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United KingdomStudyLast checked October 16, 2026

Student visa

The Student visa lets people aged 16 or over study in the UK on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor. Your education provider gives you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. You must show you can pay your course fees and living costs and that you meet the English requirement. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

See requirements ↓
Entry restrictions apply to 4 passports for United Kingdom

The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.

  • Afghanistan
  • Cameroon
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Sudan

Source: GOV.UK - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa systemSource: UK Parliament - Written ministerial statement HCWS1379, 5 March 2026Source: GOV.UK - Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026

Life in United Kingdom

Money

3

Currency

British Pound

GBP

British Pound

Cost of living

92

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20% · social security 8%

Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#27 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

People aged 16 or over with an unconditional offer on an eligible course from a licensed UK student sponsor. Those aged 16 or 17 may instead use the Child Student visa.

Eligibility

  • Unconditional offer and CAS

    You need an unconditional offer with a licensed student sponsor, shown by a CAS, and must apply within 6 months of receiving it.

    6 months

    Time limit

    Official wording

    You must have an unconditional offer on a course with a licensed student sponsor, shown by a CAS. You must apply within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

  • Eligible course

    Your course must meet the study level and hours rules for its type.

    Course requirements

    Full-time RQF 3-5organised daytime study
    15 hours a week
    Full-time RQF 6-8
    Eligible
    Part-time
    RQF level 7 or above
    English language course
    CEFR B2 or above
    Official wording

    Full-time courses at RQF level 3 to 5 need at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study. Full-time courses at RQF level 6 to 8 are eligible, as are part-time courses at RQF level 7 or above. English language courses must be at CEFR B2 or above.

  • Course fees

    Show enough money to pay course fees for 1 academic year, as shown on your CAS.

    1 academic year

    Course fees to show · up to 9 months

    • Not needed if you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months
    Official wording

    You need enough money to pay course fees for 1 academic year (up to 9 months), as shown on your CAS. This is not needed if you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementLiving costs
  • Document checklistCurrent passport or other valid travel document
  • FeesApplication fee (outside UK)

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  • 9 documents
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  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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