UK Student Visa Checklist — Documents to Prepare
A UK Student visa is a points-based route for people aged 16 or over who want to study a degree or long course at a licensed institution. The core of the application is the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed student sponsor, proof of money, and evidence of English. It costs £558 to apply from outside the UK and the same to extend or switch from inside. Verified against GOV.UK, September 2026 — see Student visa for the authoritative word.
Stage A — What you must have
- ☐ An offer on a course from a licensed student sponsor — you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
- ☐ Enough money to support yourself and pay for your course — the amount depends on your circumstances.
- ☐ English — you must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
- ☐ A current passport or identity document and the documents needed to prove who you are.
If you are 16 or 17, you must also have consent from your parents and provide evidence of it when you apply.
Stage B — Fees and timings
- ☐ Fee: £558 to apply from outside the UK; £558 to extend or switch from inside the UK. You also pay the healthcare surcharge (IHS).
- ☐ Decision time: usually 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
- ☐ When you can apply: up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK; up to 3 months before if applying from inside.
Stage C — Travelling and staying
- ☐ Arrive in the UK: up to 1 week before your course starts if the course is 6 months or less; up to 1 month before if it is longer. You must not arrive before the start date on your visa.
- ☐ How long you can stay: a degree-level course can be up to 5 years (aged 18+); below degree level, up to 2 years.
- ☐ Graduate route (staying longer): apply on or before 31 December 2026 → 2 years; from 1 January 2027 → 18 months; a PhD is 3 years.
Not verified on this page
Some details sit on deeper GOV.UK pages that were not reachable when this checklist was written: ATAS clearance, the TB test requirement for some countries, and the exact maintenance amounts you must show. Check those on the official Student visa pages before you rely on them — do not guess a figure.
Get it right the first time
- No CAS, no application — the CAS comes from a licensed student sponsor and is the spine of the whole application.
- 16 or 17? Attach the parental consent evidence; it is a separate requirement, not optional.
- Do not travel early — you cannot enter before the start date printed on your visa.
- Budget for the IHS as well as the £558 fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main document for a UK Student visa?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor, together with proof of money for your course and living costs, and evidence of your English.
How much does a UK Student visa cost?
£558 to apply from outside the UK, and £558 to extend or switch from inside the UK. You also pay the healthcare surcharge (IHS).
How long does a UK Student visa take?
Usually 3 weeks for an application from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
When can I apply for a UK Student visa?
Up to 6 months before your course starts if you apply from outside the UK, or up to 3 months before if you apply from inside the UK.
I am 16 or 17 — anything extra?
Yes. You need consent from your parents and evidence of that consent when you apply.
How long can I stay on a Student visa?
A degree-level course can be for up to 5 years (aged 18+); a course below degree level for up to 2 years. The Graduate route allows 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, and 3 years for a PhD.
Related: the visitor route is a different set of papers — see the UK visitor visa checklist. For the photo that goes with the application, use the passport photo checker, and if your passport is near expiry read the six-month rule guide.