Student route: applying outside of the UK

Last modified: 23 July 2024

If you’re 16 or over and thinking about studying in the UK on a course longer than six months, you can apply for a Student visa if you meet certain requirements

There are some key differences between applying for a Student visa from outside of the UK or inside the UK.  

Can I apply for a Student visa outside of the UK?

Last modified: 05 March 2024

The Student route is for international students, including EU, EEA and Swiss students, who want to apply for immigration permission to study in the UK.  

You can apply for a Student visa outside of the UK (this is referred to as ‘entry clearance’) if you’re 16 or over and want to study on an eligible course at an educational provider in the UK. at an educational provider in the UK.  

Before you apply for entry clearance as a Student you must have applied and been accepted to your chosen course at an education provider in the UK. Once you have been accepted, you will receive an electronic document called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you can use to apply for a Student visa. A CAS is issued for a specific course at a specific education provider. 

Essential definitions you should know 

A Student sponsor is an education provider, such as a university or college, that can sponsor international students to study in the UK.  

Entry clearance means that you are applying for a visa from outside of the UK and will use that visa to enter the UK. 

Immigration permission means that you have a visa for the UK with certain conditions. 

You might have heard of Tier 4, but the Student route has replaced Tier 4 (General) and Child Student has replaced Tier 4 (Child).   

Do I need a visa to study in the UK? 

Under 18s 

Where, when, how to apply

Last modified: 06 March 2024

If you’ve applied and been accepted to your chosen course at an education provider in the UK and received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you can start your Student route application.  

Most Student sponsors offer information and advice on making a Student route application. They might offer online guidance, workshops, and one-to-one advice. Additionally, if you have difficulties with the online form, you can contact your Student sponsor.  

If you change your chosen course of study or education provider, you will normally need a new CAS as they cannot be transferred or used in multiple visa applications. If you have any questions about this, contact your education provider. 

Where to apply

When to apply

How to apply

 

Submitting your application

Last modified: 04 June 2024

If you want to make a successful application for a Student visa, it is important that you plan in advance and think carefully about when to start the process. You must: 

  • Check that you meet all the requirements. 
  • Allow enough time to obtain any supporting documents you need to provide.  
  • Provide your supporting documents in the format required.   
  • Complete all sections of the form, fully, honestly and accurately. 
  • Follow any specific guidance from your Student sponsor. 

If you have any questions about your pending application, you should speak with your education provider. 

Application fee

Immigration health surcharge

Tuberculosis tests

Biometrics

Interview

After you apply 

Receiving your decision

Last modified: 23 July 2024

When you have received a decision on your Student route application, you will need to know when you can travel to the UK, how your visa will be issued, and how long it will be issued for.  

It is important that you familiarise yourself with the conditions of your visa so that you understand your permission and its restrictions.

Once your visa is issued

Start and end dates

Is your visa correct?

Travelling to the UK

Collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Refusals 


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