The Student Visa allows international students aged 16 or over to study with a licensed UK student sponsor. It matters to universities, colleges and international admissions teams because CAS allocation, course level, finances and timing must be right before the applicant applies.
Previously known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
TL;DR
The Student Visa is for applicants aged 16 or over who have a place on an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor. The government application fee is £558, eligible degree-level students can usually stay for up to 5 years, and the typical decision time is 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
£558
Application fee
Up to 5 years
Degree-level study
3 weeks
Typical decision outside UK
What is the Student Visa?
The Student Visa is the main UK study route for international students aged 16 or over who want to study a further or higher education course in the UK. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa and is tied to a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor.
For education providers, the route depends on accurate CAS assignment, suitable course level, academic progression where relevant, and clear evidence that the student can meet the financial and English-language requirements. Errors at the CAS or evidence stage can delay enrolment and create compliance risk for the sponsor.
The length of permission depends on the course and previous UK study. Students aged 18 or over studying at degree level can usually stay for up to 5 years; below degree level, permission is usually up to 2 years. Students may be able to extend, switch into Student status from inside the UK, or later apply for the Graduate route if they complete an eligible course.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Student Visa.
📄
Licensed Student Sponsor & CAS
The applicant must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor and a valid CAS. The CAS should accurately match the course, fees, sponsor details and intended study dates before the visa application is submitted.
💼
Course, English & Consent
The course must be eligible under the Student route and the applicant must meet the required English-language standard. Applicants aged 16 or 17 also need parental consent to study and live in the UK.
£
Finances & IHS
Students must show enough money for course fees and living costs unless exempt. GOV.UK financial guidance lists £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, up to 9 months, plus any dependant funds.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Student Visa.
✓ You Can
- Study full time on the course listed on your CAS.
- Work within Student rules if your course and sponsor allow it.
- Serve as a student union sabbatical officer where eligible.
- Bring dependants in limited cases if the route rules allow it.
- Extend or switch if you meet the in-country requirements.
✗ You Cannot
- Claim public funds or pensions while on this route.
- Be self-employed or run a business.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
- Study at a maintained school or academy on this visa.
- Treat the route as settlement because the Student route itself is not a settlement route.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £558 per person |
| IHS | £776 per year |
| CAS fee | £55 sponsor charge |
| London living costs | £1,529 per month |
| Outside London living costs | £1,171 per month |
| Priority decision | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm the Course and Sponsor
Check that the institution is a licensed student sponsor and that the course is eligible for the Student route.
Receive the CAS
The sponsor issues a CAS once the offer and sponsorship checks are complete; the CAS details must match the visa application.
Prepare Evidence
Gather passport, CAS details, financial evidence, English evidence, parental consent if aged 16 or 17, and TB/ATAS evidence if required.
Submit the Application
Apply online, pay the £558 visa fee and IHS, then prove identity using the app or at a visa application centre.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK says decisions usually take 3 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside the UK.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Student Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Student Visa UK?
The Student Visa is the UK route for international students aged 16 or over who want to study an eligible further or higher education course. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa and normally requires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor.
How much does a Student Visa cost in 2026?
The Home Office fee is £558 per person whether applying from outside the UK or extending/switching from inside the UK. Applicants also usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £776 per year for students.
How long does a UK Student Visa take?
GOV.UK says Student Visa decisions usually take 3 weeks if the applicant is outside the UK and 8 weeks if the applicant applies from inside the UK. Faster services may be available for an additional fee.
How long can I stay on a Student Visa?
The stay depends on the course and previous UK study. Students aged 18 or over on degree-level courses can usually stay up to 5 years, while below degree level is usually up to 2 years.
Can I work on a Student Visa?
You may be able to work, but the number of hours depends on the course, sponsor and whether work is during term time or vacation. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
What money do I need for a Student Visa?
You need enough money for course fees and living costs unless exempt. Current GOV.UK guidance lists living costs of £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, up to 9 months.
Do I need a CAS for a Student Visa?
Yes. A CAS is the electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by a licensed student sponsor, and the visa application relies on the CAS details.
Can Student Visa holders bring dependants?
Some Student Visa holders can bring dependants, but the rules are limited and depend on the course and circumstances. Each dependant pays the visa fee and usually the IHS.
Can I extend a Student Visa?
You may be able to extend if you are eligible, apply before your current visa expires, and your new course starts within the required timing rules. The in-UK fee is £558 and the usual decision time is 8 weeks.
Does the Student Visa lead to settlement?
The Student route itself is not a settlement route. Some students may later switch into routes that can lead to settlement, such as Skilled Worker, if they meet those route rules.
Need Help With Your Student Visa?
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