Student Route Visa
The Student Route replaced Tier 4 in October 2020. It is a points-based visa for study at a UKVI-licensed sponsor. Unlike the F-1, it is decision-driven (not interview-driven) — UKVI scores your application against the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of funds and English requirements.
- Processing
- 3 weeks standard outside the UK; 5 working days priority (additional fee)
- Validity
- Course length + 4 months for postgraduate, +2 months for undergraduate
Who this visa is for
Students 16 and over accepted on an eligible course at a UKVI-licensed Student Sponsor. Short courses under 6 months use the Visitor visa instead.
Eligibility requirements
- An unconditional offer and CAS from a licensed Student Sponsor.
- Proof of funds: course fees + GBP 1,483/month for London or GBP 1,136/month for outside London, for up to 9 months.
- Funds held in your account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before applying.
- English language at CEFR B2 for degree-level courses (proven by SELT, MOI letter from sponsor, or UK degree).
- Valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic if you live in a listed country (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, etc.).
- ATAS certificate for some PhD/research programs in sensitive fields.
Application stages, in order
- 1Receive CAS
Sponsor issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number after you meet conditions of offer and pay any required deposit.
- 2TB test
Mandatory for applicants resident 6+ months in listed countries. Use only IOM-approved clinics. Certificate valid 6 months.
- 3Apply online
Complete the Student visa application on gov.uk. Pay course-fee balance evidence is shown via CAS.
- 4Pay IHS
Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 776/year for students. Paid online during application.
- 5Biometrics
Book at TLScontact (most African posts). Submit fingerprints and facial photo.
- 6Submit documents
Upload financial evidence, CAS, TB certificate, qualifications, ATAS if required. Originals not usually requested.
- 7Decision & BRP
Decision in 3 weeks standard. Vignette in passport allows 30-day entry; collect BRP within 10 days of arrival.
Costs breakdown
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | GBP 524 | Applications made outside the UK. In-UK extensions are higher. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | GBP 776 per year | Paid upfront for the full visa length. Gives full NHS access. |
| Priority service (optional) | GBP 500 | 5 working day decision. Super-priority (next working day) is GBP 1,000. |
| TB test | USD 80–120 | Paid at the IOM clinic. Required for most African applicants. |
| Biometrics | Included in visa fee | TLScontact may charge service fees for premium lounges and courier. |
On-shore work rights while studying
Term-time work
Up to 20 hours/week during term for degree-level students at higher-education providers. Below-degree level capped at 10 hours/week.
Vacation work
Full-time during official vacation periods and after course completion (before visa expiry).
Restricted occupations
Cannot work as a professional sportsperson, sports coach, entertainer, or in self-employment.
Post-study work pathway
Graduate Route
Official guidanceDuration: 2 years for undergraduate/master's, 3 years for PhD
Eligibility: Successful completion of an eligible course at a Student Sponsor with a track record of compliance. Apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
Unsponsored and unrestricted — you can work for any employer at any skill level, switch jobs freely, and be self-employed. Time on Graduate Route does NOT count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain; you must switch to a Skilled Worker visa for that.
Common refusal reasons
- Funds not held for the full 28 consecutive days, or balance dipped below the required amount mid-period.
- Bank statements not from a recognised financial institution under Appendix Finance.
- Discrepancies between CAS details and the application form (course title, dates, fees paid).
- Missing or expired TB certificate when one is required.
- Failure to evidence required deposit payments shown on the CAS.
Recruiter tip
The single most common UK refusal we see is the 28-day rule. Get your bank statement dated correctly, do not move money in or out of the account during those 28 days, and make sure the closing balance line itself is dated within 31 days of submission. A single transit transaction has refused otherwise-strong applicants.
Editorial guidance reflects NAFSA-aligned recruiter practice and current government postings as of the last quarterly review.
FAQs
Do I need IELTS for the Student Route?▾
Not always. If your sponsor is a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, they can assess your English internally and confirm it on the CAS — no SELT required. Below-degree-level courses always need an approved SELT.
How much money do I need to show?▾
Outstanding course fees for one year plus GBP 1,483 per month for up to 9 months if you study in London, or GBP 1,136 per month outside London. Funds must sit in your account (or a parent's account with consent letter) for 28 consecutive days.
Can I bring my family?▾
Only PhD students and government-sponsored postgraduates 9+ months can bring dependants from January 2024. Master's-level taught students can no longer bring spouses or children to the UK on a Student Dependent visa.
What happens if my Graduate Route application is delayed?▾
As long as you submitted before your Student visa expired, you have section 3C leave and can continue to work and live in the UK on the same conditions while the decision is pending.
Is the Graduate Route being scrapped?▾
As of the 2024 Migration Advisory Committee review, the Graduate Route was retained with stricter compliance monitoring on sponsors. Check gov.uk for the latest position before applying.
Visa fees, processing times and policy change frequently. Spotted something out of date?Send a correction →