United Kingdom · study · guide
Switching to a UK Student visa: requirements and costs
This guide is for people already in the UK who want to switch to a Student visa.
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/switch-to-this-visa
Who can apply
You must be in the UK to switch to a Student visa.[1]
You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. This must be shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[2]
What you need to show
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months.[3]
How to apply
You must apply online.[4]
You must prove your identity as part of your application. You must also have your fingerprints and a photo taken.[5][6]
Costs
You must pay £558 to switch to this visa. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge.[7][8]
Timing
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.[9][10]
You can apply at the earliest 3 months before your course starts. You must apply within 6 months of getting your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[11][12]
After you apply
You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.[13]
If your application is successful, you must create a UKVI account to access your eVisa.[14]
Checklist
- Get an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor.[2]
- Apply online before your current visa expires.[4][9]
- Prove your identity and have your fingerprints and photo taken.[5][6]
- Pay the £558 application fee and the healthcare surcharge.[7][8]
Questions people ask
Can I switch to a Student visa from inside the UK?
Yes. You must be in the UK to switch to a Student visa.[1]
How much does it cost to switch to a UK Student visa?
You must pay £558 to switch to this visa. You must also pay the healthcare surcharge.[7][8]
When should I apply to switch my visa?
You must apply before your current visa expires. You can apply at the earliest 3 months before your course starts, and you must apply within 6 months of getting your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).[9][11][12]
Do I need to show proof of funds to switch?
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months.[3]
Can I travel while my application is being processed?
No. You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.[13]
What do I need to do after my application 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.