GOV.
UK
Part of
Study in the UK on a Student visa (https://www.gov.uk/study-uk-
student-visa)
Student visa
1. Overview
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor (https://www.gov.uk/student-
visa/course)
have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course (https://www.gov.uk/student-
visa/money) - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
can speak, read, write and understand English (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english)
have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a
Child Student visa (https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa) instead.
This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and you started living in the UK on or
before 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-
eu-citizens-families).
If you’re coming to the UK from 1 January 2021, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.
The earliest date your Student visa will start from is 1 January 2021.
When to apply
When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your
current visa expiring.
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If
it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-based-system-student-route).
Staying longer in the UK
You may be able to:
extend your visa (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/extend-your-visa) if you’re eligible, for example to
continue your studies in the UK
switch to a Student visa (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/switch-to-this-visa) from another visa if you’re
already in the UK
When you can travel to the UK
You can arrive in the UK before your course starts. This can be either:
up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
Fees
It costs:
£348 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
£475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/pay)
as part of your application.
Check how much you’ll have to pay (https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type)
before you apply.
Your partner and children
You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’) (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-
members).
What you can and cannot do
You can:
study
work as a student union sabbatical officer
You may be able to work - how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or
out of term-time.
You cannot:
claim public funds (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds--2) (benefits) and
pensions
work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
be self-employed
study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)
If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.
2. Your course
You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students).
To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course. You need a CAS before
you can apply for your visa.
Courses you can study
You can do one of the following courses:
a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5)
(https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) with at least 15
hours a week of organised daytime study
a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
(https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels)
a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-
qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course
and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
(https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels)
a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference
for Languages (https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-
cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale)
You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme) if you’re studying or researching
sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-
qualification-levels).
The qualification levels are different in Scotland (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-
mean/compare-different-qualification-levels).
You can also apply for this visa if you’re:
taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
applying to extend your stay on the Doctorate Extension Scheme - you must currently have
permission to be in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) student visa) and your course
must lead to a PhD
Postgraduate doctors and dentists
You can apply for this visa if you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme and you’ve:
finished a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry
received that degree from a registered student sponsor
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students)
spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once they’ve offered you a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference
number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
You must enter this reference number on your visa application.
You must apply for your visa (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply) within 6 months of receiving your CAS.
3. Money you need
You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.
How much money you need depends on your circumstances and what you’re applying for.
Course fee
You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you
need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this
money for your visa application.
Money to support yourself (‘financial requirement’)
You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself - unless you’ve been in the UK with a
valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need either:
£1,265 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
£1,015 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you’re on the Doctorate Extension Scheme, you need to prove you have a total of £2,530 for courses in
London, or a total of £2,030 for courses outside London.
If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The
amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.
London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
You’ll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring (https://www.gov.uk/student-
visa/family-members) with you.
You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be
within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.
If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan
or sponsorship company.
Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need
(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-evidence-for-student-and-child-student-route-applicants) and how to
prove it.
When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself
You do not need to prove the financial requirement if:
you’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your Student visa application - you must
currently be in the UK
you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer
you’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme
If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’
You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national
overseas (https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality/british-national-overseas) or from one of the following
countries or territories:
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Chile
China
Croatia
Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
The Dominican Republic
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application.
If you do need to provide it, you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after you’ve
submitted your application.
Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need
(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-evidence-for-student-and-child-student-route-applicants) and how to
prove it.
4. Knowledge of English
You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
This usually means passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT). This must be from an approved
provider (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-
selt).
Level of English
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale (https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-
european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale).
What you’re studying Level
Degree level or above Equivalent to CEFR level B2
Below degree level CEFR level B1
If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider
If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of
English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test.
This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.
Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a
UK degree in one of the following countries, or are from one of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
UK
USA
You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:
you’re a national of Canada
you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree
course in the USA
you proved your level of English in a previous visa application
5. Documents you'll need to apply
When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:
a current passport or other valid travel documentation
a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
You may also need to provide:
proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending
on your circumstances
a valid ATAS certificate (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme) if your
course requires it
proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
your tuberculosis test results (https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa)
written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for
your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance
for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-
based-system-student-route).
You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information
(fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you
apply.
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they
have sole responsibility).
This must include their consent for:
your visa application
your living and care arrangements in the UK
your travel to the UK
You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that
shows the names of your parents.
6. Apply
You must apply online for a Student visa.
Check which documents you’ll need to apply (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/documents-you-must-provide).
Apply outside the UK
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re
from and what type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
(https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre)
use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign
into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.
Start now (https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/country-nationality?p=student_out_uk)
How long it takes to get a decision
You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get
a faster decision (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk). Check
if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.
Apply inside the UK
You may be able to apply to:
extend your Student visa (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/extend-your-visa)
switch to a Student visa (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/switch-to-this-visa) from another type of visa
After you apply
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:
your supporting documents need to be verified
you need to attend an interview
of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI) (https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk).
You can ask to withdraw your application (https://www.gov.uk/cancel-visa) by contacting UKVI. Your fee will
only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
After you get a decision
If your application is successful, you’ll get either:
a biometric residence permit (https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits) - if you gave your
biometric information at a visa application centre
a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online (https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-
immigration-status) - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
Find out what happens after you get your decision (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk/getting-a-
decision-on-your-application).
7. Your partner and children
Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.
You must be one of the following:
a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) (https://www.gov.uk/find-a-
regulated-qualification) that lasts 9 months or longer
a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months
a Doctorate Extension Scheme student
Your relationship
A dependant partner or child is one of the following:
your husband, wife or civil partner
your unmarried partner
your child under 18 years old - including if they were born in the UK during your stay
You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply, for example:
a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner
a birth certificate for your child
Find out what other documents you can use to prove your relationship
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-based-system-student-route).
If your child is 16 or 17
If your child is 16 or 17 on the date you apply you’ll need to prove they are not living an independent life,
for example they’re not married or in a civil partnership.
You’ll need to prove:
where they live - if they do not live with you, you’ll need to explain why
any rent or upkeep they pay you each month
that you support them financially if they do not live with you
If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:
a bank statement
credit card bills
driving licence
NHS registration document
an official letter from their university or college
Money they need to support themselves
Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them. This is in addition
to the money you must have to support yourself.
How much money they need depends on where you will be studying. They must have either:
£845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
£680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you’re applying at the same time as your partner or child (you’re applying together as a family), you’ll
need to prove you have both money to pay for your course and to support yourself
(https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money) and additional money for each of them.
If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you (they’re applying separately) they only need
to prove they have money to support themselves.
You (or your partner or child) must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the
28 day period must be within 31 days of the date they apply for their visa.
If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan
or sponsorship company. If your loan does not cover your partner or child, you’ll need to prove you have
money to support them instead.
When they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves
Your partner or child does not need to prove they have this money if they’ve been in the UK with a valid
visa for at least 12 months.
If you and your partner or child are from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’
(https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money) and you’re applying at the same time, they do not need to prove
they have money to support themselves.
However, they might be asked to provide this evidence before they get a decision on their application.
If they do need to provide it, they’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after they’ve
submitted their application.
Apply outside the UK
Your partner and child must apply online (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/dependant?
_ga=2.114629572.291477531.1597656991-721563870.1576776767).
They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web
Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home
Office about your application.
As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa
application centre (https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre) (to get a biometric residence permit).
They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit (https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits)
within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.
They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re
in - check with the visa application centre.
How long they can stay
If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.
Apply inside the UK to extend or switch
Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend (https://www.gov.uk/student-
visa/extend-your-visa) or switch (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/switch-to-this-visa) your own visa.
If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a
later date - this must be before their current visa expires.
Your partner or child cannot apply to switch in the UK if they have one of the following visas:
a visit visa
a short-term student visa
a Parent of a Child Student visa
a seasonal worker visa
a domestic worker in a private household visa
Fees
Each person will need to pay:
£475 for the visa
the healthcare surcharge - check how much they’ll have to pay (https://www.immigration-health-
surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type)
They may need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
How to apply
Your partner and child must apply online. They must either:
apply as a partner (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/pbs-dependant-partner?
_ga=2.237545545.836023488.1597050002-721563870.1576776767)
apply as a child (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/pbs-dependant-child?
_ga=2.237545545.836023488.1597050002-721563870.1576776767)
They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web
Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home
Office about your application.
As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship
Application Services (UKVCAS) (https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas) service point to provide their biometric
information (fingerprints and a photo).
They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:
upload them into the online service
have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment
They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a
decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.
Getting a faster decision
They may be able to pay to get a faster decision (https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement) - they’ll
be told if they can when they apply.
Children born in the UK
Apply online for any children you have while in the UK (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/pbs-
dependant-child).
You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child.
8. Extend your visa
You may be able to extend your Student visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new
course. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
To extend your visa you must:
be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa
have an unconditional offer of a place on a course (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course) with a
licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
show that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course (called the
‘academic progress requirement’) - there are some exceptions
If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough
money to support yourself in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money).
Apply to extend your dependants’ visas at the same time as you extend your own visa. If you cannot
apply at the same time, your partner or child can extend their visas at a later date - this must be before
their current visa expires.
Showing academic progress
If you’re currently studying in the UK, you’ll usually need to show your studies will be at a higher
academic level than your current course.
Your new course must be one of the following:
at a higher academic level than your current course
at the same level and related to your previous course or career aspirations - it must be degree level
or above at a Higher Education Provider (HEP)
intercalated to a medicine, dentistry or medical science course you started studying under your
Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)
You do not need to show your studies are at a higher level if you’re doing one of the following:
resitting exams or repeating modules
applying for the first time to a new institution to complete a course you started at an institution that
lost its student sponsorship licence
applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer to complete a qualification you started
studying under your last Student visa (including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)
completing a PhD or other doctorate that you started studying under your last Student visa
(including a Tier 4 (General) student visa)
continuing your medical, dentistry or medical science degree after completing an intercalated
course
applying to extend your stay to complete your studies because you’ve done (or want to do) a work
placement or study abroad programme
Read the guidance for more information about when you need to prove your studies are at a higher level
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/points-based-system-student-route).
If you’re applying to work in the UK
You can get a CAS if you’re:
applying to work as a student union sabbatical officer
applying to stay in the UK to look for work after you’ve finished your PhD or doctorate - the
‘Doctorate Extension Scheme’ (DES)
When to apply
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your
current visa expiring.
For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your
new course must begin by 29 December.
You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
(https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course).
You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.
If you applied for an administrative review (https://www.gov.uk/ask-for-a-visa-administrative-review/if-youre-in-
the-uk) because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.
Fees
For each person, you’ll need to pay:
£475 to extend this visa
the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay (https://www.immigration-health-
surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type)
You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
Apply
You must apply online.
As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.
How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship
Application Services (UKVCAS) (https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas) service point
use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you will also create or sign
in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Start now (https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/country-nationality?p=student_in_uk)
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a
decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
How long it takes to get a decision
A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision (https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement) - you’ll
be told if you can when you apply.
After you apply
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:
your supporting documents need to be verified
you need to attend an interview
of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI) (https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk).
You can ask to withdraw your application (https://www.gov.uk/cancel-visa) by contacting UKVI. Your fee will
only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
If your application is successful
If your application is successful, you’ll get either:
a biometric residence permit (https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits) - if you gave your
biometric information at a UKVCAS centre
a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online (https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-
immigration-status) - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
9. Switch to this visa
You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK.
You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following visas:
a visit visa
a short-term student visa
a Parent of a Child Student visa
a seasonal worker visa
a domestic worker in a private household visa
leave outside the immigration rules
If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a
visa.
Eligibility
To switch to a Student visa you must:
be in the UK
have an unconditional offer of a place on a course (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course) with a
licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough
money to support yourself in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money).
Apply to switch your dependants’ visas at the same time as you switch your own visa. If you cannot
apply at the same time, your partner or child can switch their visas at a later date - this must be before
their current visa expires.
When to apply
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your
current visa expiring.
For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your
new course must begin by 29 December.
You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
(https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course).
You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.
If you applied for an administrative review (https://www.gov.uk/ask-for-a-visa-administrative-review/if-youre-in-
the-uk) because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.
Fees
For each person, you’ll need to pay:
£475 to extend this visa
the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay (https://www.immigration-health-
surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type)
You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
Apply
You must apply online.
As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.
How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship
Application Services (UKVCAS) (https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas) service point
use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in
to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Start now (https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/country-nationality?p=student_in_uk)
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a
decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
How long it takes to get a decision
A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision (https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement) - you’ll
be told if you can when you apply.
After you apply
You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:
your supporting documents need to be verified
you need to attend an interview
of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI) (https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk).
You can ask to withdraw your application (https://www.gov.uk/cancel-visa) by contacting UKVI. Your fee will
only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
If your application is successful
If your application is successful, you’ll get either:
a biometric residence permit (https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits) - if you gave your
biometric information at a UKVCAS centre
a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online (https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-
immigration-status) - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
