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Student visa (United Kingdom)

✓ Checked against GOV.UK on 2026-07-13

According to gov.uk, the Student visa is for people aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor in the UK. The official guidance states that applicants need enough money to support themselves and pay for their course, and need to be able to speak, read, write and understand English. Consent from parents is required for applicants aged 16 or 17. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa, according to the official guidance.

Key requirements, as officially published

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; have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances; can speak, read, write and understand English; have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you applySource: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

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 instead.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’).Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK; switch to a Graduate visaSource: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UKSource: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course (applying from outside the UK).Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts (applying from inside the UK). You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within: 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK; 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

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.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

You can arrive 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.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

A Graduate visa will allow you to stay in the UK after successfully completing your course for: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. It will allow you to stay for 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

Documents, as listed in the official guidance

a current passport or other valid travel documentation
a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
a valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require 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
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
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.

Process steps, as officially published

Step 1: Check if this visa is right for you
Step 2: Prepare the evidence you need
Step 3: Apply from outside the UK - £558. You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application. You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
Step 3 (alternative): Apply from inside the UK - Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) visa) £558, or apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £558. You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application. You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
Step 4: Get access to your eVisa. If your application is successful, you'll get an eVisa. This is an online record of your immigration status. Get access to your eVisa by setting up a UKVI account.
Step 5: Check what you can bring into the UK with you
Step 6: Check what you need to show at the UK border
Step 7: After you arrive in the UK. You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.

Official sources

Student visa - GOV.UKretrieved 2026-07-13

Student visa: documents you must provide - GOV.UKretrieved 2026-07-13

Information checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-07-13. Requirements can change. Check the official links for the current version.

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