UK Student Visa (Higher Education)
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is the official immigration route for international students admitted to an accredited UK higher education institution. Holding a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an approved Student Sponsor allows you to reside in the UK for the duration of your course, work part-time during term-time, and transition seamlessly into the 2-year post-study Graduate Route upon graduation.
Tuition Fees + Up to 9 Months Living Expenses
£776 per year (Discounted international student rate)
£13,347 (London) or £10,224 (Outside London) for 9 months
Transitions to 2-Year Graduate Route, then 5-Year Skilled Worker Route
1. Statutory Eligibility & Points-Based Scoring
Governed by Appendix Student and Appendix Finance of the UK Immigration Rules.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
50 PointsIssued by a licensed UK university confirming an unconditional offer on an approved degree programme.
Financial Maintenance (Appendix Finance)
10 PointsProof of funds covering full outstanding tuition fees + 9 months of living costs (£1,483/mo London or £1,136/mo outside London).
English Language Requirement
10 PointsAssessment by university confirming CEFR B2 level proficiency (degree level courses).
2. Financial Rules, Minimum Thresholds & IHS Fees
Tuition Fees + Up to 9 Months Living Expenses
£776 per year (Discounted international student rate)
Under Appendix Finance, funds must be held in a regulated commercial bank in cash accounts for 28 continuous days ending no more than 31 days prior to application. If using parental funds, a certified birth certificate and parental consent affidavit must accompany the bank statements.
3. Step-by-Step Application Lifecycle & Roadmap
Apply to UK universities through UCAS or direct postgraduate admissions and meet academic entry requirements.
- Submit degree transcripts, academic references, and personal statement
- Pay tuition deposit to university to confirm acceptance
University issues CAS reference number. Apply for Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if enrolled in designated postgraduate STEM subjects.
- Verify CAS course dates, tuition fee paid receipts, and English assessment method
- Obtain ATAS certificate before visa submission for sensitive science/engineering courses
Maintain complete living costs and remaining tuition fees in a compliant bank account continuously for at least 28 days.
- Ensure closing statement date is within 31 days of submission
- Obtain bank letter with branch stamp, barcode, and contact verification details
Submit online form on GOV.UK, pay £490 fee + £776/yr IHS, and attend VFS Global / TLScontact for biometrics.
- Upload CAS, passport, TB test certificate, and financial statements
- Attend biometric appointment for fingerprinting and facial photograph
Receive 90-day travel vignette, travel to the UK up to 1 month before course start date, and complete university enrolment.
- Collect BRP card from designated Post Office or verify digital eVisa account
- Complete international student check-in with university compliance team
4. Comprehensive Document Submission Checklist
Core Academic & Sponsor Documents
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference statement
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates specified on the CAS
- ATAS certificate (for designated postgraduate STEM research courses)
Financial Evidence
- 28-day continuous bank statement for remaining tuition fees + 9 months living costs
- Official university tuition fee receipt confirming deposit deduction on CAS
- If using parent funds: Certified birth certificate + Parent consent affidavit + Parent bank statements
Identity & Health
- Current valid passport with blank pages
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from approved IOM clinic (if applicable)
5. Official Government Fees & Surcharges (2026)
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | £490 | Payable online upon submission. |
| Student Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year (£1,552 for a 2-year Masters / £2,328 for 3-year BA) | Discounted rate for students granting full NHS healthcare access. |
| Priority Processing (Optional) | £500 surcharge | Decision within 5 working days. |
6. Top Common Grounds for Refusal & Prevention
Risk: Automatic mandatory refusal under Appendix Finance without appeal.
Expert Prevention: Never transfer money out of the designated bank account until the visa vignette is safely in hand.
Risk: Caseworker doubts genuine student intention under Section ST 5.1.
Expert Prevention: Be fully prepared to articulate why you chose this specific university, course syllabus, and career ROI.
Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Upon successful degree completion, students apply for the 2-year post-study Graduate Route. From the Graduate Route, you can switch into the Skilled Worker visa at discounted salary rates (£30,960/yr) to begin your 5-year countdown to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I work on a Student Visa?
You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during official term-time and full-time during published university vacations and after your course end date.
Can I bring my family/dependants on a Student Visa?
Under current rules, only international students enrolled in postgraduate research programmes (such as PhDs and doctoral research qualifications) can bring dependants (partner and children).
What happens after I graduate?
You are eligible to apply for the unsponsored 2-year Graduate Visa (3 years for PhD graduates) to work freely in the UK.