Child Student Visa

If you’re planning for your child to study in the UK, the Child Student visa is the route for you if they are aged between four to 17 and wish to attend an independent school which is a licensed student sponsor. This visa was previously called the Tier 4 Child visa.

Key requirements

To qualify for a Child Student visa, your child needs to meet the following requirements:

• Study requirement: An unconditional offer from a Home Office licensed independent school, confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Financial requirement: Evidence that you can cover tuition fees and living costs. The amount depends on course length, location and your child’s UK living and care arrangements.
• Parental consent: Written consent is mandatory for all applicants. Only certain UK care and living arrangements are permitted under the safeguarding provisions of the Child Student Visa route.
• Genuine student requirement: Applicants aged 16 and over must genuinely intend to study and comply with visa conditions.

You’ll also need a valid passport and supporting documents, which vary by nationality, age, and the child’s intended UK living and care arrangements. Some nationalities benefit from simplified evidence requirements.

What does it allow?

A Child Student visa lets your child live and study at a licensed independent school in the UK. The length of stay depends on their age and course:

• Under 16: Up to six years plus four months after the course ends
• Aged 16 or 17: Up to three years plus four months after the course ends.

Child Student Visa holders aged 16 or 17 can work part-time (up to 10 hours per week during term time) and full-time during holidays. They can also do work placements if these are an integral and assessed part of their course.

Dependants are not permitted under this route. However, a parent can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa to accompany their child aged between four and 11 years old.

Travel abroad and return to the UK is allowed during the visa period, provided the child continues to meet their visa conditions.

How do you apply?

If applying from overseas, you must apply from your home country or usual country of residence before travelling to the UK. The earliest you can apply is six months before the course starts.

The process includes:

• Completing an online application
• Providing biometric data
• Submitting supporting documents.

If your child already holds a Child Student visa or another long-term UK immigration permission, you may be able to apply from within the UK. The earliest you can do this is three months before their course start date.

Fees and health surcharge

Home Office fees vary by category.

You’ll also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, calculated based on how long your visa is granted.

Extending your visa

If your child needs more time to study in the UK or start a new course at an independent school, you can usually apply to extend their Child Student visa from within the UK. You’ll need a new CAS and must meet all the eligibility requirements again.

How can we support you?

Sending your child to study abroad is a big decision. We’ll make the process as smooth as possible, guiding you through every step and ensuring your child’s application meets all requirements. We provide clear, practical advice so you can feel confident about your child’s future in the UK.