How do you get a Student visa? CAS, the money requirement, English level, fees and the application steps
Published: Last checked: October 20266 min read1 read1 like
Short answer
A Student visa needs a CAS from a licensed sponsor, course fees plus living costs of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere (up to 9 months), and B2 English at degree level. The visa fee is £558 and the health surcharge £776 a year. Decisions from outside the UK usually take 3 weeks.
In short
- This post is general information; it does not assess anyone's own situation. It is based on GOV.UK pages and the Immigration Rules (Appendix Student) as they were on 17 October 2026.
- The Student visa is for people aged 16 or over who will study full time at a licensed education provider (student sponsor) in the UK. Children aged 4 to 17 at independent schools can use the separate Child Student visa.
- You need a CAS from the provider, enough money for course fees and living costs, and proof of English.
- The visa fee is £558; the Immigration Health Surcharge for students is £776 a year.
- Decisions usually take 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside.
The rest is for members
Sign up for free to read the whole post.
Sign up and keep readingAlready a member? Log in
Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Student visa
- GOV.UK: Student visa, money you need
- GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of English
- GOV.UK: Student visa, your course
- GOV.UK: Immigration health surcharge, how much you pay
- GOV.UK: Countries where you need a TB test
Source links are for members. Sign up for free