Student Visa UK

A Student visa UK is a visa category that allows international students to come to the UK for full-time study at a licensed educational institution. If you're planning to study a course longer than six months, you will generally need to apply for this visa.

Whether you're applying for the first time, extending your stay, or switching your visa, we provide clear, personalised advice to maximise your chances of success. Let us help you focus on your studies while we handle the legal details of your UK Student visa application.

If you're unsure about eligibility, paperwork, or how to get started, it's always a good idea to get professional immigration advice to help with your Student visa application.

For legal advice and help with your UK Student visa application, call our immigration solicitors now on 0203 417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Student visa?

The UK Student visa allows international students aged 16 or older to live and study full-time in the UK for courses lasting longer than six months. It's the main visa for those pursuing higher education.

The Student visa replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) student visa and is now the main route for international students coming to the UK for courses longer than six months.

Whether you're enrolling in a university degree, a college course, or a foundation programme, the Student visa gives you legal permission to live in the UK for the length of your course.

Who needs a Student visa to study in the UK?

Most non-UK or non-Irish citizens will need a Student visa to study in the UK if their course lasts longer than six months. This includes:

• Undergraduate degrees
• Postgraduate courses
• Short courses lasting more than six months

If you are planning to study a short course of six months or less, you might need a Short-term study visa instead.

Requirements for a UK Student visa

To be eligible for a UK Student visa, you must meet certain requirements. You must:

• Be a genuine student.
• Be 16 years old or older at the time of application.
• Hold a valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course.
• Meet the financial requirements to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs while in the UK.
• Meet the English language requirement (if applicable).
• Meet additional requirements depending on your course and circumstances.

What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

Once your chosen education provider has offered you a place on the course and you've accepted it, they will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is a unique reference number that confirms your offer and gives key details about your course, fees, and visa eligibility.

You must have a CAS before you can apply for your UK Student visa. Without it, your application won't be processed.

You'll need to enter this CAS number in your visa application form. Also, keep in mind:

• Your CAS is only valid for 6 months, so you must apply for your Student visa within that time frame.
• The CAS includes details such as your course start and end dates, tuition fees, and whether you've paid any part of them.

What is a licensed student sponsor?

A licensed student sponsor is an educational institution officially authorised by the UK Home Office to sponsor international students for studying in the UK.

To get a Student visa, your course provider must hold this sponsor licence. Without it, you won't be able to get the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is a vital document for your visa application.

You can check if your institution is licensed by referring to the official list of Student sponsors published by the UK government.

What courses can you study on a UK Student visa?

Not every course qualifies for the Student visa. Your programme must meet specific criteria in terms of type, level, and study hours. Here's what's eligible:

Full-Time Courses

You can apply for a Student visa to study one of the following full-time courses:

• A qualification below degree level (Regulated Qualifications Framework – RQF level 3, 4 or 5), such as diplomas or foundation courses, with at least 15 hours per week of organised classroom study
• A qualification at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8), such as a bachelor's degree, master's, or PhD
• A UK-equivalent degree-level or higher course that's part of a longer study programme based overseas but includes time studying in the UK

Part-Time Courses

You can also study part-time in the UK if your course leads to a qualification above degree level (RQF level 7 or higher), such as a master's or doctoral programme.

Note: Part-time students are not allowed to work or bring dependants under this route.

English Language Courses

If you're coming to the UK to improve your English, you can apply for a Student visa to study an English language course at B2 level or above under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

How much money do you need for a UK Student visa?

One of the most important parts of applying for a Student visa to study in the UK is proving that you have enough money, not just to pay your course fees, but also to support yourself while living in the UK.

The amount of money you need to show depends on where you'll be studying. If your course is in London (including the City of London and the 32 boroughs), you'll need £1,483 per month for up to 9 months, that's a maximum of £13,347. For courses outside London, the requirement is slightly lower at £1,136 per month for up to 9 months, totalling £10,224. This money helps cover your living costs while studying in the UK.

This money must be in your bank account or your parent's (with proof of relationship and consent), and it must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application.

What is the English language requirement for a Student visa?

To apply for a UK Student visa, students pursuing degree-level or higher courses must meet CEFR level B2 (upper-intermediate), while those taking courses below degree level must meet CEFR B1 (intermediate).

This shows you can read, write, speak, and understand English well enough to study successfully.

How to Prove Your English Skills

• Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
• Have a GCSE, A-level, or Scottish qualification in English gained through UK schooling started before age 18.
• Hold a degree-level qualification taught in English. If your degree is from outside the UK, you'll need a certificate from Ecctis confirming it's equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD.

If you're studying at degree level or above, your university or college can assess your English skills themselves. They might ask you to take a different test, but it must still meet the CEFR B2 standard.

Documents you need to apply for a UK Student visa

When applying for your Student visa, you'll need to provide several documents:

• Your valid passport or travel document.
• Valid CAS from licensed student sponsor.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay the course fees.
• Evidence of English language ability, if applicable.
• A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if required.
• Tuberculosis test results, if applicable.
• Parental or guardian consent if you're under 18.
• Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you're under 18.
• Written consent from your financial sponsor, if someone is funding your fees or living costs.
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances.

If you're under 18, you'll also need written consent from your parents or legal guardians for your visa, travel, and living arrangements in the UK. Plus, a copy of your birth certificate or official document showing your parents' names.

Our team at Wembley Solicitors can help you gather and review all the necessary paperwork to avoid delays or refusals, making your application process smoother and stress-free.

How to Apply for a Student Visa UK: Step-by-Step Guide

You must apply for a Student visa online through the official UK government website and pay both the application fee and the health surcharge. Before you start, check the documents you'll need to upload with your application.

After applying, you'll either verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or visit a visa application centre to provide biometric information like fingerprints and a photo.

Here's a step-by-step guide to applying for a UK Student visa:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the UK Student visa requirements. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and proof of your English language skills.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents, such as your current passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider, proof of finances, tuberculosis test results (if applicable), and any other relevant supporting documents based on your circumstances.

Step 3: Apply Online

Apply for your Student visa online via the official UK government website. The online form will guide you through entering your personal details and uploading your documents.

Step 4: Prove Your Identity

Depending on your location, use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your documents or visit a visa application centre to provide biometric data like fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Pay the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge as part of your application process. Keep your payment confirmation safe, as you may need it later.

Step 6: Attend Your Appointment (if required)

If you need to visit a visa application centre, attend your appointment with all your documents and biometric information ready.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Visa decisions usually take up to three weeks if applying from outside the UK, or up to eight weeks if applying from within. You may stay in the UK while awaiting your decision if your current visa remains valid.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa and Prepare to Travel

If successful, you'll receive an electronic visa (eVisa) or a vignette in your passport. Ensure you understand your visa's terms before travelling to the UK.

How long does a UK student visa take to be approved?

The processing time for a UK Student visa is typically 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks if you apply from within the UK. However, you may be able to use the Super Priority Service to get a faster decision within 24 hours.

How much does a UK Student visa cost?

The standard UK Student visa application fee is £524, and you will also need to pay the Health Surcharge, which is £776 per year for students. It covers your access to the NHS while studying in the UK.

Since visa fees are subject to change, find the current fees for Student visa applications and the healthcare surcharge for students.

How long can you stay in the UK on a Student visa?

The length of your Student visa depends on your course. Generally, your visa will cover the duration of your course, plus a bit of extra time before and after.

Bachelor's or Master's degree

You can stay in the UK for the length of your course, with some extra time to prepare before and after. You may also be eligible to stay for up to 2 years after graduation through the Graduate visa.

PhD or doctoral degrees

You can stay up to 3 years after completing your studies under the Graduate visa.

Shorter courses

For English language or other short courses (more than 6 months), the visa will match the course length.

This means you'll have enough time not only to complete your studies, but also to explore post-study work opportunities.

Switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

You can apply to change ('switch') to a Student visa from inside the UK if you're already in the UK on a valid visa and meet specific requirements. However, you cannot switch if you're currently on a:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term Student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker visa
• Any visa granted outside the immigration rules

Are you unsure if you qualify to switch to a UK Student visa from within the UK? Our immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.

For expert legal advice on switching to a Student visa, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or submit an enquiry online.

Extending your Student visa from inside the UK

International students can apply to extend their Student visa if they are currently studying in the UK and plan to continue studying or start a new course.

Extending your Student visa is the legal way to stay in the UK and keep studying once your original visa expires. It allows you to continue your education without interruption, providing the necessary time to finish your current course or begin a new one. This process is vital for international students wishing to extend their academic journey in the UK beyond their initial visa period.

You can apply to extend your UK Student visa up to 3 months before your new course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days after your visa ends.

Additionally, your application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

For legal advice and support with your UK Student visa extension, contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.

How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help with Your UK Student Visa Application

Applying for a UK Student visa can be a complex and stressful process. Our experienced immigration solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your application meets all the requirements and has the best chance of success.

From assessing your eligibility to handling paperwork and dealing with any challenges, we provide expert support tailored to your individual needs.

Our experienced immigration solicitors can:

• Assess eligibility to ensure you meet all UK Student visa requirements.
• Review and prepare your application to avoid errors and increase approval chances.
• Advise on necessary documents, including Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of finances, and English language evidence.
• Guide you through the application process, whether applying from inside or outside the UK.
• Help with biometric appointments and identity verification procedures.
• Provide support for complex cases, such as visa refusals, appeals, or switching visa types.
• Offer tailored legal advice based on your individual circumstances.
• Keep you updated on application progress and liaise with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if needed.
• Help prepare for interviews or additional checks required by UKVI.
• Increase your chances of a successful UK Student visa application by ensuring full compliance with immigration rules.

With Wembley Solicitors by your side, you get expert support to confidently apply for your Student visa, helping you focus on your studies and future in the UK.

For expert legal advice and assistance, contact Wembley Solicitors today at 0203 417 3700 or info@wembleysolicitors.com.

How much do solicitors charge for a UK Student visa application?

At Wembley Solicitors, we offer affordable UK visa application-related services on a fixed-fee basis with no hidden costs or unexpected financial surprises.

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee ranging from £800 to £1,000 (plus VAT) for legal assistance with UK Student Visa applications.

Need help with your UK Student visa application?

For expert legal advice and assistance with your UK Student visa application, call Wembley Solicitors today on 0203 417 3700 or fill out our enquiry form.