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.
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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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a CAS, and how do I obtain it?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference provided by a UK university after you have accepted an unconditional offer and fulfilled their requirements. The reference confirms your enrolment in a course and is necessary for applying for a UK Student Visa.
How can ICONIQ Solicitors help with a UK Study Visa application?
ICONIQ Solicitors can assist with UK Study Visa applications by offering expert legal guidance tailored to each applicant’s circumstances. Our team helps ensure that all required documentation is correctly prepared and submitted.
What maintenance funds are required?
To apply for a UK Student Visa, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, known as the maintenance requirement, which reflects current living costs:
- Studying in London: £1,483/month for 9 months → Total: £13,347
- Studying outside London: £1,136/month for 9 months → Total: £10,224
The funds must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of this period within 31 days of your visa application.
- Studying in London: £1,483/month for 9 months → Total: £13,347
- Studying outside London: £1,136/month for 9 months → Total: £10,224
The funds must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of this period within 31 days of your visa application.
Can dependants accompany me?
Dependants can join you in the UK on a Student Visa if you meet certain criteria. You must be enrolled in a Master's research, PhD, or another doctoral-level program lasting at least nine months, or be a government-sponsored student in a full-time course of six months or more. Eligible dependants are your spouse or partner and children under 18.
What work rights do students have?
Students have limited work rights based on their study level. Full-time university students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Those in courses below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week.
Can I switch to Skilled Worker after studying?
Yes, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa after studying in the UK, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. As per the new rules, you must have completed your course and secured a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.