The UK Student Visa — formally known as the Student Route visa — is the document that lets international students live and study in the UK for the duration of their course. For most of the students I work with, it’s the most nerve-wracking part of the whole process. The good news? If your documents are in order and you apply carefully, approval rates are high.
Do You Need a Student Visa?
If you’re a citizen of a country outside the UK and you want to study a course longer than six months, you’ll almost certainly need a Student visa. Citizens of countries with a short-term study visa arrangement may be able to study for up to six months on a Standard Visitor visa, but for degree-level courses, the Student visa is what you need.
UK citizens, settled residents, and those with existing right to remain don’t need a visa to study.
The CAS Number — Your Starting Point
Before you can even apply for your visa, you need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from your university. Think of it as a unique reference code that confirms your university is a licensed sponsor and has accepted you onto a course.
Your university will issue your CAS after you’ve accepted your offer and met any conditions. It’s valid for six months, so don’t apply for your visa too early.
Getting your document checklist right before applying is the most important step in the visa process
What Documents Do You Need?
The core documents for a UK Student visa application are:
- A valid passport
- Your CAS number from your university
- Proof of funds — bank statements showing you can cover your fees and living costs
- Evidence of your English language ability (usually IELTS Academic, minimum 5.5 for most courses)
- Payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £776 per year
- Proof of parental consent (if you’re under 18)
- A recent passport-size photograph
How Much Money Do You Need to Show?
This catches a lot of people out. You need to show you have enough money in your bank account to cover:
- Your tuition fees for the first year (or the full outstanding amount if less)
- Living costs — currently £1,334 per month for students in London, £1,023 outside London
- The money needs to have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply
⚠️ Important: The 28-day rule is strict. If your balance dips below the required amount at any point during that 28-day period, your application may be refused. Plan your finances carefully before starting the clock.
How Long Does It Take?
If you apply online from outside the UK, the standard processing time is around 3 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for a higher fee if you need it faster. You can apply up to six months before your course starts, but no earlier.
Can You Work on a Student Visa?
Yes — most Student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during official holidays. This applies to degree-level and above courses at universities. Foundation and language courses have different restrictions.
💡 After you arrive: You’ll need to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card from a designated post office within 10 days of arriving in the UK. This is your official proof of immigration status.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Most Student visa refusals come down to one of these:
- Insufficient financial evidence, or funds not held for the full 28 days
- Missing or expired documents
- IELTS score below the required level
- Inconsistencies between the application and supporting documents
- CAS number issues — usually the university hasn’t confirmed certain details
If you want help making sure your application is complete and accurate before you submit, that’s exactly what we do at Education Aid Ltd. We’ve guided dozens of international students through the visa process successfully.
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