Studying in the UK: Your Guide to the Student Visa

A UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to pursue world-class education at licensed institutions. However, since late 2025, the Home Office has increased the financial requirements, making it essential to plan your budget carefully.

1. The CAS (Not CoS)

A common mistake is confusing a “Certificate of Sponsorship” (CoS) with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

• CAS: This is what students need. It is a unique digital reference number issued by your university or college once they have offered you an unconditional place.
• Validity: A CAS is only valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

2. 2026 Financial Requirements (Maintenance)

You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself. If you are applying in 2026, you must show you have held the following “living costs” in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days:

Location of Study	Monthly Requirement	Total for 9-Month Course
Inside London	£1,529	£13,761
Outside London	£1,171	£10,539

Note: If you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months before your application date, you may be exempt from showing these maintenance funds.

3. Duration of Stay and “Wrap-up” Period

The length of your visa will generally match your course duration, plus a “wrap-up” period to allow you to plan your next steps:

• Courses 12 months or longer: Usually granted the full course length + 4 months.
• Courses 6–12 months: Usually granted the course length + 2 months.

4. Working and Switching Routes

While studying, most degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

Once you complete your studies, you have two primary “switching” options:

• The Graduate Visa: A 2-year “post-study work” visa (3 years for PhDs) that allows you to work in any job without a sponsor. Note: For those graduating after January 2027, this duration is scheduled to decrease to 18 months.
• The Skilled Worker Visa: If you find a sponsored job, you can switch directly to a work visa. As a “New Entrant” (recent graduate), you may qualify for a lower salary threshold (starting around £30,960 in 2026).

What should you do now?

The Home Office has a “zero tolerance” policy for financial evidence. If your bank balance drops by even £1 during the 28-day window, your visa will be refused.

Contact First Precedent & Visas for a pre-submission audit. We will verify your CAS details, calculate your exact maintenance requirement (including any prepaid accommodation offsets), and ensure your financial documents meet the strict 2026 standards.