What documents do I need for a UK Student visa?

You need a valid passport, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, financial evidence showing you can cover tuition and living costs, English language test results, a TB test certificate if required, and an ATAS certificate if your subject requires one.

Do I need to show original documents for a Student visa?

Most applications are now completed online, and you upload scanned copies of your documents. You should keep the originals safe in case they are requested later. Bank statements should be official statements, not screenshots.

How recent must my bank statements be?

Your financial evidence must show that you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you submit your application.

Do I need an ATAS certificate?

You need an ATAS certificate if you are a postgraduate student studying certain science, engineering, or technology subjects. Your CAS will tell you if ATAS is required for your course. It is free to apply and takes around 4 weeks.

Student Visa Documents Checklist 2026

A Student visa application requires a specific set of documents. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or refusal. This guide provides a complete checklist and explains what the Home Office is looking for in each document.

Essential Documents

Every Student visa application requires these core documents:

Valid passport. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your course. It should have at least one blank page.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is a reference number issued by your university or college. It contains your course details, tuition fees, and any payments you have already made. Your CAS is unique to you and can only be used once.
Financial evidence. Bank statements or an official financial letter showing you have enough money for tuition fees and living costs. See our financial requirements guide for the exact amounts.
English language test results. A valid SELT result or evidence that your previous degree was taught in English. See our English language guide for accepted tests.

Additional Documents (If Required)

TB test certificate. Required if you are from a listed country. The test must be done at an approved clinic. Results are usually available within a few days.
ATAS certificate. Required for postgraduate students in certain science, engineering, and technology subjects. Apply through the ATAS portal on GOV.UK. Allow 4 weeks for processing.
Parental consent. If you are under 18, you need a letter from your parents or legal guardian giving consent for you to travel to and live in the UK.
Criminal record certificate. Some countries require applicants to provide a police clearance certificate.
Previous visa refusal details. If you have been refused a visa for any country, disclose this in your application. See our Student visa refusal guide for more information.

Financial Evidence in Detail

Your financial evidence is one of the most scrutinised parts of the application. The Home Office wants to see:

28 consecutive days. The funds must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application date.
Official documents. Use official bank statements or a bank letter on headed paper. Screenshots from banking apps are generally not accepted.
In your name or a parent's name. If the funds are in a parent's account, you need a letter from your parent confirming they will support you, plus evidence of your relationship.
Correct currency. Funds can be in any currency, but the Home Office will convert to GBP at the exchange rate on the date of your application.

For detailed guidance on preparing your financial evidence, see our financial documents guide.

CAS Details to Check

Before applying, carefully check the information on your CAS. Common errors include:

Incorrect spelling of your name
Wrong passport number
Incorrect course dates
Wrong tuition fee amount

If anything is wrong, contact your institution immediately and ask them to issue a new CAS. Applying with incorrect CAS details can lead to refusal.

How to Submit Your Documents

Most Student visa applications are processed online. You upload scanned copies of your documents through the GOV.UK application portal. Some tips:

Scan documents in colour at a clear resolution.
Ensure all pages are included (front and back of passport, all pages of bank statements).
Label your files clearly.
Keep originals safe — you may need them at the border or for future applications.

Next Steps

Gather your documents well in advance of your application date. Some documents, like the ATAS certificate and TB test, take time to obtain. Start at least 6 weeks before you plan to apply.

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