Student visa

During the application process of applying for a Student visa, you’ll likely be asked to prove your knowledge of the English language - you can do this in 2 ways:

• Option 1 - Using an approved provider, you can take a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Your results (if you pass) can be used to prove your knowledge of English.
• Option 2 - If you have gained one of the following through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18:
  • a GCSE
  • A level
  • Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5
  • Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English

Is there a certain level of English that I need?

Yes, to apply for this Student visa, you’ll need to show that you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on this scale, here. 

• For example, if you’re studying at degree level or above, you’ll need an equivalent to CEFR level B2.
• However, if you’re studying below degree level, you’ll need an equivalent to CEFR level B1.

If I’m studying a higher education course, do the requirements differ?

If your course is at a degree level or higher, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) will assess your level of English themselves, which means they could ask you to take a different test that is equivalent to a CEFR level B2.

Does everyone need to confirm their knowledge of English for this visa?

No, if you’re from one of the countries or territories below (or have completed a qualification that is equivalent to a UK degree in one of them), you won’t need to confirm your knowledge of English.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• the British overseas territories
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• UK
• USA

Other reasons why you may not need to confirm your knowledge of English include:

• that you’re a Canadian citizen
• that you’re applying as part of a university degree course in the USA
• that you’ve already completed a visa application where you had to prove your knowledge of English

During your application to study in the UK, you may be asked to show that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK, as well as pay for your course. Please note, that the amount of money you’ll need will be based on your current circumstances, as well as the course you’re applying for.

What do I need to pay for when applying for a Student visa?

• Your course

You’ll need to pay for 1 academic year of your course (up to 9 months). Remember, that the actual amount you’ll need to pay is based on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). A CAS is a reference number that will be sent to you by your education provider. Don’t worry if you have to wait a little for this, you’ll only receive it once they’ve offered you a place on the course. 

Please note, that you won’t need to do this if you’ve already been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

• Expenses during your stay in the UK

You’ll also need to confirm that you’re able to pay for yourself during your stay in the UK. Again, if you have been in the UK for at least 12 months with a valid visa, you don’t need to worry about proving this.

How much do I need to pay?

The total amount you’ll need to pay will depend on whether your course is inside or outside of London. 

• For example, you’ll need to pay £1,334 per month if you’re studying a course in London or one of the 32 London boroughs (for up to 9 months).
• Or, you’ll need to pay £1,023 per month if you’re studying a course outside of London (for up to 9 months).

If you plan to stay at a residential independent school, don’t forget that you’ll need to pay the required boarding fees. You can check the amount of these fees on your CAS.

While you’re able to bring your family over to the UK with you, you’ll need to be able to show that you can pay for them too.

Don’t forget, you’ll be asked to provide proof that you have the correct amount of money and show that you’ve had it for at least 28 days in a row. Please note, that this 28-day period will need to be within 31 days of you applying for your visa.

As an example, if your application is submitted on 1 January 2021, you’ll need to provide some proof that you’ve had the money since 1 December 2020, this would cover the 28-day period.

If you’re going to be supported by a student loan, or financial sponsorship, you’ll just need to make sure you include confirmation of this, provided by the company who is providing the loan or sponsorship.

You can read more about how you can show you have the money for a Student visa through this guidance.

Does everyone need to show proof they can support themselves with this visa?

No, there are some circumstances where you won’t need to show this, including:

• if you’ve had a UK visa for 12 months before you start this current visa application and you’re in the UK presently
• if you’re applying to be a student union sabbatical officer
• if you’re applying as a postgraduate dentist or doctor on a recognised foundation programme
• you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’

If you’re a British national overseas, you also won’t need to show you have this money, or, if you’re from one of the following countries/ territories:

• Australia
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Croatia
• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• The Dominican Republic
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Oman
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America

Please note, if you’re asked to provide this, you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) once your application has been submitted.

Don’t forget, you’ll need to have received an unconditional offer for the course you’ve chosen to study. Remember, your course will need to be with a licensed student sponsor.

Once you’ve received an unconditional offer, your education provider will send out a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - this is essentially a reference number that you’ll need to show during the visa application process. 

What courses am I able to study?

There are a number of courses available to study in the UK, these include:

• a full-time course that results in a qualification below degree level (also known as RQF level 3, 4 or 5), this also includes at least 15 hours of organised daytime study per week
• a full-time course that results in a qualification at degree level or higher (also known as RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
• a full-time course at degree level or higher (also known as RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
• a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (also known as RQF level 7 or above)
• a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
• an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

If you’re accepting a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer, you’re also able to apply for this visa.

Learn more about the level of qualifications for courses and what they mean.

Please note, if the course you’ve chosen to study requires research of a sensitive topic at RQF level 7 or above, you could be asked to provide an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

What if I’m a Postgraduate doctor or dentist?

If you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme and you’ve done all three of the following, you can apply for this visa:

• completed a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry
• the above degree is from a registered student sponsor
• completed your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Don’t forget to check you’ve received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number before starting your application as you won’t be able to submit your application without it.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.