Can I extend my UK Student visa?

Yes, you can extend your Student visa if you need more time to complete your current course or you are progressing to a new course. Your institution must issue a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and you must apply before your current visa expires. There are rules about academic progression that limit how long you can study in the UK.

How much does a Student visa extension cost?

The Student visa extension application fee is £490. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £776 per year (students get a discounted rate). The total depends on the length of your course. For example, a 1-year extension would cost approximately £1,266.

What is the academic progression rule?

The academic progression rule means your new course must be at a higher level than your previous course, unless there are specific exceptions. For example, you can extend to move from an undergraduate degree to a master's degree, but you generally cannot extend to do another undergraduate degree at the same level.

Can I switch from a Student visa to a work visa?

Yes. If you find a job with a licensed sponsor, you can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK. Alternatively, if you complete a degree at a UK university, you may be eligible for the Graduate route, which gives you 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) to work in the UK without a sponsor.

What if my course takes longer than expected?

If your course overruns, your institution can issue a new CAS and you can apply for an extension. You need to apply before your current visa expires. If you have already exceeded the maximum time allowed for study at your level, the extension may be refused. Speak to your university's international student team for guidance.

Student Visa Extension Guide 2026

You can extend your Student visa to complete your course or progress to a higher qualification. Your institution must issue a new CAS, and you must apply before your current visa expires. There are rules about academic progression and maximum study time that affect eligibility. This guide explains everything you need to know.

When Can You Extend?

You can extend your Student visa in two main scenarios:

Completing your current course. If your course takes longer than originally planned (for example, you need to resit exams, repeat a year, or your research extends), you can apply for more time.
Progressing to a new course. If you are moving to a higher-level qualification (for example, from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree), you can extend without leaving the UK.

In both cases, your educational institution must confirm your continued studies by issuing a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Academic Progression Rules

The academic progression requirement is one of the most important rules for Student visa extensions. In general, your new course must be at a higher academic level than your previous course. For example:

Foundation year to bachelor's degree: allowed
Bachelor's degree to master's degree: allowed
Master's degree to PhD: allowed
Bachelor's degree to another bachelor's degree: generally not allowed

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the progression rule:

Resitting or repeating. If you need more time to complete your current course, you do not need to show progression — you are continuing, not starting a new course.
Intercalating medical students. Medical and dentistry students can intercalate to a bachelor's degree during their course.
Sponsored by the government. Students sponsored by their government or an international scholarship scheme may be exempt.

Your institution's international student team can advise on whether your specific situation qualifies.

Maximum Time Limits

There are limits on how long you can study in the UK on a Student visa:

Below degree level: Maximum 2 years
Degree level and above: Maximum 5 years (with some exceptions)
PhD: Maximum 8 years
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science: Extended time limits apply

These limits include all time spent on Student (and the former Tier 4) visas, not just the current course. If you have been studying in the UK for several years, check that you have not reached the limit before applying to extend.

Requirements for Extension

New CAS from your institution. Your university or college must issue a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Financial requirement. You must show you can cover your tuition fees and living costs. The maintenance requirement is currently £1,334 per month (London) or £1,023 per month (outside London) for up to 9 months.
English language. If you met the English requirement for your initial visa, you generally do not need to provide new evidence for the extension (if you are continuing at the same institution).
Academic progression (if moving to a new course).
ATAS certificate (if your subject requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance).

Costs

Application fee: £490
Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year (discounted student rate)
Biometric enrolment: Free if using the IDV app

For example, a 1-year extension would cost approximately £1,266 (£490 + £776). A 2-year extension would cost approximately £2,042 (£490 + £1,552).

How to Apply

Get your CAS. Contact your institution's international student team and request a new CAS.
Complete the online application. Apply on GOV.UK.
Pay fees. Application fee and IHS are paid during the online process.
Complete biometrics. Use the IDV app or book a UKVCAS appointment.
Upload documents. Submit your CAS, financial evidence, and other supporting documents.
Wait for a decision. You remain on Section 3C leave while the application is processed.

After Your Studies: Next Steps

Once you finish your studies, you have several options:

Graduate route. If you complete a degree at a UK university, the Graduate route gives you 2 years (3 for PhD) to work in the UK without needing a sponsor.
Skilled Worker visa. If you find a job with a licensed sponsor, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK.
Other visa routes. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for other routes such as the Global Talent visa or a family visa.

Next Steps

Talk to your institution's international student team as early as possible. They can advise on academic progression, issue your CAS, and help with the application process.

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