Student Visa

If you’re 16 or over and want to study in the UK, the Student visa is your route to achieving that goal. It allows you to study at a licensed student sponsor, which can include UK universities, colleges, private providers or independent schools. This visa was previously known as the Tier 4 (General) visa.

What is a Short-term Student visa?

This visa route is for applicants aged 16 or over who want to study an English language course in the UK lasting more than six months and up to 11 months. The course must focus solely on English and be delivered by an accredited institution.

You cannot switch from a Short-Term Student visa to a Student visa in the UK. If you plan to study long-term, you’ll need to return overseas and apply for a Student visa before starting your new course.

Key requirements

To qualify for a Student visa, you must meet the following requirements

• Study requirement: You must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your course must lead to an approved qualification at the required level.
• Financial requirement: You need to show you can pay for your course and cover living costs in the UK. The amount depends on your course length, location and UK living arrangements.
• English language requirement: You must demonstrate the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to the required standard. The level depends on your course and sponsor type.
• Parental consent: If you’re under 18, written consent from a parent or guardian is required.
• Genuine student requirement: You must genuinely intend to study and comply with visa conditions.

What does it allow?

Your visa length depends on your course and previous UK study:

• Up to two years for courses below degree level
• Up to five years for degree-level study.

Work rights vary by age, type of student sponsor and whether it’s term time or vacation. Some students can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. Postgraduate students on part-time courses cannot work. Work placements are allowed if they’re an integral and assessed part of your course.

How do you apply?

If you’re applying from overseas, you must submit your Student visa application from your home country or usual country of residence before travelling to the UK. The earliest you can apply from overseas is six months before your course start date.

The process includes:

• Completing an online application form
• Enrolling your biometric data
• Providing supporting documents.

You’ll need a valid passport (with a blank page for your visa) and your CAS reference number. Additional documents depend on your nationality, age, and sponsor type. Some nationalities benefit from simplified evidence requirements.

If you already hold a Student visa or another type of long-term UK immigration permission, you may be able to apply from within the UK. The earliest you can apply from within the UK is three months before your course starts.

You can extend your visa to start a new course or change sponsors, usually from within the UK. Applications require a new CAS and may need evidence of academic progression.

This visa route does not lead to settlement. After your studies, you may switch to other UK visa routes, including:

• Graduate visa: For those who have completed their UK degree
• Skilled Worker visa: For applicants with a job offer from a licensed employer.

What is a Short-term Study visa?

You may also wish to come to the UK on a temporary study visa.

This visa route is for applicants aged 16 or over who want to study an English language course in the UK lasting more than six months and up to 11 months. The course must focus solely on English and be delivered by an accredited institution.

You cannot switch from a Short-Term Student visa to a Student visa in the UK. If you plan to study long-term, you’ll need to return overseas and apply for a Student visa before starting your new course.

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.

How can we support you?

Applying for a Student visa can feel complex. We make it straightforward by providing clear, practical guidance and manage the process so you can focus on your studies with confidence.