Student Visa: How to Get It Right

By Stevie Hayes | Last updated: February 2026

Quick Answer

Securing a UK Student visa requires navigating a maze of requirements: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds held for 28 consecutive days, English language evidence, and potentially a tuberculosis test. Even small documentation errors lead to refusals. Understanding what the Home Office actually wants to see separates successful applicants from the disappointed.

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The Essentials at a Glance

Before diving into details, here's what you absolutely must have:

Miss any one of these, and your application fails.

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Understanding the CAS

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is the foundation of your Student visa application. It's not a document you receive—it's a unique reference number that links to information your university has submitted to the Home Office.

What Your CAS Contains

• Your personal details (as they appear on your passport)
• Course title and level
• Course dates (start and end)
• Fees already paid
• Any academic qualifications your offer was based on
• Your ATAS certificate number (if required for your course)

Common CAS Problems

Your CAS expires after 6 months. If you don't submit your visa application within this window, you'll need a new one.

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Financial Requirements: The 28-Day Rule

This is where applications most commonly fail. The financial requirement seems straightforward—until you read the fine print.

How Much You Need

Plus any course fees not yet paid (shown on your CAS).

The 28-Day Holding Period

Here's the crucial part: you must hold the required funds for 28 consecutive days, and the end of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application date.

Example timeline:

• Required funds: £15,000
• Funds must be held: Day 1 to Day 28 (unbroken)
• Application submitted: No more than 31 days after Day 28

If your balance dips below the requirement on Day 14, even briefly, your 28-day count restarts.

Acceptable Evidence

Bank Statement Requirements

Your bank statements must show:

• Your name (matching your passport)
• Account number
• Date of statement
• Financial institution name and logo
• Closing balance (and ideally transaction history)
• Currency (if not GBP, will be converted)

PDF statements downloaded from online banking are acceptable. Screenshots are not.

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English Language Evidence

Most Student visa applicants must prove English language proficiency. The level required depends on your course level.

Required Levels

Ways to Prove English

1. SELT (Secure English Language Test) Take an approved test at an approved centre. IELTS for UKVI is the most common choice.

2. University Assessment Your university can confirm your English meets requirements if:

• You're from a majority English-speaking country
• Your previous qualification was taught in English
• You've passed the university's own English assessment

This assessment is referenced in your CAS.

3. Academic Exemption If you hold a degree taught in English from a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt.

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The TB Test Requirement

If you're from a country on the Home Office's TB testing list and you've been there for more than 6 months, you need a tuberculosis test certificate.

Listed Countries Include

• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
• China, Philippines, Indonesia
• Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa
• And many others (check the full list)

Getting Tested

• Tests must be at approved clinics
• Results typically take 1-2 days
• Certificate valid for 6 months
• Cost varies by country (approximately £50-100)

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The "Genuine Student" Requirement

Beyond paperwork, the Home Office assesses whether you're a genuine student who intends to study and then leave the UK. This is subjective, and caseworkers look for:

Positive Indicators

• Course relevant to your background or career plans
• Gap between previous studies and UK course is reasonable
• Clear post-study plans (return home, career progression)
• Strong ties to home country (family, property, job to return to)
• Consistent immigration history

Red Flags

• Course seems unrelated to background or career
• Long gaps in education without explanation
• Previous visa refusals (any country)
• Weak ties to home country
• Answers that suggest work is the primary motivation

Interview Preparation

Some applicants are interviewed (by phone or at the visa application centre). Be prepared to explain:

• Why you chose this course
• Why you chose this university
• Why you chose the UK (not another country)
• Your career plans after graduating
• How you'll finance your studies
• Your ties to your home country

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Timing Your Application

Getting the timing right matters:

Apply early. Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Peak season (June-August) sees significant delays.

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Preparing Your Application Bundle

A well-organised application improves your chances and speeds up processing.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• CAS reference number
• Financial evidence (28 days)
• English language evidence
• TB test certificate (if required)
• Previous UK visa refusal details (if any)
• ATAS certificate (if required for your course)
• Parental consent (if under 18)
• Criminal record certificate (if required)

Organising Your Evidence

Caseworkers review hundreds of applications. Clear, logical organisation helps:

• Create an index listing all documents
• Paginate your bundle consecutively
• Group related documents (all financial evidence together, etc.)
• Translate documents not in English (certified translations)

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After You Arrive

Once your visa is approved and you've arrived in the UK:

First Steps

1. Collect your BRP — Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of arrival
2. Register with your university — Sponsors must confirm your arrival
3. Open a UK bank account — Needed for daily life
4. Register with a GP — Healthcare access
5. Understand your visa conditions — Working hours limits, etc.

Working While Studying

Most Student visa holders can work:

Some courses (below degree level, English language courses) have more restrictive work permissions. Check your specific visa conditions.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family?

Dependants (partners and children) may accompany you if you're studying at postgraduate level or on a government scholarship. Rules have tightened significantly—check current eligibility.

What if my visa is refused?

You may have Administrative Review rights or can submit a fresh application addressing the reasons for refusal. Read the refusal letter carefully for your options.

Can I switch universities?

Yes, but you'll need a new CAS from the new institution and should inform your current sponsor before switching.

Do I need to show the full year's fees?

No. You only need to show fees not yet paid. If you've paid your full tuition, you only need living costs evidence.

Can parents' bank statements be used?

Generally no, unless they're officially sponsoring you (with legal documentation). The funds should ideally be in your own name.

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The Bottom Line

The UK Student visa is achievable, but the details matter enormously. Financial evidence trips up more applicants than any other requirement. Calculate carefully, maintain your balance, and document everything clearly.

Start early, prepare thoroughly, and don't leave anything to chance. Your UK education is worth getting the application right.

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This guide provides general information about UK Student visas. It is not legal advice. Requirements change—always verify current rules on GOV.UK and with your university before applying.

Sources:

• GOV.UK Student Visa
• UKCISA Student Immigration Advice
• Home Office Immigration Rules: Students