You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course. You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.
Courses you can study
You can do one of the following courses:
- a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study
- a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
- a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
- a part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
- a recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
- an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
You can also apply for this visa if you’re taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.
You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you’re studying or researching sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.
Postgraduate doctors and dentists
You can apply for this visa if you’re sponsored to do a recognised foundation programme and you’ve:
- finished a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry
- received that degree from a registered student sponsor
- spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once they’ve offered you a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
You must enter this reference number on your visa application.
You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.
