Student Visa Applications
Most overseas students require a student visa to study in the UK.
Student Visa (UK Student Route)
UK student visas are issued under the Student route, which forms part of the UK’s current points-based immigration system. This route is designed for individuals who want to study in the UK at an approved educational institution.
Student Visa (for adults and older students)
The Student visa is for applicants aged 16 or over who are coming to the UK for further or higher education, such as college, university, or other post-16 study programmes.
Child Student Visa (for younger students)
The Child Student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent (fee-paying) school in the UK.
Children aged 4 to 15 must attend an independent school and cannot study in UK state-funded schools under this visa route.
Special rules apply to students aged 16 or 17
If you are 16 or 17, you may be able to apply under either the Student visa or the Child Student visa, depending on your course.
For courses at NQF Level 3, you can apply under either route.
If the course is longer than 2 years, applying under the Student visa is usually recommended.
If the course is below NQF Level 3, you must apply as a Child Student.
For English language courses at CEFR Level A2 or above, you must apply under the Student visa route.
Study only with an approved sponsor
You can only study in the UK at a Home Office-approved education provider with a valid sponsor licence. Sponsors must keep student records and report issues such as non-enrolment, unauthorised absences, or course withdrawal.
Course and qualification requirements
Your course must be full-time, meet Home Office academic standards, and lead to an approved qualification, such as:
NQF Level 3 or above
A recognised UK degree (or an overseas equivalent)
A full-time course with at least 15 hours of daytime study per week
CEFR Level B2+ English language courses
Approved foundation programmes for postgraduate doctors or dentists
To qualify for a UK Student visa, an applicant must score 40 points under the points-based system.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – 30 points
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued by the education provider once the applicant meets all entry requirements for their chosen course. The CAS is worth 30 points.
The CAS is valid for six months and must be used to apply for entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK within that period. To claim these points, applicants must provide supporting documents such as qualification certificates or references that were used to secure the course offer.
Financial Requirement (Maintenance) – 10 points
Applicants must also gain 10 points by proving they have enough money to support themselves while studying. The amount required depends on the course length and where the student will study in the UK.
Funds must be held as cash savings. Assets such as shares, bonds, pension funds, and similar investments are not accepted. Applicants must show the required funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application date. Students bringing dependants must show additional funds are available.
Dependants (Family Members)
Eligible dependants include a student’s:
spouse or civil partner
unmarried partner
children under 18
However, not all students can bring family members to the UK. Dependants are usually permitted only if the student is:
sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at NQF Level 7 or above, lasting 12 months or more, or
a government-sponsored student on a course lasting more than 6 months
Extending a Student visa
Students may be able to extend their visa to study a new course, but must meet the same requirements as their original application and show academic progression from their previous studies.
Switching into the Student route from within the UK
Certain visa holders already in the UK may be able to switch into the Student category, including those currently on:
a Tier 2 visa (General, Intra-Company Transfer, or Minister of Religion), or
a Tier 4 Child Student visa
Switching from a Student visa to other categories
Student visa holders may also be able to switch into other immigration routes while in the UK. Common options include work routes, business categories, or family routes (such as a partner of a person with indefinite leave to remain).