The UK Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4) is the main visa for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom. Whether you are joining a foundation year, an undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate programme, the steps below apply to you.
Step 1 – Receive Your Unconditional Offer and CAS Letter
Before you can apply for a visa, your university or college must send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. This is a unique 14-character reference that confirms your place on a course at a licensed sponsor institution. You cannot begin your visa application without it, so chase your institution if it has not arrived within the expected timeframe.
Your CAS letter will contain key information: the course name, course start and end dates, total tuition fees, and how much you have already paid. Keep this document safe — you will need to reference it throughout your application.
Step 2 – Check That You Meet the Requirements
To be eligible for a UK Student visa in 2026, you must be at least 16 years old and studying at an institution that holds a valid Sponsor licence from the Home Office. You must also be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand English to the required level, typically proven through an approved test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or the institution's own in-sessional English assessment.
In addition, you must show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. The current requirement is that you can support yourself for the full course (or for nine months if the course is longer), holding the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
Step 3 – Gather Your Documents
The documents required for a UK Student visa application typically include: your valid passport or travel document; your CAS reference number; evidence of your financial funds (bank statements dated within 31 days of your application); proof of English language ability; your academic qualifications; and, if you are under 18, parental or guardian consent. If you have been offered a scholarship or bursary that covers your fees or maintenance, include the official letter from the awarding body.
Step 4 – Apply Online and Pay the Fees
All UK visa applications are submitted online through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. You will need to create an account, complete the application form, upload your supporting documents, and pay the application fee. As of 2026, the Student visa application fee is £363 for applications made outside the UK. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is currently £776 per year of your course.
Step 5 – Book and Attend a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph. These centres are operated by VFS Global and TLS Contact in most countries. Wait times vary by location and season, so book as early as possible, especially during the summer rush between May and August.
Step 6 – Await a Decision and Collect Your BRP
Standard processing times are around three weeks, though this can vary. If your application is successful, you will receive a vignette sticker in your passport that allows you to travel to the UK. Once you arrive and register with your institution, you will collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — your official proof of leave to remain — from a local Post Office or your university.
Key Timelines to Remember
You can apply for your Student visa no earlier than six months before your course start date if you are applying from outside the UK. Aim to apply at least eight weeks before you intend to travel to allow time for document checks and appointment availability. Always apply before your current visa expires if you are already in the UK.
Applying at least eight weeks before the intended travel date is recommended, allowing time for document checks and appointment availability.
