Student Visas
Get Top-Level Education in the UK with LawSentis
The UK is renowned for offering world-class education at its schools, colleges, and universities. As an international student, you can apply for a UK Student Visa through the country’s Points-Based Immigration System. This visa is for non-UK and non-Irish nationals who have secured an unconditional offer of study from a licensed sponsor and can prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their course.
At LawSentis, we offer expert support at every step of the visa application process.
Student Visas for Adults
What Courses Can You Study in the UK?
The UK Student Visa allows you to enroll in a wide variety of courses, including:
- Bachelor's and Master’s degree programs
- PhD and research programs
- Foundation or pathway programs
- Short-term academic programs
- English language courses (lasting between 6 and 11 months)
Our education partners, including Uniq Study Hub, are committed to helping you find the right academic path. We connect you with leading educational institutions and provide comprehensive support for enrolment, pre-arrival guidance, and settling into life in the UK.
Requirements for a UK Student Visa
To apply successfully, you must meet the following criteria:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
- You must have a CAS from your sponsoring institution, which is a unique reference number proving you have an unconditional offer.
Maintenance Funds:
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs for your first year of study. The required amounts have been updated for 2025:
- £1,483 per month (or £13,347 for a 9-month period) for studies in London
- £1,136 per month (or £10,224 for a 9-month period) for studies outside London.
You must have held this money for a consecutive 28-day period.
Valid Passport:
- Provide a current passport or a valid travel document.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test:
A TB test result is required if you are applying from a country on the UK Home Office specified list.
Points-Based System
You must score at least 70 points, which is achieved by having a CAS (50 points), the required maintenance funds (10 points), and meeting the English language requirement (10 points).
The Home office may conduct an interview to verify your genuine intention to study in the UK.
English Language Requirement
You must prove your English language proficiency at a specific level:
- B2 CEFR level for degree-level or higher courses.
- B1 CEFR level for courses below degree level.
This is typically done by taking an approved test, such as IELTS for UK Home Office or a Trinity College SELT. However, you may be exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or have a degree taught in English.
Student Visa Fees and Processing
The visa application fees for 2025 are:
- Student Visa fee (outside UK): £524
- Student Visa fee (inside UK): £524
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year. This fee provides access to the National Health Service (NHS).
Most applications are processed within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK. From January 2025, all student visa applications must be submitted as eVisas through a UK Home Office account.
Can I Bring Dependants and Can I Extend My Visa?
The rules for bringing dependants (a partner or children) have been significantly tightened. Only students on a postgraduate research program (like a PhD) or those with a government-funded scholarship are eligible to bring dependants.
Student visa extensions are possible if you have a new CAS for a course at a higher academic level. You must apply for the extension from within the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 Visa.
Child Student Visa
Who is a Child Student Visa For?
The Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent fee-paying school in the UK. This visa route replaced the former Tier 4 (Child) visa.
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Have an unconditional offer from an eligible independent school.
- Have written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living costs.
Parent of a Child Student Visa
Parents of a child aged 4 to 11 may apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa to accompany their child.
Key conditions include:
- Only one parent can apply.
- The parent cannot work, study, or claim public benefits.
- The visa is typically valid until the child turns 12 or the visa expires, whichever comes first.
Required Documents
For both the Child Student Visa and the Parent of a Child Student Visa
you will need to provide:
- A valid passport or travel ID.
- CAS number and school acceptance letter.
- Financial proof (bank statements, financial sponsorship letters).
- Parental consent forms.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if required.
- Certified translations if documents are not in English.
How LawSentis Helps with Your Application
At LawSentis, we offer more than just application forms. We provide tailored support to ensure your application is as strong as possible.
Our services include:
- A personalized checklist of documents.
- Full visa application preparation, including for dependants.
- Guidance for visa interviews and financial evidence.
- Ongoing support until you arrive in the UK.
- Assistance with visa extensions or switching to other routes, such as the Graduate Visa after your studies.
Our expertise gives students and their families the confidence that their UK study plans are fully supported. Contact LawSentis today for professional assistance with your Student Visa or Child Student Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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