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Study visas

UK study visas by route

Full-time study, child student, and short-term English routes. Confirm course sponsorship and timing before you apply.

Explore routes Build a Student checklist
Study route fees Study route questions Guidance by stage
Core check Course offer and CAS from a licensed sponsor.
Evidence Financial documents, identity, and dependant planning where needed.
Timing Apply early enough for biometrics and course start dates.

Study route flow

01
Confirm course and CAS

Check your sponsor, course details, and route eligibility.

02
Prepare finances and evidence

Compile funds evidence, identity records, and supporting documents.

03
Submit before deadlines

Plan biometrics and submission timing ahead of course start.

Rules change often. We refresh this guide when published updates are released, but always confirm requirements on the official page before you apply.
Student visa Main route for full-time study with a licensed UK sponsor.
Child Student For eligible pupils studying at independent schools.
Short-term study English language study routes with shorter permissions.
Parent route Parent of a Child Student route where eligibility conditions apply.

Study visas overview

Study routes cover full-time courses, child student routes, and short-term English study. Most require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.

Course + sponsor

Confirm your institution is a licensed sponsor and your course start date.

Funds

Prepare tuition and living cost evidence in line with the official requirements.

Documents

Passport, CAS, academic records, and any required test results.

Common study routes

Pick the route that matches your course length and age group. Short courses may use different routes.

Study route step-by-step guidance

Use these route flows to prepare evidence and submit with fewer delays.

Student visa

  1. Confirm your course and sponsor licence status.
  2. Receive CAS and verify all course details are accurate.
  3. Prepare funds, academic records, and identity documents.
  4. Submit application, book biometrics, and upload evidence.

Child Student visa

  1. Confirm school sponsorship and child eligibility criteria.
  2. Check parental consent and care arrangements.
  3. Prepare CAS, identity, and financial documents.
  4. Apply and organise biometrics and travel timing.

Parent of a Child Student

  1. Confirm your child’s route and schooling arrangements.
  2. Check your eligibility and intended stay conditions.
  3. Prepare relationship, finance, and accommodation evidence.
  4. Apply and keep your child’s visa records aligned.

Short-term study (English)

  1. Confirm your course length fits short-term study rules.
  2. Secure course confirmation from provider.
  3. Prepare finances, passport, and return travel evidence.
  4. Apply with a clear short-stay study plan.

Short courses via Standard Visitor

  1. Confirm your course is permitted under visitor rules.
  2. Set clear travel and return plans within allowed duration.
  3. Prepare course booking, funds, and accommodation proof.
  4. Apply on the visitor route and keep study evidence ready.