A UK Student visa normally depends on a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), meeting the financial and English-language requirements, and satisfying the Home Office that you are a genuine student. Current maintenance figures are £1,529 a month in London and £1,171 outside London, for up to nine months. Where funds must be shown, they generally need to be held for 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period within 31 days of applying. See UK student visa requirements.
Your CAS must be valid
A CAS is a virtual record assigned by a licensed student sponsor. It must normally have been issued no more than six months before the application and must not have been withdrawn or cancelled. It usually cannot have been used in a previous application that was granted or refused. Education providers also have sponsor duties and compliance obligations.
What you need at a glance
| Requirement | Current position | Common problem |
|---|---|---|
| CAS | Issued within six months | Withdrawn, cancelled or already used |
| Course fees | One academic year, up to nine months, as shown on CAS | Paid amount not evidenced |
| Living costs, London | £1,529 a month, up to nine months | Balance falls below requirement |
| Living costs, outside London | £1,171 a month, up to nine months | 28-day period incomplete |
| English | Usually B2 at degree level, B1 below degree level | Evidence not accepted |
Applicants do not always need to submit financial evidence. Those applying for permission to stay after holding valid UK permission for at least 12 months are normally exempt. Differential evidence applicants may also avoid submitting it initially, although UKVI can request it.
Acceptable sources include your own money, qualifying student loans, official financial sponsorship, and certain parent or partner funds. Cryptocurrency, stocks, shares, pensions and overdrafts cannot be used. Check student visa financial evidence before applying.
The genuine student assessment
A caseworker must be satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that you are a genuine student. Relevant factors include education history, knowledge of the course, finances and post-study plans. An interview may be arranged. Except in limited circumstances, the Home Office should not refuse on genuine-student grounds without interviewing you first.
English does not always require a SELT. It can be proved through specified qualifications, an overseas degree assessed by Ecctis, or an approved test. For degree-level study, an eligible Higher Education Provider can assess English itself.
If something goes wrong
Most Student refusals do not carry a general statutory right of appeal. Depending on the decision, options may include administrative review or a fresh application. Compare administrative review vs fresh application, student visa refusal explained and what to do after a UK visa refusal, and check UK visa appeal deadlines before acting.
Family, work and what comes next
student visa dependants are mainly limited to government-sponsored students on courses longer than six months and students on qualifying postgraduate research courses. For shorter study, see the short-term study visa guide; younger applicants may need the child student visa guide.
Students on eligible full-time degree-level courses can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term time. After study, some move to the Skilled Worker visa, consider self sponsorship, or join an employer with a sponsor licence application. Lawful Student residence can also count towards ILR based on long residence.
Current rules are on the GOV.UK Student visa pages.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Student visa take?
Applications from outside the UK are usually decided within three weeks; eligible in-country applications usually take eight weeks.
Can I use my parent’s money?
Yes, if the financial rules are met and the required consent and relationship evidence is provided.
Do I need funds if I have a scholarship?
Not for amounts covered by qualifying official financial sponsorship, provided the required evidence is supplied.
Speak to Garth Coates immigration solicitors if your CAS or financial evidence needs review before you apply.
This article is general information and was correct on 5 November 2026. It is not legal advice on your circumstances; immigration rules and fees change often. For advice on your case, request a consultation.
