United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa extension: requirements and costs
How to extend your stay in the UK to continue your studies.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 14 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/extend-your-visa
Who can apply
You must currently be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa to apply for this extension.[1]
You must have an unconditional offer for a course with a licensed student sponsor. This offer must be shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[2]
Your new studies must be at a higher academic level than your current course. There are only a few exceptions to this rule.[3]
What you need to show
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK if you have been in the country with a valid visa for less than 12 months.[4]
How to apply and documents
You must submit your application online.[5]
You must prove your identity as part of your application. You also need to have your fingerprints and a photo taken for biometric information.[6][7]
Costs and money
You must pay a fee of £558 to extend this visa. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.[8][9]
Timing
You must apply for the visa extension before your current visa expires. You must also apply within 6 months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[10][11]
You must ensure your new course begins within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[12]
After you apply
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision.[13]
You must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if your application is successful.[14]
Checklist
- Check that you are in the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 visa.[1]
- Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for a higher-level course.[2][3]
- Submit your application online before your current visa expires.[5][10]
- Pay the £558 application fee and the healthcare surcharge.[8][9]
- Prove your identity and provide your biometric information.[6][7]
- Stay in the UK, Ireland, or the Channel Islands until you get a decision.[13]
Questions people ask
Can I extend my student visa from inside the UK?
Yes. You must be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa to extend your visa.[1]
How much does it cost to extend a UK Student visa?
You must pay an application fee of £558. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge.[8][9]
When should I apply for my visa extension?
You must apply before your current visa expires. You must also apply within 6 months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[10][11]
Do I need to show proof of funds to extend my visa?
You only need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months.[4]
Can I travel abroad while my extension is processing?
No. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision.[13]
How do I get my visa once it is approved?
You must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa if your application is successful.[14]
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.