The UK Student Route visa is the standard immigration route for international students studying in the UK for longer than 6 months. This guide covers everything from eligibility to the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) system, English language requirements, and what to expect when you arrive.
What Is the UK Student Route?
The Student Route (previously Tier 4 Student Visa) allows you to:
- Study at a UK Student sponsor (licensed by the UKVI)
- Work part-time during term and full-time during vacations
- Bring dependants (in most circumstances — see below)
- Apply for the Graduate Route visa upon completion
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a UK Student Route visa, you must:
- Unconditional offer: Hold an unconditional offer of a place at a UK licensed student sponsor
- CAS number: Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your institution
- English language: Demonstrate English at the required CEFR level (usually B2)
- Financial maintenance: Show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- No immigration restrictions: Not be subject to a deportation order or previous visa refusal
The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
The CAS is a unique reference number your UK university or college assigns to you after you accept your unconditional offer. You cannot apply for the Student Route without a CAS.
- Your CAS contains details of your course, fees, and English language evidence
- It is valid for 6 months after being assigned
- Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your CAS
English Language Requirements for UK Student Visa
The UK Student Route requires proof of English at CEFR B2 level (equivalent to IELTS 5.5) at a minimum — but your specific programme will have higher IELTS requirements:
| Requirement | IELTS Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Visa minimum (B2) | IELTS 5.5 overall |
| Most Russell Group universities | IELTS 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Most mid-tier universities | IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 |
Important: Your IELTS must be from a UKVI-approved test provider. IELTS Academic (UKVI) and IELTS for UKVI are accepted; standard IELTS Academic from a non-UKVI test centre is generally not accepted for visa purposes.
Check with your university — some sponsors accept standard IELTS Academic for their admissions process, and the UKVI also accepts it via the university's CAS in many circumstances.
Financial Requirements — How Much You Need to Show
You must show you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs:
| Requirement | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| First year tuition fees | Full tuition amount (from your CAS) |
| Living costs (London) | £1,334/month (up to 9 months = £12,006) |
| Living costs (outside London) | £1,023/month (up to 9 months = £9,207) |
Funds must have been held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your visa application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is a mandatory fee giving you access to the NHS:
| Duration | IHS Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Per year | £776 |
| 3-year undergraduate | £2,328 |
| 2-year master's | £1,552 |
| 1-year master's | £776 |
| 4-year undergraduate | £3,104 |
The IHS is paid upfront as part of the visa application — it cannot be paid in instalments.
UK Student Visa Fees
| Application Type | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Applying from outside UK | £363 |
| Applying from inside UK (extension) | £490 |
| Priority service (optional) | £250 additional |
Application Process
Step 1: Receive Unconditional Offer and CAS
Accept your university offer and wait for your CAS reference number.
Step 2: Gather Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| CAS number | From your UK institution |
| Passport | Valid for your planned stay |
| IELTS certificate (UKVI) | Meeting your programme's requirement |
| Financial evidence | 28-day bank statements showing required funds |
| Academic qualifications | Transcripts, certificates |
| Tuberculosis test results | Required for applicants from specified countries |
| Immigration History | Previous visas, refusals if any |
Step 3: Apply Online
Apply on the UK government's official visa application portal. Pay the visa fee and IHS simultaneously.
Step 4: Biometrics
Book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Step 5: Processing
| Application Route | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 3 weeks |
| Priority service | 5 working days (additional £250) |
| Super Priority | 24 hours (additional £800) |
Step 6: Collect BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
Your visa is digital — you enter the UK on a vignette sticker. Collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days of arriving, from a post office or your university.
Work Rights on UK Student Route
| Status | Hours |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate / postgraduate student | 20 hours/week during term |
| PhD student | 20 hours/week during term |
| All students | Full-time during official vacations |
| Foundation / below degree | 10 hours/week |
UK minimum wage (2026): £11.44/hour (aged 21+).
Bringing Dependants
| Circumstance | Can Bring Dependants? |
|---|---|
| Government-sponsored scholarship holder | No |
| Studying below degree level | No |
| Studying a short-term (under 12 months) course | No |
| Studying a degree-level programme 12+ months | Yes |
Dependants require a separate Student Dependant visa (fee: £363 + IHS per person).
Graduate Route Visa — After Your Degree
After completing your UK degree, apply for the Graduate Route:
| Degree Level | Work Duration |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate / Master's | 2 years |
| PhD | 3 years |
No employer sponsorship required — work for any UK employer in any role.
IELTS for UKVI — The Key Difference
Many students are confused by the difference between standard IELTS and IELTS for UKVI:
| Test | Used For |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (standard) | University admissions + some Student Route applications |
| IELTS for UKVI | Specifically for UK visa applications where UKVI-approved test is required |
| IELTS Academic UKVI | UKVI-approved version of IELTS Academic |
If your university's CAS requires an IELTS UKVI test specifically, book the IELTS for UKVI version. Both versions have identical format and scoring — the difference is the test centre approval.
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