UK Student visa: eligibility, documents and application steps
The Student route is for people aged 16 or over who will study an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor in the UK.
Costs, funds and key figures
The same published living-fund rates apply whether the application is made outside or, where switching or extending is permitted, inside the UK. The difference is the course location: London or outside London. Applicants who have held valid UK permission for at least 12 months may not need to prove the funds.
Figures checked against the official source on 7 August 2026. Government charges and rules can change.The current fee is the same for an outside-UK application and an eligible inside-UK extension or switch.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Course feesAmount on the CASShow the unpaid course fees for one academic year, up to 9 months, as stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Living funds — London£1,529 per monthUp to 9 months: maximum £13,761. London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Living funds — outside London£1,171 per monthUp to 9 months: maximum £10,539.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Each eligible dependant£845 / £680 per monthUp to 9 months for each dependant: London £845 (maximum £7,605); outside London £680 (maximum £6,120). Not every Student can bring dependants.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Evidence period28 consecutive daysThe final day of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the application date, unless an exemption applies.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Healthcare surchargeUsually £776 per yearCharged per applicant according to the visa length; the online application calculates the exact amount.
Verify with GOV.UK ↗Go directly to the Student answer you need
Focused pages cover fees, IHS, maintenance, documents, application location, dependants and the CAS.
Student visa calculator
Use the intended visa duration for the IHS estimate. Partial years are calculated by the official application.
Priority and super priority are optional and are not available for every route, location or appointment. Selecting one here does not confirm availability.
General eligibility points
Use these as research prompts. Meeting them does not guarantee a successful application.
- You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
- You have enough money for course fees and living costs unless an exemption applies.
- You can speak, read, write and understand English to the required level.
- If you are 16 or 17, you have consent from your parents or guardian.
Document checklist
The exact evidence depends on the route and circumstances.
- A current passport or other valid travel document.
- The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the education provider.
- Financial evidence where the rules require it.
- An ATAS certificate, TB test certificate or sponsor consent where applicable.
- Parental consent and proof of relationship if the applicant is under 18.
Outside and inside the UK are different pathways
Choose the column matching where the applicant will be when they apply. This is general orientation; always check the linked GOV.UK route page.
Four preparation steps
Check the course and sponsor
Receive and verify the CAS
Check the financial and English requirements
Apply within the permitted timeframe
Check the current GOV.UK rules
Government requirements can change. Use these official pages as the authoritative source.
Administrative document checklist — £20 per document
We check legibility, orientation, page order and file naming, and record whether the document type appears on the published GOV.UK checklist you selected. We do not decide whether the document satisfies an immigration requirement or recommend evidence.
Important boundary: this is an administrative comparison, not immigration advice. We do not decide whether a document proves a requirement, is sufficient for a particular case or is likely to be accepted. We do not recommend evidence, interpret refusals or guarantee an outcome. Do not send documents through the enquiry form; secure delivery instructions must be agreed first.
Request a document quality check →Student visa FAQs
What is a CAS?+
A CAS is an electronic record issued by the licensed student sponsor. Its reference number is used in the visa application.
Can every applicant switch inside the UK?+
No. The answer depends on the applicant’s current immigration permission and the switching restrictions.
Can family members come as dependants?+
Only some students can bring a partner or children. The course, sponsorship and relationship requirements must be checked separately.