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A plain-English overview of how the UK Student visa fits into your journey - what you need, when to apply, and how your IELTS result connects to it. Use it to prepare and to plan your timing; rely on GOV.UK and your university for the authoritative rules.
This is general information, not immigration advice. The English Hub is independent and not affiliated with UK Visas and Immigration. Immigration rules and financial thresholds change and depend on your personal circumstances - always confirm the current requirements on the official UK government website and with your university’s international office.
The sequence
Your university confirms your place is secure - your grades and English-language condition (e.g. an IELTS band) are met. Until an offer is unconditional, you cannot get the document the visa needs.
The university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): a reference number that links your visa application to your course. You usually request it once you are unconditional and have met the university’s own checks.
Gather your passport, the CAS, evidence of funds, and your English-language evidence. Some applicants also need a tuberculosis test certificate and academic transcripts - the exact list depends on your nationality and circumstances.
Apply online, pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and provide biometrics. Apply in good time before your course starts - processing times vary by country and season.
What you typically need
The reference number from your university that ties the application to your course.
Proof you can pay your course fees and living costs for a set period, held for the required number of days before you apply.
Often an IELTS qualification - frequently the IELTS for UKVI variant - unless your course or nationality exempts you. Check which test and score the route requires.
A valid passport plus any additional documents (e.g. a TB test certificate) that apply to your country.
Your IELTS band has to satisfy your university’s offer and the visa route’s English-language requirement. Practise the Academic module and check where you stand with an instant AI-predicted band.
Common questions
It can. Universities use your IELTS band to make and confirm your offer, and the Student visa route also has an English-language requirement. Many courses ask for the IELTS for UKVI variant specifically, taken at an approved test centre. Confirm with your university and the official guidance which test and score you need for both the offer and the visa.
After you accept an unconditional offer and receive your CAS, and far enough ahead of your course start date to allow for processing, which varies by country and time of year. Applying early reduces stress and the risk of delays.
You generally need to evidence your tuition fees plus living costs for a defined period, held for a set number of days before you apply. The exact figures are set by the UK government and updated periodically - always check the current amounts on GOV.UK and confirm with your university.
No. The English Hub is an independent study-preparation platform and is not affiliated with UK Visas and Immigration. This page is general information to help you prepare and ask the right questions. For decisions about your application, rely on the official GOV.UK guidance and your university’s international student office.