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UK Student Visa (Route)

UK Student visa: CAS from a licensed Student Sponsor, CEFR B2 English, £1,483/£1,136 maintenance, 2024 dependant restriction and pathway to the Graduate visa.

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Reviewed by Wesbridge Associates' IAA-regulated immigration advisers. Last updated: July 2026.

The Student visa (formerly Tier 4 General) is the main UK route for anyone aged 16 or over coming to study a full-time course at a licensed Student Sponsor. It replaced Tier 4 in October 2020 and now covers degrees, foundation years, pre-sessional English and certain independent school programmes. Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the sponsoring institution, proof of English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study (B1 below degree), and evidence of maintenance funds — currently £1,483 per month for courses in London and £1,136 per month outside London, for up to 9 months, held for 28 consecutive days.

How it works

Step one: receive an unconditional offer from a UK Student Sponsor with track-record status, which triggers issue of a CAS containing a unique reference number, course details, tuition fees paid and any accommodation costs settled. Step two: satisfy the English language requirement — through a Secure English Language Test at a UKVI-approved centre, a recognised degree taught in English (verified by Ecctis for overseas qualifications), or a UK GCSE/A-level/National 5 in English. Step three: gather maintenance evidence (bank statements, official financial sponsor letter, or a student loan letter) and, where required, an ATAS certificate for sensitive science, engineering or technology subjects. Step four: apply online, pay the £524 application fee (£490 from within the UK in some cases), and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the reduced student rate of £776 per year of leave granted.

Work rights and dependants

Student visa holders studying a degree at RQF Level 6 or above at a higher education provider can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time outside term. Below degree level the limit is 10 hours per week. Self-employment, professional sport and full-time permanent roles are prohibited. Dependants (spouse/partner and children) are only permitted for students on postgraduate research programmes of 9 months or more (PhD, research masters) or where the applicant is a government-sponsored student on a course over 6 months — a significant tightening introduced in January 2024.

After the course: Graduate route

On successful completion of an eligible course at a track-record sponsor, students can switch inside the UK to the Graduate route, which grants 2 years of unsponsored work leave (3 years for PhD completers) with no salary threshold and no sponsor requirement. Time on the Student and Graduate routes does not count toward the 5-year Skilled Worker ILR clock — for settlement, the holder needs to move onto a qualifying route such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or a family route. Under long-residence rules, 10 years' continuous lawful residence (which can include Student time) may qualify a person for ILR.

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to show for a Student visa?

You need to hold living costs of £1,483 per month for courses in London or £1,136 per month outside London, for up to 9 months (maximum £13,347 in London, £10,224 outside), plus outstanding tuition fees for the first academic year. Funds must be held in your name, a parent/legal guardian's name (with consent letter and birth certificate) or an official financial sponsor's name, and must have been held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date.

Can I extend my Student visa in the UK?

Yes, in-country extensions are allowed for academic progression — moving from an undergraduate degree to a masters, or from a masters to a PhD, at the same or another licensed Student Sponsor. You must apply before your current leave expires, and the new course must normally represent academic progress (a higher qualification level, or a further degree required for career entry such as medicine).

What is ATAS and do I need it?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is Foreign Office clearance required before starting certain postgraduate courses in sensitive science, engineering and technology subjects. Your CAS or offer letter will confirm if ATAS is required. Applications are free, made online at gov.uk, and typically take 20 working days (30+ days for researchers), so apply as soon as your offer is confirmed.

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