UK Student Visa & CAS: Requirements, Funds, Fees & Timeline (2026)
The UK Student visa process from offer letter to CAS to approval — the documents, proof of funds, fees and realistic timeline. Figures change yearly, so confirm on GOV.UK.
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After you accept an offer from a licensed UK university, it issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — a reference confirming you are a genuine student. You then apply for the UK Student visa (the route formerly called Tier 4) online. Decisions on applications made from outside the UK typically arrive within about 3 weeks.
Proof of funds requirement
You must show you can pay your course fees plus living costs. From January 2025 UKVI set living-cost funds at £1,483/month in London and £1,136/month outside London, for up to 9 months. The funds must usually sit in your (or your parent-sponsor's) account for at least 28 consecutive days. Always confirm the current figures on GOV.UK, as they are updated.
Financial documents to prepare
Bank statements covering the 28-day period, a sponsor letter and proof of relationship if a parent is funding you, and any official scholarship or loan letters. The 28-day closing balance must not drop below the required amount on any day in that window.
Visa fees and health surcharge
The Student visa application fee is in the region of £490–525 (it has risen in recent years, so check the current amount on GOV.UK). On top of that you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year of your stay and gives you access to the NHS. Faster 'priority' processing is available for an extra fee.
Health cover via the NHS
Because you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront, you are covered by the NHS for the duration of your visa, so a separate private health-insurance policy is generally not required for UK study.
Genuine application matters
Most complete, genuine applications are approved; refusals usually come from missing or insufficient proof of funds, the 28-day rule being broken, or document concerns. Prepare your finances carefully and double-check every figure against the CAS.
Apply strategically
Apply for your visa soon after receiving your CAS — the earlier you submit, the more likely you'll arrive in time for your intake. Use the free UK Visa Checklist on LandingPrep to make sure no document is missing.