Students visa

The Student Visa allows international students to study at a licensed institution in the UK. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 16 or over.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
• Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
• Meet the English language requirements.
• Have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17.

• From outside the UK: Apply up to 6 months before your course starts. You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
• From inside the UK: Apply up to 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

Application Fee: £490.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £470 per year.

The application fee is £490, and you’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on the length of your visa.

• If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can stay for up to 5 years.
• If your course is below degree level, you can stay for up to 2 years.

Yes, you can:

• Work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours per week).
• Work full-time during vacations.
• Work as a student union sabbatical officer.

You may be able to bring your partner and children as dependants if you are:

• Sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at level 7 or above that lasts 9 months or more.
• A new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months.

You cannot:

• Claim public funds (benefits).
• Work in certain jobs, such as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
• Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school.

You will need:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
• Proof of funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
• 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.
• Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the tests.