The UK Student Visa (formerly the Tier 4 route) allows students aged 16 or over to come to or stay in the UK to study on an approved course with a licensed educational provider. Whether you’re pursuing secondary education, college, university, or a postgraduate programme, the Student visa enables you to learn, grow, and plan for your future in the UK.
Who Can Apply
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 16 years or older. For younger students (under 18), additional requirements apply, including parental or guardian consent.
- Have an offer of a place on a course from a UK-licensed student sponsor.
- Can demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, travel, and any dependents.
- Meet the English language requirement (unless exempt).
- Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your education provider.
- If your course requires it, hold a valid ATAS certificate.
- If under 18, provide proof of parental consent and details of accommodation and care arrangements.
Documents You’ll Need
Typical required documents include:
Document | Notes |
Valid passport or travel document | Must cover the duration of your visa. |
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) | Issued by your institution. |
Proof of finances | Bank statements/sponsor letters to show you can support yourself. |
English language test results | As specified by UKVI. |
ATAS certificate | If your course & nationality require it. |
TB test result | If from a country where the TB test is mandated. |
Guardian consent & birth certificate | If you are under 18. |
When to Apply & Processing Time
- Applying from outside the UK: You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
- Applying from inside the UK: You can apply up to 3 months before your course begins, and before your existing visa expires.
- Decision typically takes: ~ 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK; ~ 8 weeks for inside the UK. Faster options may be available.
Length of Stay & Extensions
- The duration of your visa depends on the course level and length. For example, degree-level students usually stay for up to 5 years, while below-degree courses are usually up to 2 years.
- You may extend your Student visa if you continue with a full-time course and meet the requirements.
- After completing studies, eligible students may switch to the Graduate visa to live and work in the UK following graduation.
Dependents
- Only certain Student visa holders are allowed to bring dependants (partner and children). Recent restrictions mean that only students on PhD/research-based postgraduate courses or certain government-sponsored students may bring dependents.
- Students on taught postgraduate programmes generally cannot bring dependants under current rules unless their course is research-based.
Work Rights & Conditions
On a Student visa, you can:
- Work during term time (up to 20 hours/week for degree level or as permitted) depending on level of study.
- Work full-time during vacations.
- Be a student union sabbatical officer, if relevant.
You cannot:
- Claim public funds (benefits, etc.).
- Work in certain job types (for example, professional sportsperson, coach) or be self-employed.
- Study at a local authority-maintained school (unless on a Child Student visa).
Fees & Healthcare Surcharge
- Visa application fee is typically around £524 for applications from outside the UK, and the same for extensions or switching inside.
- You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS services — the amount depends on the length of your visa.
- Additional costs may include ATAS, document translation, biometric appointment, etc.