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UK Student Visa Guide for International Students

A complete guide to the UK Student visa, who needs it, the all-important Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the financial and English requirements, how to

Reviewed by the GetInfoUs research teamLast reviewed: 2026-06Editorial policy

Flat illustration of an international student near a UK university campus.

Who Needs a UK Student Visa

The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) is for people aged 16 or over who want to study at a licensed UK education provider, typically a university or college. It is part of the points-based system, and the central requirement is an offer of a place on a course from an institution that holds a student sponsor licence. The visa lets you live in the UK for the duration of your studies, work in limited circumstances, and, after completing an eligible degree, move on to the Graduate route to stay and work. It is one of the most popular and accessible ways to come to the UK, and for many people it is the first step in a longer journey toward working and settling. Understanding that the visa is tied to a specific sponsoring institution and course is the foundation for everything that follows.

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies

The single most important document is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as the CAS. After a licensed provider offers you a place and you accept it, they issue a CAS, an electronic record with a reference number that confirms the details of your course, its start and end dates, its level, and any fees already paid. You enter this reference number when you apply, and your application is built around it. The CAS is only valid for a limited period and can be used for a single application, so timing matters. You should make sure all the details on your CAS are correct before you apply, because errors can cause refusals or delays. Without a valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor, you cannot make a successful Student visa application, so securing your place is always the first step.

Financial and English Requirements

To be granted the visa you must score the required points, which come from three things: a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor, proof that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to the required level, and evidence that you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself. The financial requirement covers your tuition fees for the first year plus a set monthly amount for living costs, with a higher figure for courses in London than elsewhere, and you usually must have held the funds for a continuous period before applying. English ability is normally proven through an approved Secure English Language Test, although some applicants are exempt, for example, nationals of certain English-speaking countries or those who have already studied in English. Some sensitive postgraduate science and technology courses also require an additional ATAS clearance before you apply.

How to Apply and What to Expect

You apply online, usually from your home country, and the process is consistent. After accepting your offer and receiving your CAS, you complete the online application form, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the National Health Service, and then verify your identity and documents, increasingly through an app and an eVisa rather than a physical sticker. You may need to attend a biometric appointment and, in some cases, a short credibility interview to confirm you are a genuine student. You can normally apply up to six months before a course starts. Processing times vary by country, and priority services may be available for an extra fee. Once granted, you can travel to the UK shortly before your course begins, within the window stated on your visa.

Working While You Study

A Student visa allows limited work, and the rules are strict, so it is important to understand them. Most students at degree level can work a capped number of hours per week during term time, commonly up to 20 hours, and full time during official holidays, but the exact limit depends on your course level and your sponsor. There are activities you cannot do: you generally cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy. Breaching the work conditions is a serious matter that can lead to your visa being cancelled and can damage future applications. Your dependants’ right to work, if they are allowed to join you at all, is governed by separate rules. Because the limits are tied to your specific course and sponsor, always confirm exactly what you are permitted to do before taking any job.

After Your Studies: the Graduate Route

One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is the Graduate route, which lets you stay and work, or look for work, after you successfully complete an eligible course, typically for two years, and three years for those completing a doctorate. Crucially, the Graduate route does not require a sponsor or a job offer, which gives you valuable freedom to find skilled work and build experience. Time on the Graduate route is a common bridge into the Skilled Worker visa, which in turn can lead to settlement. Dependant rules, eligibility, and timing should be checked carefully, and you must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. Planning ahead, treating your studies as the first stage of a longer route to working in the UK, makes the transition far smoother and helps you make the most of your time in the country.

Frequently asked questions

What is a CAS and why do I need it?+

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record issued by your licensed education provider after you accept a place. It confirms your course details and contains a reference number you enter when applying. You cannot make a successful Student visa application without a valid CAS.

How much money do I need to show?+

You must show enough to cover your first year of tuition fees plus a set monthly amount for living costs, with a higher figure for courses in London than elsewhere. You usually must have held the funds for a continuous period before applying, so check the current amounts on GOV.UK.

Can I work on a UK Student visa?+

Usually yes, but with limits. Most degree-level students can work a capped number of hours, commonly up to 20 per week, during term time and full time in holidays, depending on the course and sponsor. You generally cannot be self-employed or take a permanent full-time job. Breaching the rules can cancel your visa.

When can I apply for the Student visa?+

You can normally apply from outside the UK up to six months before your course starts. You apply online, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and verify your identity and documents. Processing times vary by country, and priority services may be available for an extra fee.

What can I do after finishing my studies?+

After completing an eligible course you can usually switch to the Graduate route, which lets you stay and work without a sponsor for two years, or three years after a doctorate. It is a common bridge into the Skilled Worker visa, which can lead to settlement. You must apply before your Student visa expires.