UK You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

You must apply online for a Student visa. Check which documents you’ll need to apply . Apply outside the UK As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Start now How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Apply inside the UK You may be able to apply to: extend your Student visa switch to a Student visa from another type of visa You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. After you get a decision If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app Find out what happens after you get your decision .

You may be able to extend your Student visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new course. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa. To extend your visa you must: be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) show that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course (called the ‘academic progress requirement’) - there are some exceptions If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK . Your partner or children will need to apply separately to extend their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. You can also switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course. Showing academic progress If you’re currently studying in the UK, you’ll usually need to show your studies will be at a higher academic level than your current course. Your new course must be one of the following: at a higher academic level than your current course at the same level and related to your previous course or career aspirations - it must be degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider (HEP) intercalated to a medicine, dentistry or medical science course you started studying under your Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa) You do not need to show your studies are at a higher level if you’re doing one of the following: resitting exams or repeating modules applying for the first time to a new institution to complete a course you started at an institution that lost its student sponsorship licence applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer to complete a qualification you started studying under your last Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa) completing a PhD or other doctorate that you started studying under your last Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa) continuing your medical, dentistry or medical science degree after completing an intercalated course applying to extend your stay to complete your studies because you’ve done (or want to do) a work placement or study abroad programme Read the guidance for more information about when you need to prove your studies are at a higher level . If you’re applying to work in the UK You can get a CAS if you’re applying to work as a student union sabbatical officer. When to apply 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. For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December. You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) . You can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision. Fees For each person, you’ll need to pay: £490 to extend this visa the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay You’ll need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this. Apply You must apply online. As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport or resident permit you have. You’ll either: use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Start now You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply. After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. If your application is successful If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK. You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following visas: a visit visa a short-term student visa a Parent of a Child Student visa a seasonal worker visa a domestic worker in a private household visa leave outside the immigration rules If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa. Eligibility To switch to a Student visa you must: be in the UK have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK . Your partner or children will need to apply separately to switch their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires. When to apply 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. For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December. You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) . You can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision. Fees For each person, you’ll need to pay: £490 to switch to this visa the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay You’ll need to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken - there’s no fee for this. Apply You must apply online. As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Start now You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision . After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI . Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. If your application is successful If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

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 UK

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 UK

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 UK

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 to the UK

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 UK
£490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

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. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

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.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you
You can apply for a Student visa if you’re 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.
If you're under 18 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.
1. Check which visas you're eligible for
Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need
If you're doing a masters degree or above, you may need to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
1. Check if you need to apply for ATAS
Step 3 Apply from outside the UK
1. Apply from outside the UK £490
You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
1. Find out if you can pay more to get a faster decision
or Apply from inside the UK
1. Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) visa) £490
2. Apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £490
You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
1. You may be able to pay more to get a faster decision you’ll be told if you can when you apply
Step 4 Check what you can bring into the UK with you
Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border
1. Check what you need to show at the UK border
Step 6 After you arrive in the UK
1. Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you’d get one when you applied
You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.
1. Check if you can extend your visa
If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to come to the UK again.

Student visa

Overview

When to apply

Applying from outside the UK

Applying from inside the UK

How long you can stay

Staying longer in the UK

When you can travel to the UK

Fees

Healthcare surcharge

Your partner and children

What you can and cannot do

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3 Apply from outside the UK

or Apply from inside the UK

Step 4 Check what you can bring into the UK with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 After you arrive in the UK

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

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Student visa

Overview

When to apply

Applying from outside the UK

Applying from inside the UK

How long you can stay

Staying longer in the UK

When you can travel to the UK

Fees

Healthcare surcharge

Your partner and children

What you can and cannot do

Part of Study in the UK on a Student visa

Step 1: Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2: Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3: Apply from outside the UK

or Apply from inside the UK

Step 4: Check what you can bring into the UK with you

Step 5: Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6: After you arrive in the UK

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3 Apply from outside the UK

Step 4 Check what you can bring into the UK with you

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 After you arrive in the UK