Study Spectra

Study in the UK: Student visa, CAS and the Graduate route

A plain-language route through UK admission, the CAS, maintenance funds, English evidence and the Student visa, with the official GOV.UK sources linked. The page explains the student visa steps, requirements, intakes and post-study options, and links to the official sources.

The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.

Student visa: Student visa (Student route). Who decides: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Often a good fit for: Students who want a shorter postgraduate degree, or a three-year undergraduate degree, and who can document their funds clearly.

Why students consider United Kingdom

• Many one-year master's programmes, which shorten time and total cost compared with two-year formats.
• Undergraduate applications run through a single central service, UCAS.
• A published post-study route, the Graduate route, for eligible students.

Student visa steps

1. Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; most postgraduate applications go directly to the university.
2. Accept an offer, meet any conditions and pay any deposit requested. Ask for the CAS once you are eligible for it.
3. Prepare proof of funds held for the required period, your passport, the CAS details, English evidence and a tuberculosis test certificate where required for your country.
4. Check whether your subject needs ATAS clearance, then apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Give biometrics at the visa application centre, wait for the decision and travel only after the visa is issued.

What you will usually need

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
• Funds for the first year of tuition and monthly living costs, held for the period UKVI specifies.
• English language evidence, usually through an approved test or an institution-accepted route.
• Tuberculosis test certificate for applicants from listed countries, taken at an approved clinic.
• ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate subjects.
• Valid passport and, where needed, parental consent documents for applicants under 18.

Funds and costs

UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.

Language and tests

Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.

Intakes and timing

September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.

After your studies

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.

Common things that go wrong

• Funds must be held for the full required period and documents must be in the right format.
• The CAS must match your course, dates and fees exactly. Check it as soon as you receive it.
• Do not use agents or sites that promise a guaranteed visa.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Student visa
• GOV.UK: Student visa money needed
• GOV.UK: Graduate route
• UCAS

Information only. It is not legal or immigration advice and it does not guarantee admission or a visa. Confirm every requirement on the official source.