What the Student route requires

Overview

The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is for people who want to study at a UK educational institution. It is one of the most popular visa routes, with hundreds of thousands of students coming to the UK each year.

This guide covers the requirements for 2026. For the costs involved, see our UK visa fees guide and hidden costs guide.

Requirement 1: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You must have a CAS from a UK educational institution that holds a Student Sponsor Licence. The CAS is an electronic reference number that confirms:

• The course you have been offered.
• The tuition fees and how much you have already paid.
• Your personal details.
• That the institution has assessed your ability to study at the required level.

You cannot apply for a Student Visa without a CAS. Your institution will issue it after you accept your offer and meet any conditions (such as paying a deposit).

Requirement 2: Financial Evidence

You must prove you can pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. The financial requirement has two parts:

Tuition Fees

You must show you can pay the first year of tuition (or the full amount if your course is shorter than a year). If you have already paid some or all of your fees, the CAS will reflect this, reducing the amount you need to show.

Living Costs (Maintenance)

You must show you can cover living costs for up to 9 months:

• London: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months = £13,761).
• Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to 9 months = £10,539).

The funds must have been held in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply. The account can be yours, your parent's, or your legal guardian's.

If your CAS confirms your institution has assessed your finances, you may not need to provide bank statements separately. This is called a "CAS assessment."

Requirement 3: English Language

You must prove your English at the required level for your course:

• Below degree level (foundation, pre-sessional): B1 (CEFR).
• Degree level and above (undergraduate, postgraduate): B2 (CEFR).

You can prove this through:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• Having completed a previous degree taught in English.

Your institution may also accept their own English language assessment in some cases. See our English language tests guide for approved tests and exemptions.

Requirement 4: Age

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Student Visa. Students under 18 must have consent from their parent or guardian and appropriate care arrangements in the UK.

Requirement 5: TB Test (Some Countries)

If you are applying from a country that requires TB screening, you must get a TB test certificate. Check GOV.UK for the list of countries.

Costs

• Application fee: £558.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year (reduced student rate). For a 3-year course: £2,328. See our health surcharge guide.
• English language test: £150-£200 (if needed).
• TB test: £50-£150 (if needed).

Working While Studying

Student Visa holders can work in the UK with some restrictions:

• During term time: Up to 20 hours per week (for degree-level courses at higher education institutions).
• During holidays: Full-time work is allowed.
• Placement work: If your course includes a work placement, the rules depend on the placement type.

You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or work as an entertainer. Some lower-level courses may have more restrictive work rights.

After Your Studies

After completing an eligible degree at a qualifying institution, you can apply for the Graduate route. This gives you:

• 2 years to work or look for work (for undergraduate and master's graduates).
• 3 years for PhD graduates.
• 18 months instead of 2 years for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates keep 3 years.

From the Graduate route, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a qualifying job. This can eventually lead to ILR and British citizenship.

For a full picture of the costs involved in studying and staying in the UK, see our UK visa fees guide and solicitor costs guide if you need professional help.

Questions and answers