United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Child Student visa: requirements and costs
This visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 25 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa
Who can apply
You must be between 4 and 17 years old to apply for this visa. You must want to study at an independent school in the UK.[1][2]
You need an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school.[3][4]
You must also have a suitable place to live in the UK.[5][6]
What you need to show
You must show you have access to enough money to support yourself in the UK and pay for your course.[7][8]
You must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK.[9]
Documents you need
You must prove your identity as part of your application. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[10][11][12]
When you apply, you must have and prove the consent of your parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK.[13]
Costs and money
It costs £558 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK. If you are extending or switching to this visa from inside the UK, the fee is also £558.[14][15][16][17]
You must also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.[18][19]
Timing
If you apply from inside the UK, you must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[20][21][22][23]
After you arrive
If you stated in your application that you would be accompanied by an adult, they must be with you when you arrive at the border.[24][25]
Checklist
- Get an unconditional offer of a place at an independent school[3][4]
- Secure parental or legal guardian consent to study and live in the UK[9][13]
- Find a suitable place to live in the UK[5][6]
- Prove you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself[7][8]
- Prove your identity and link your travel document to your UKVI account[10][11][12]
Questions people ask
How old do I need to be to get a UK Child Student visa?
You must be between 4 and 17 years old to apply for this visa.[1][2]
How much does the UK Child Student visa cost?
It costs £558 to apply from outside the UK, or £558 to extend or switch to this visa from inside the UK. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge.[14][15][16][17][18][19]
Do I need my parents' permission to apply?
Yes, you must have and prove the consent of your parent or legal guardian to study and live in the UK.[9][13]
Can I apply for this visa from inside the UK?
Yes, but you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[20][21][22][23]
Do I need to show I have money for the visa?
Yes, you must show you have access to enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.[7][8]
What happens if I travel to the UK with an adult?
If you stated in your application that you would be accompanied by an adult, they must be with you when you arrive at the border.[24][25]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.