Applying for a Student Visa outside the UK

Here's what you need to know about applying for your Student Visa. 

To apply you'll need a valid University of Glasgow CAS for your studies. This must be issued within 6 months of your application date. 

While we provide an overview of the visa process here, the visa application centre in your country will offer detailed guidance specific to your location.  

Important things to remember:

  • You must show you have enough money to meet the maintenance requirement for a visa (as explained in our FAQs Guide, the "Documents and CAS" and "Application process" sections). You should also make sure you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.  
  • If your course requires an ATAS certificate, make sure to apply and receive it before submitting your Student Visa application. See the "Documents and CAS" section for more details.
  • You must receive your Student Visa, travel to the UK with it, and complete Visa Registration before the arrival date on your CAS to start or continue your studies at University of Glasgow. For more details, check the "When to apply" section.

When to apply

"Date of Application" and Visa Processing Times

The "date of application" is the day you submit your online Student Visa application after paying the IHS and visa fees.  

Visa Processing Times

Visa processing will start after you submit all required documents and provide your biometric details. 

Here are typical processing times:

  • Standard service: 3 weeks
  • Priority service: 5 working days
  • Super priority service: by the end of the next working day

Visa Processing Delays

Sometimes, especially during busy times of year (e.g. August - October), UKVI may not process your visa within the usual timeframe. If this happens, UKVI might email you to let you know about the delay, but they usually don't provide specific reasons or timelines. 

If you are worried about not receiving your visa in time, check the section below on what to do. 

Important Notes:

  • If you want a faster decision, you can pay extra for priority or super priority services, but you need to choose this at the time of applying.
  • All parts of the visa process (form submission, document submission, biometrics) must be done in the country you're applying from. You cannot do any part of the process in the UK. 
  • Wait until you've received your visa before travelling to the UK, even if you can normally visit without one. Traveling before you have your visa will prevent you from completing Visa Registration and starting your course.  

Making your Student Visa application

You can apply for your Student Visa after you've received your CAS and prepared any necessary documents. 

ATAS Certificate:

If your course requires an ATAS certificate, you can apply for it before receiving your CAS. Make sure you get the ATAS certificate in time to submit with your visa application. 

If You Are Concerned About Your Visa Timing:

If you are worried about not getting your Student Visa in time to travel and complete Visa Registration before the latest arrival date, contact Admissions and your School Office / Graduate School Office at University of Glasgow as soon as possible. They can help you explore our options like deferring your start date. 

If a later date is confirmed, and your CAS is still "Assigned," Admissions will update your CAS.  If you CAS is marked as "Used," keep the confirmation email of your new arrival date with your passport and CAS when you travel.  This will help explain any delay to UK Border Officers if asked. 

Student Visa application process

Visa Application Process Overview

The visa application centre for your region will provide detailed steps on how to apply. Below is a simplified overview of the process.

1. Complete and Submit the Online Application
You can access the online Student Visa application form through the UKVI website. Many of the form’s questions can be answered using information from your visa documents (like your CAS and passport).

2. Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

3. Submit Your Documents
Check the visa application centre’s website for how to submit your documents. You may need to upload them at an appointment. See our "Documents and CAS" section.

4. Meet the Maintenance Requirement
You must show you have enough money to cover:

  • Unpaid tuition fees (from your CAS)
  • £1,136 per month for living costs (up to 9 months, or £10,224 total)

Important: Make sure to calculate the required amount based on your course length (round up to a full month if needed).

5. Appointments, Biometric Information & Interviews

  • Appointments: Book an appointment when you pay your application fee. This is where you’ll submit your documents.
  • Biometrics: Most applicants need to provide fingerprints and a digital photo at the appointment.
  • Credibility Interview: You may have a brief video interview about your background, study plans, and finances.

6. Wait for Your Decision
If your application is successful, you’ll get a decision email from UKVI. Check the details carefully to ensure:

  • Your personal info is correct
  • The visa type and duration are right
  • Your visa is valid from the right date for your travel

Once you get your visa, you can travel to the UK according to the "valid from" date on your visa.

Documents and CAS

Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

You need a valid CAS to apply for your Student Visa. Before applying, make sure all details on your CAS are correct. Once you receive your CAS, you can complete your visa application form and submit it as soon as possible.

It's a good idea to start preparing other necessary visa documents while you wait for your CAS to avoid delays.

Required Documents and Visa Requirements

Your documents need to meet the UKVI's requirements outlined in the UKVI's guidance and Immigration Rules.

Common Documents to Prepare:

  • Current Passport
  • CAS: Ensure all details are correct. If any changes are needed, contact Admissions. The CAS will show your course start and latest arrival dates. If you’ve paid tuition fees after the CAS was issued, you’ll need to provide tuition fee receipts.
  • Evidence for Offer of Study: This is usually listed in the "English Language" and "Evidence Used to Obtain Offer" sections of your CAS.
  • ATAS Certificate: If required by your course, apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as possible. It may take 4-6 weeks to process. Make sure you submit this along with your other documents.
  • Financial Evidence: You must show you have enough money to cover:
    • Unpaid tuition fees (check your CAS or tuition receipts)
    • £1,136 per month for living costs (up to £10,224 for 9 months)

Make sure to calculate how many months of maintenance you need based on your course dates. If the length of your course includes a part of a month, round it up to a full month. 

Using Parent or Guardian's Financial Evidence:
If using your parent or guardian's financial documents, you’ll also need to provide:

  • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate)
  • A consent letter from your parents

Official Financial Sponsor Letter:
If you're receiving sponsorship or a scholarship, you may need a letter from your sponsor confirming their support for both tuition fees and living costs.

Currency Conversion:
If your financial evidence is in a currency other than GBP, use the OANDA currency converter to show the equivalent in GBP on the day you submit your visa application.

Translations:
If any documents are not in English, you must provide a certified translation meeting UKVI's requirements. Translations must include confirmation it is an accurate translation of the document, the date of translation, full name and signature of translator/ translation company and contact details. 

Additional Documents:

  • TB Test: If you're from certain countries, you'll need a TB test if staying in the UK for more than 6 months.
  • Under 18 Applicants: There are extra documents required for students under 18. See the “Students under 18” section for more details.

Note:
Some nationals may not need to provide financial evidence or documents related to their offer. However, it's best to prepare all documents in case UKVI asks for them during processing.

Make sure to also prepare any required ATAS certificates and official sponsor letters if applicable.

Students under 18

If You Are Under 18 When Applying for a Student Visa

If you are under 18 at the time of your Student Visa application, you will need to provide additional documents:

  1. Parental Consent Letter: This letter must be signed by your parents or legal guardians. It should confirm the following:

    • Your relationship with your parents or guardians
    • Their consent for your visa application
    • Their consent for your living and care arrangements in the UK
    • Their consent for your travel to and from the UK (if applicable)

  2. Proof of Relationship: You must provide proof of your relationship with your parents or legal guardians, such as:

    • A birth certificate showing your parents’ names
    • A certificate of adoption naming your parents or guardians
    • A legal document naming your guardian(s) or showing one parent has sole responsibility

For more detailed information, refer to the UKVI’s Student Guidance and Appendix Student. 

Admissions at University of Glasgow require permission from your parents/guardians for you to study here. Complete the Under-18 consent form and upload to the University Admissions Applicant Self-Service Portal.

Can I bring my dependants with me?

Please see the information on (Student) Dependants here.

Entering UK via Ireland / Dublin

You can travel to the UK via Dublin/Ireland using the Student Visa sticker (the 90-day visa sticker if your decision letter says you will receive a BRP), or with your digital status, share code and passport. 

Please note: Your entry date won't be recorded if you enter the UK via Dublin/Ireland because there are no immigration checks between the two countries, as they are part of the Common Travel Area. 

If you travel via Dublin, keep evidence of your travel dates and entry to the UK,  as you may need this information for Visa Registration. For more details, check the UKCISA website.

BRPs and Digital Visa Status

Starting from 1 January 2025, UKVI will issue all visa holders with an online digital visa status, accessible with a share code, and will no longer issue BRPs.

If Your Visa is Less Than 6 Months

Your visa will be a sticker in your passport or a digital visa status, and you won’t receive a BRP.

If You Get a Digital Visa Status

Follow the link in your decision letter or email to check if you can generate a share code before traveling to the UK. You will need to show your digital visa status upon arrival if asked by a UK Border Officer, to prove your rights to work and study.

You will not receive a visa sticker or BRP if you have a digital visa status.

Reporting Errors with Your Digital Visa

If you notice an error, report it immediately. UKVI warns that if you don’t, you might need to apply for a new visa, which could be costly and delay your studies.

Student Visa conditions

Student Visa conditions

For detailed information on your visa conditions, including work and study rules, refer to the Appendix Student under "Period and conditions of grant for a Student".

Make sure to also check the Immigration Compliance Team webpages for your responsibilities as a Student Visa holder, including attendance and engagement requirements to keep your visa valid. 

This also covers when you need permission from your School Office / Graduate School for any absences or time spent outside the UK during term time, as it can impact your visa status.

Changes to your studies, such as course adjustments, may affect your visa's validity or require a new application. Visit our webpages for common scenarios. 

For more information on working during or after your studies on a Student visa, see the International student support webpages. 

Travelling on your Student Visa (during or after studies)

Traveling Outside the UK

When re-entering the UK, you need to show proof of a valid Student Visa, your digital visa status (with a share code ready before you travel).

Ensure you do not exceed the allowed time outside the UK during term time, and get permission from your School Office/Graduate School if required, as outlined on the Immigration Compliance Team webpages.

Certain changes to your studies, like early course completion or long absences, can affect your visa validity or expiry. Contact the Immigration Compliance Team if you’re unsure whether any report has been made that could affect your visa.

For common study changes that might impact your visa, refer to our relevant webpages.

Returning to the UK After Completing Your Course

If you leave the UK after finishing your course, you can return as long as your Student Visa is still valid and you re-enter before the visa expires.

If you're unsure about any report that might affect your visa, like early course completion or absences, contact the Immigration Compliance Team.

A UK Border Officer decides whether to let you back into the UK, so be prepared to explain your reason for returning. Keep relevant documents in your hand luggage, such as: