01
Check the route
A Student visa is for eligible students aged 16 or over who have an offer from a licensed student sponsor. Check the course and visa route before preparing evidence.
International student support
Prepare your UK Student visa application with a clearer starting point.
Use this page to organise the main questions, then follow the current GOV.UK instructions for your own course, nationality, and circumstances. UKVI makes the visa decision.
Start here
A practical preparation path
The exact evidence you need depends on your application. These steps help you identify the right official guidance before you submit anything.
02
Secure your CAS
Your course provider issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies when its offer and sponsor checks are complete. Keep the CAS details available for the application.
03
Plan the funds
Work out the unpaid course fees shown on your CAS and the living-cost requirement for the place where you will study.
04
Prepare the application
Apply online, prove your identity through the route UKVI gives you, and provide any documents or appointment evidence requested.
Financial evidence
Know which figures and documents to check.
The financial requirement includes unpaid course fees and maintenance funds. Use the GOV.UK money and financial-evidence pages for the full rules and accepted evidence.
Course fees
Show enough for the outstanding course fees for one academic year, as stated on your CAS. Fees already paid should be confirmed by your sponsor or supported by its receipt.
Living costs
For most courses, the current requirement is £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, up to 9 months. Check whether your course or circumstances use a different rule.
Holding period
Personal, parent, or partner funds generally need to be held at the required level for 28 consecutive days. The closing balance must be no more than 31 days before the application date.
Possible exemptions
Some students may not need to provide evidence upfront, including people who have held a valid UK visa for at least 12 months or nationals covered by the differentiation arrangements. You must still meet the financial requirement.
Do not rely on a bank list or a third-party summary. Official GOV.UK instructions govern the evidence and eligibility for your application.
Documents and checks
Your checklist will depend on your circumstances.
Review the official pages for the documents and tests that apply to you. A course provider or adviser can help you identify questions, but cannot guarantee a visa outcome.
Identity
A current passport or other valid travel document.
Study place
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from the course provider.
Financial evidence
The documents that match your funds, sponsorship, or eligible loan route when UKVI requires them.
Additional evidence
English language evidence, TB certificate, ATAS certificate, parental consent, or other documents if your circumstances require them.
English
Degree-level study usually requires English at CEFR B2, while below degree level usually requires B1. Accepted proof and exemptions vary.
TB test
You may need a TB test if you are coming for 6 months or more and have lived in a listed country recently.
ATAS
Some master's-level or higher courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
Timing and cost
Leave room for the application steps.
GOV.UK currently lists a £558 Student visa application fee from outside or inside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge is additional and depends on visa length.
Outside the UK
6 months
Earliest application point before the course starts. The usual decision time is 3 weeks.
Inside the UK
3 months
Earliest application point before the course starts, if you are eligible to extend or switch. The usual decision time is 8 weeks.
Application fee
£558
The listed fee for the main applicant. Dependants pay a fee too, and the healthcare surcharge is separate.
Official sources
Go back to GOV.UK for the live instructions.
These links are the sources to use when you are ready to check your route, evidence, and application steps.
Questions about your next step?
Bring your course and preparation questions to LSOS.
We can help you organise questions and signpost official information. LSOS does not make UKVI decisions or guarantee an outcome.
Speak to an Adviser