- Applicants must hold a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a Student sponsor, a licensed Higher Education provider or school.
- Financial maintenance must be demonstrated: 1,334 pounds per month for London, 1,023 pounds per month outside London, held for 28 consecutive days.
- Most students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time; full-time work is allowed during official vacations.
- Dependants can only join students at postgraduate research level; taught master's students cannot bring dependants since January 2024.
- The application fee is 490 pounds from outside the UK.
Last reviewed: 13 May 2026
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) allows nationals of countries outside the UK to study at a licensed education provider. Changes introduced in January 2024 substantially restricted the right to bring dependants and removed the Graduate Visa route for students starting most taught master's programmes. Checking current eligibility before applying is essential.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Every Student Visa application requires a CAS reference number issued by a UK-licensed Student sponsor. The CAS is an electronic record confirming the course of study, level and duration, tuition fees and any amount already paid, and any conditions attached to the offer. The CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of assignment. Applications must be submitted within this window. The institution must appear on the Home Office Register of Licensed Student Sponsors.
Financial Maintenance Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate they hold sufficient funds to cover course fees and living costs. As of May 2026, the maintenance requirement covers tuition fees (full first-year tuition as stated on the CAS), and living costs of 1,334 pounds per month for London (up to a maximum of 9 months, 12,006 pounds total) or 1,023 pounds per month outside London (up to 9,207 pounds total).
Funds must have been held in a personal or joint bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the date of application. The closing balance on day 28 must meet or exceed the required amount. Funds held in a pension, shares or investments do not qualify. If the CAS confirms the institution has already assessed finances, the applicant may be exempt from providing evidence. This is confirmed on the CAS itself.
Work Rights on a Student Visa
Work rights depend on the level and type of course. Degree-level or above students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time; below degree level, the limit is 10 hours per week. During official vacation periods, full-time work is permitted. Sandwich year or placement work may be full-time if part of the course.
Applicants cannot work as a professional sportsperson, entertainer, or in a self-employed capacity. Working beyond permitted hours is a visa breach and may lead to curtailment of leave.
Dependants: Restricted Since January 2024
Changes effective January 2024 significantly restricted the right of Student Visa holders to bring dependants. As of May 2026, dependants can only accompany students enrolled on postgraduate research programmes (PhD, MRes) at higher education providers. Students on taught programmes including taught master's degrees can no longer bring dependants unless they fall into a narrow set of government-funded scholarship exceptions. Child dependants of eligible students may still apply.
These restrictions were introduced in response to concerns about high levels of dependant arrivals. Prospective students should verify whether their programme and institution remain eligible before making family plans.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) or above for degree-level study. Accepted evidence includes an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert or Pearson PTE Academic, a degree taught and assessed in English from a recognised institution, or a nationality exemption for nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries. The CAS will confirm whether the institution has already verified English language proficiency.
Application Process
The online Student Visa application is made on GOV.UK. From outside the UK, applicants must obtain a CAS from their institution, complete the online form and pay the 490 pound application fee, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (776 pounds per year of study for students; 388 pounds per year for under-18s), book and attend a biometric appointment at a UKVI Visa Application Centre, and submit supporting documents. Processing times from outside the UK are typically 3 weeks. Priority services may be available.
Graduate Visa: Post-Study Options
Most students who complete an eligible course at a licensed Higher Education Provider at degree level or above can apply for the Graduate Visa after completing their studies. This allows 2 years post-study work (3 years for PhD graduates) with no employer or salary restrictions. The January 2024 changes affected Graduate Visa access for some taught master's cohorts; applicants should check current eligibility on GOV.UK before relying on Graduate Visa access as part of post-study plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do Student Visa applicants need to show?
Applicants must show full first-year tuition fees plus 1,334 pounds per month (London) or 1,023 pounds per month (outside London) for living costs, up to 9 months. Funds must have been held for 28 consecutive days before the application date.
Can Student Visa holders bring a partner to the UK?
Since January 2024, only students on postgraduate research programmes such as PhDs at eligible institutions can bring dependant partners. Students on taught master's or undergraduate programmes cannot bring dependants in most cases.
How many hours can a student work per week?
Up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree-level courses. During official vacations, students can work full-time. Students on below-degree courses are limited to 10 hours per week in term time.
What is a CAS and where does it come from?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record issued by a licensed UK education provider. It contains the course details and is required to complete the visa application. The institution provides it after a conditional or unconditional offer is accepted.
Can students switch to a work visa in the UK?
Students who meet the requirements can switch in-country to a Skilled Worker Visa or other qualifying routes without leaving the UK, provided they have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor. The Graduate Visa is typically the first post-study step.
How We Verified This Article
Content was verified against the Home Office Student visa guidance on GOV.UK, Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules, and Home Office policy statements on dependant restrictions effective January 2024. Financial maintenance figures and fee data were checked against UKVI published rates current as of May 2026.
