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Studying in the UK, and which visa you need
To study in the UK for more than six months you usually need a Student visa, sponsored by a licensed university, college or school through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Children aged 4 to 17 at independent schools use the Child Student visa, and English courses of up to 11 months use the short-term study route.
- CAS from a licensed sponsor
- Work up to 20 hours a week in term
- Graduate visa after a UK degree
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Compare UK study visas
Most international students use the Student visa. Younger children at independent schools use the Child Student visa, and a parent can come with a child aged 4 to 11.
Comparison table, scroll sideways to see every route
| Requirement | Licensed sponsor Student visa | Licensed sponsor Child student | Accredited provider Short-term study | Joins a child Parent of a child student |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Aged 16 or over, studying at a licensed education provider | Aged 4 to 17, at an independent school | Aged 16 or over, on an English language course lasting over 6 months | A parent of a child aged 4 to 11 on a Child Student visa |
| Offer needed | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | CAS from an independent school | Acceptance on an accredited English language course | Child’s Child Student visa or application |
| Longest stay | Usually up to 5 years at degree level; 2 years below degree level* | Under 16: up to 6 years; aged 16–17: up to 3 years, plus 4 months | Course length plus 30 days, up to 11 months | Until child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever is sooner |
| Can work | Up to 20 hours a week during term, depending on course* | Aged 16–17: up to 10 hours a week during term | No | No |
| Family can join | Only postgraduate research and some government-sponsored students | No | No | Other children only if they also hold a Child Student visa |
| After your studies | Graduate visa (if eligible), or switch to another visa | May switch to Student visa from age 16 | Must leave the UK; cannot extend this visa | Must leave when permission ends; no switching |
| Typical decision time | 3 weeks outside the UK; 8 weeks inside | 3 weeks outside the UK; 8 weeks inside | 3 weeks | 3 weeks outside the UK; 8 weeks for extensions inside |
| Full guide | Student visa guide | Child student guide | Short-term study guide | Parent of a child student guide |
*Student visa duration and work rights depend on the course, sponsor and individual conditions. Eligible students on certain courses may work full-time during vacations. Child Students aged 16–17 may also work full-time during vacations. Decision times are estimates.
Finishing your course in the UK?
Your next step is usually one of these.
What a Student visa application needs
These apply to the Student and Child Student visas. Short-term study has simpler rules.
- A CAS from a licensed sponsor
The reference number your university, college or school gives you once you’ve accepted an unconditional offer.
- Money for fees and living costs
Course fees plus living costs, held for 28 days. The amount depends on where you study.
- English language
Usually shown through your course provider’s assessment or an approved test.
- Academic progress
If you’ve studied in the UK before, the new course must usually be at a higher level.
- Parental consent
Applicants under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian.
What a student visa costs
You pay the application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at the student rate of £776 a year. Applying from inside the UK usually costs more.
Worked example
Student visa, 2-year course, applying from outside the UK
Application fee £558 + health surcharge 2 × £776 = £2,110 per person
The surcharge covers the length of the visa, which is usually longer than the course.
| Route | Application fee | Health surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa From outside the UK | £558 | £776 a year |
| Child student From outside the UK | £558 | £776 a year |
| Short-term study | £228 | £776 a year |
| Parent of a child student | £726 | £1,035 a year |
Home Office fees per applicant, from the 8 April 2026 schedule.
How we can help
From a first application to a refusal, at a fixed fee agreed before we start.
Visa application package We prepare and submit your application from start to finish. See what’s included → Application checking You prepare it, a regulated adviser reviews it before you submit. See what’s included → Visa appeals If you’re refused, we assess the merits and represent you. See what’s included →
What our clients say
What individuals, families and businesses say about working with QC Immigration.
Amin K. 
Monya R. QC have been invaluable throughout Home Office procedures for Tier 2 /ILR applications. The entire team is dedicated, professional and responds swiftly to queries. The application process was straightforward thanks to QC's skilful team. Highly recommended.
Danille D.
Once again, QC Immigration managed to help me with my visa extension. Without them, I'd have to deal with the stress of doing the application on my own. We made the right choice of continuing to work with QC Immigration. Thank you so much!!!
Mary
Outstanding service! QC provided precise, easy to follow advice and support throughout my permanent residence application process. The team is friendly, very professional, with invaluable in depth knowledge and advice that made the all process a pleasant experience. Highly recommended!
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QC Immigration handled our application in a way that was truly professional, clear and to the point. They explained all the options and procedures clearly to us and showed great respect for our privacy. The whole process was trouble-free and the result successful! Great value for money!
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The are truly amazing and lovely as well as extremely professional. They not only helped us with all the paper work but also were supportive when we were worried and getting anxious. I will definitely contact them again when the next step comes and I highly recommend them.
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QC guided me from application to naturalisation and passport with efficiency, knowledge, patience and care. They were recommended to me by a prestigious Law firm and I recommend them to you...
Anna R.
Having engaged QC Immigration to support my citizenship application I could not have been more satisfied with the service. My case was handled consistently by the same person. Ligia guided me through the process and made it all very simple. Any questions I had along the way were answered promptly. I have been putting off my application for years feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy involved. With QC Immigration support I was able to secure a successful outcome quickly and with no stress whatsoever. Charge for the service was very reasonable considering the quality of support and the responsiveness.Read the full review
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Xiaohan was so helpful with the process and we got accepted!
Tala A.
My partner and I had a great experience with QC. Both Dorota and Ninder were professional and attentive. I’d definitely work with them again.
Scott C. I recently engaged the services of QC Immigration to assist me in getting my first British passport. I applied from outside the British Isles and my situation was somewhat complex. Ninder and Dorota from QC treated me with the utmost of professionalism and courtesy. They took the time to review and explain my situation, and guide me through the steps of the application process, ensuring that my application stayed on track. With their expert assistance, my application was processed smoothly by HMPO and I received my new passport with no issues. I would highly recommend the services of QC Immigration to anyone who needs assistance navigating immigration, citizenship, or a VISA application to the UK.Read the full review
Maria R. We couldn’t be happier with QC Immigration. My partner and I applied for the UK Unmarried Partner Visa from Italy and received the decision in only 5 days after the biometrics appointment: truly incredible. Dorota followed us with exceptional kindness and professionalism, always available and supportive despite the large amount of documents we had to prepare. A special thank you also to Ninder! We felt fully supported and reassured throughout the entire process. We are over the moon and extremely grateful. Absolutely recommended!Read the full review
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Anamaria C. I am deeply grateful to Ninder J. for her invaluable support regarding my son’s citizenship application. After waiting for over a year without progress, she kindly advised me to reach out to our regional MP for assistance. Thanks to her guidance, the application was successfully reviewed and resolved. What stands out most is that Ninder offered this advice freely, without charging, simply as a gesture of good citizenship and genuine care. Her professionalism, generosity, and commitment to helping others truly impressed me. I wholeheartedly recommend Ninder J. to anyone seeking honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal guidance. Her support made a real difference for my family, and I will always be thankful.Read the full review
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Ramzi H.
I want to thank QC Immigration, especially Dorota, and Ninder for their great support. My case wasn’t easy at all – I had received a refusal with a 10-year ban because the Home Office considered one of my documents suspicious. It was a very stressful time, but Dorota took over my application and handled everything with so much care and attention. She always explained things clearly, kept me updated . What really makes Dorota special is not only her professionalism, but also her passion and the way she genuinely cares. She fought hard for fairness in my case. After months of waiting, I finally received a positive outcome, and I am sure this wouldn’t have happened without her. I’m truly grateful to Dorota. If you are looking for someone who is not only highly professional but also kind, supportive, and truly dedicated, I can’t recommend her enough.Read the full review
Emilie W.
Competent, empathetic and knowledgable support and guidance through my application for a student visa !! A special thank you to Sara and Xiaohan who supported me through it and who was always quick with answers.
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The team is exceptionally professional, and meticulous. No excuses. I would recommend them to anyone in need any day. Thank you very much.
Questions about studying in the UK
For route-specific questions, see each guide.
Yes. Your university, college or school issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once you’ve accepted an unconditional offer and met any conditions. You need the CAS number to apply, and you must apply within six months of it being issued.
You need your first year’s course fees, or what’s left to pay, plus living costs for up to nine months. The living cost amount is higher in London. The money usually needs to be held for 28 consecutive days, unless lighter evidence rules apply to your nationality.
Only in limited cases. Postgraduate research students, such as PhD students, and some government-sponsored students on longer courses can bring a partner and children. Most taught master’s and undergraduate students can’t bring new dependants.
Usually, yes. Degree-level students can generally work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time in vacations. Students below degree level have a lower limit. Self-employment and some roles aren’t allowed, and your visa sets out your own conditions.
If you complete a UK degree, you can usually apply for the Graduate visa, which lets you work without a sponsor. You can also switch to a work visa such as Skilled Worker if you have a job offer. Apply before your Student visa ends.
It can. The Home Office checks your immigration history, and any refusal must be declared. A new application should address the earlier reasons directly. Credibility interviews are common, so be ready to explain your study plans and how you’ll fund them.
Tell us what you need help with
A regulated adviser reviews your situation and comes back with an honest next step within one working day.
- An IAA-regulated UK immigration adviser reviews your case.
- A personal reply with your next step, within one working day.
- No payment required. Fixed fees if you proceed.
- 4.9 on Google
- IAA Level 3 · the highest tier
- 7,000+ clients helped
- Fast-track support
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