The UK Student Route (formerly Tier 4) is the main visa for international students coming to study in the United Kingdom at a licensed sponsor university or college. Here is everything you need to know for a 2026 application.
Who Needs a UK Student Visa?
You need a Student Route visa if you are:
- A non-EEA/Swiss national (most international students)
- Planning to study a course longer than 6 months
- Planning to study a short course (under 6 months) at a non-state-funded school
Citizens of some countries may be able to study a short course without a visa. Check gov.uk for the current list.
Step 1 — Get a Confirmed Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before applying for your visa, you must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your university or college. The CAS is a unique 14-character reference number that ties your visa application to your specific course.
You cannot apply for a UK student visa without a CAS. Your university will issue it once you have accepted an unconditional offer and met all the conditions (English test results, qualifications verification, etc.).
Your CAS will include: the course name and level, start and end dates, course fees, and the UKVI sponsor licence number.
Step 2 — Meet the English Language Requirement
Most UK universities require you to meet an English language standard, typically through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: minimum 5.5–6.5 overall (varies by institution and course level)
- PTE Academic: equivalent scores to IELTS
- TOEFL iBT: 72–100+ depending on the institution
- Duolingo English Test: accepted by some institutions (check individually)
Your qualification must be from a Home Office-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider for visa purposes. Your university will advise which tests they accept and the minimum scores required.
See our guide: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL — which test should international students take?
Step 3 — Prove You Have Enough Money
You must show you have enough money to:
- Pay your first year's tuition fees (or the full course fees if the course is shorter than a year)
- Cover your living costs: currently £1,334 per month for courses in London, £1,023 per month outside London — for up to 9 months
The funds must have been in your bank account (or your parent's/legal guardian's account) for a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before you apply. The balance must not drop below the required amount during those 28 days.
Accepted documents: bank statements (with the bank's official header, dates, and account holder name), building society passbooks, or an official financial sponsorship letter from a government or international scholarship body.
Step 4 — Gather Your Documents
Required documents for the Student Route application:
- Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
- CAS number from your university
- Financial evidence (bank statements, financial guarantee)
- English language test results (if not already provided to your sponsor)
- Academic qualifications (original transcripts, degree certificates)
- ATAS certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) — if studying certain sensitive subjects
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results — if you are from a listed country
- Parental/guardian consent — if you are under 18
Step 5 — Apply Online
Applications are made on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website at gov.uk. You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date if you are outside the UK, or up to 3 months before if you are already in the UK on another visa.
Application fee (2026): £490 for applications outside the UK; £490 for in-country applications (short courses) or extensions.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You must also pay the IHS, currently £776 per year for students. This gives you access to the NHS during your stay.
After completing the online form, you will attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your home country.
Processing Times
- Outside the UK: Most decisions within 3 weeks. Priority service (where available) takes 5 working days.
- Inside the UK (extensions): Standard 8 weeks; Priority service 5 working days.
Apply well before your intended travel date. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have a decision.
How Long Is the Visa Granted For?
The Student Route visa is typically granted for:
- Degree-level and above: Course length + 4 months
- Below degree-level: Course length + 2 months
- Short courses (under 6 months): Course length + 7 days
Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?
Yes, with restrictions:
- Term-time: Up to 20 hours per week for degree-level study or above
- Vacation periods: Full-time work
- Below degree-level: 10 hours per week during term time
Work restrictions are printed on your visa vignette (sticker) and BRP card.
After Your Degree — the Graduate Route
After graduating from an eligible UK university, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without requiring employer sponsorship. See our guide: UK Post-Study Work Visa: Graduate Route Guide 2026.
Getting Help With Your UK Student Visa Application
For straightforward applications, students typically apply without a migration adviser. If you have previously been refused a UK visa, have travelled on multiple passports, or have a complex situation, a OISC-regulated immigration adviser can reduce the risk of refusal.
Find UK immigration consultants who specialise in student visas: Education consultants in the UK | Compare consultants in London.
Useful tools: UK Student Visa Document Checklist — full list of required documents based on official UKVI guidance. | Ask a UK visa question →
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
You need to show enough to cover your first year of tuition fees plus living costs of £1,334 per month in London or £1,023 per month outside London, for up to 9 months. Funds must have been in your account (or a parent's account) for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
How long does a UK student visa take?
From outside the UK, most standard applications are decided within 3 weeks. Priority service (where available) takes approximately 5 working days. Processing times can be longer during peak periods (August–October).
Can I work in the UK on a student visa?
Yes. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations. Students on below-degree courses are limited to 10 hours per week during term time.
What is a CAS number for a UK student visa?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a 14-character reference number issued by your UK university or college. It confirms that you have an unconditional offer for a specific course. You cannot apply for a UK student visa without a valid CAS.
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