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How to Get a UK Student Visa (Student Route): Complete 2025 Guide

H
HowToApprove Editorial Team
•2025-04-11•10 min read

How to Get a UK Student Visa (Student Route): Complete 2025 Guide

Bottom line: UK Student Route visa success depends on three things: a valid CAS from your university, financial proof of £1,334/month for up to 9 months in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, and a valid English language qualification. Missing any one of these triggers rejection.

What Is the UK Student Route Visa?

The Student Route (formerly Tier 4) allows non-UK/Irish nationals to study a full-time course in the UK at an institution with a Student sponsor licence. This is the primary visa for international undergraduate, postgraduate, and some language students.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Student Route, you must have:

  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK higher education provider
  • Unconditional offer to study a course at that institution
  • Financial evidence meeting UKVI's maintenance requirements
  • English language proficiency at the required level for your course
  • A valid passport (must cover the duration of your studies + 30 days)

    • Step 1: Receive Your CAS Number

    Your university issues your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) after you have:

  • Accepted an unconditional offer
  • Met all academic and English language conditions
  • Paid any required deposit

    • The CAS is a 14-digit reference number. It is valid for 6 months from the date of assignment. You cannot apply for your visa before receiving your CAS.

    Step 2: Meet the Financial Requirement

    This is the most common cause of rejection.

    How Much Money You Need

    London universities:

  • Tuition fees (first year amount listed in CAS) + £1,334/month × 9 months = £12,006 for accommodation/living costs

    • Outside London:

  • Tuition fees (first year amount listed in CAS) + £1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 for living costs

    • Example (London, £15,000 tuition):

    Tuition: £15,000 + Living: £12,006 = £27,006 total funds required

    If your course is shorter than 9 months, calculate living costs proportionally.

    How to Prove It

  • Funds must be in a bank account in your name (or a parent's/official sponsor's name)
  • The account must show the required balance continuously for 28 consecutive days before you apply
  • The 28-day period must end no more than 31 days before your application date
  • Accepted accounts: bank statements, savings accounts, student loans (government-sponsored)
  • Not accepted: overdraft facilities, credit card statements, property valuations

    • Official Financial Sponsors

    If a government, international organization, or UK university is sponsoring your studies, you need an official letter confirming the full amount of funding.

    Step 3: English Language Requirement

    Your course level determines the required SELT (Secure English Language Test):

  • Degree level and above: IELTS for UKVI Academic minimum B2 (overall 5.5–6.0 depending on course)
  • Below degree level: IELTS for UKVI General Training at B1

    • Important: Standard IELTS (non-UKVI) is NOT accepted for the Student Route visa. You must take the UKVI version, even if your score is identical.

    Exemptions

    You may be exempt from the English test if:

  • You are a national of a majority English-speaking country (US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.)
  • You have previously studied for a degree taught in English at a UK institution
  • Your university has assessed and confirmed your English at the required level (via an in-sessional test)

    • Step 4: Apply Online

  • Go to the UKVI online application portal (gov.uk)
  • Complete the Student Route application form
  • Pay the visa fee: £490 for applications outside the UK
  • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776/year of your course
  • Book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre

    • Processing Times

  • Standard: Up to 3 weeks
  • Priority service: 5 business days (additional fee)
  • Super Priority: Next business day (where available)

    • Apply no earlier than 6 months before your course start date.

    Common Rejection Reasons

  • Financial evidence does not cover 28 consecutive days
  • Bank statement is older than 31 days at the time of application
  • IELTS certificate is standard version (not UKVI-approved)
  • CAS has expired or was issued by an institution without a valid sponsor licence
  • Applicant has previously overstayed a UK visa

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Can my parents' bank account be used for financial evidence?

    Yes. If a parent or legal guardian holds the required funds, their account can be used with documentation showing their relationship to you and a letter confirming they are supporting your studies.

    Can I work in the UK on a Student Route visa?

    Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Check your CAS — some visa types and below-degree courses have no work rights.

    What happens if my course length changes after I get the visa?

    If your course is extended, you must apply to extend your visa before it expires. A change in course (different subject or institution) typically requires a new CAS and new visa application.

    Can I apply for the UK Student Route visa from inside the UK?

    Yes, if you are already in the UK on another visa (such as a visitor visa). However, you cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to a Student Route visa — you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

    #uk student visa#student route#study in UK#ukvi

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