What the UK Student Visa Requires
The UK's Student visa (the route that replaced Tier 4) is points-based. To qualify, you generally need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed university, proof of English proficiency, and evidence you can financially support yourself for the course.
Core Documents You'll Need
- A valid passport
- Your CAS reference number from the university
- Proof of funds covering tuition and living costs, held for the required period before applying
- Tuberculosis test results (required for applicants from Bangladesh)
- Academic qualifications and, where required, an English test certificate such as IELTS
Financial Requirements
You'll need to show you can cover your remaining tuition fees plus a fixed monthly living cost figure set by UK Visas and Immigration, held in your account for a minimum period before you apply. These figures change periodically, so always check the current numbers before applying rather than relying on last year's.
After You Arrive: The Graduate Route
Graduates of UK bachelor's or master's degrees can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows two years of work in the UK after graduation (three years for PhD graduates) without needing a job offer first.
Common Pitfalls
Visa refusals often come down to financial documents that don't meet the exact bank-statement format required, or funds that haven't been held for the full required period. Reviewing your documents with someone experienced in UK visa applications before submission can catch these issues early.
If you'd like help preparing a UK student visa application, our team can walk through your documents with you — get in touch or see our visa services page.