United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa: requirements and documents
This guide explains the documents and requirements you need to apply for a UK Student visa.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 19 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/documents-you-must-provide
Who can apply
You must be 16 or over to apply. You must also want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.[1]
What you need to show
You must provide a current passport or other valid travel documentation when you apply. You also need to prove your identity as part of your application.[2][3]
You must provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.[4]
You may need to show proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. If you received financial sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months, you must provide written consent from your sponsor.[5][6]
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide your tuberculosis test results. You may also need a valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it.[7][8]
Applicants under 18
If you are under 18, you must provide proof of parental or legal guardian consent. This must be written consent from both parents or legal guardians, or from one parent if they have sole responsibility.[9][10]
You must also prove your relationship to your parent or guardian. You must provide a copy of your birth certificate or another government-issued document showing your parents' names.[11][12]
Costs and money
It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK. If you are applying from inside the UK, it also costs £558 to extend your visa or to switch to this visa.[13][14][15]
Timing
If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks. If you apply from inside the UK, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.[16][17]
After you arrive
You must set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You must also link your travel document to your UKVI account.[18][19]
Checklist
- Provide a current passport or valid travel document[2]
- Provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider[4]
- Prove your identity as part of your application[3]
- Provide written consent from your financial sponsor if you were sponsored in the last 12 months[6]
- Set up a UKVI account and link your travel document to it[18][19]
Questions people ask
How much does a UK Student visa cost?
It costs £558 to apply from outside the UK. It also costs £558 to extend your visa or switch to this visa from inside the UK.[13][14][15]
How long does it take to get a UK Student visa?
You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. It usually takes 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.[16][17]
Do I need to show proof of funds for a UK Student visa?
You may need to provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.[5]
What documents do under 18s need to provide?
If you are under 18, you must provide written consent from your parents or legal guardians. You must also provide proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate showing your parents' names.[9][10][11][12]
Do I need a tuberculosis test for a UK Student visa?
You may need to provide your tuberculosis test results depending on your situation.[7]
How do I access my UK eVisa?
You must set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa, and you must link your travel document to this account.[18][19]
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.