Applying for a Student Visa inside the UK
You can apply for a Student visa from inside the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This is often referred to as extending your visa.
This section explains:
- what documents you need
- how to obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- how to complete your visa application
- when to apply
Changes to your studies
If your circumstances change (for example, your course, mode of study, or duration), you may need to apply for a new Student visa. Check the relevant guidance or contact Immigration Compliance for advice.
ATAS certificates
If your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, you must apply for this in advance and include it with your visa application.
Eligibility to apply for a Student Visa inside the UK
Eligibility requirements
You can apply/extend a Student visa from inside the UK if you meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
In general, you must:
Hold a valid visa
You must currently hold a visa that allows you to apply from inside the UK. Some visa types (such as Visitor visas) do not allow switching to a Student visa.
Have a valid CAS
You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University of Glasgow for your new course.
Meet academic progression requirements
If you are applying to study a new course, you must normally show academic progress, or this must be confirmed in your CAS.
Apply at the right time
Your new course must start before your current visa expires, or within 28 days of its expiry.
Meet financial requirements
You must show you have enough money to pay any outstanding tuition fees and cover your living costs, unless you are exempt.
Students who have been living in the UK with valid immigration permission for 12 months or more may not need to provide financial evidence.
For full details on documents and financial requirements, see the 'Documents and CAS' section below.
When to apply
When to apply
You can apply for a Student visa once you have received your CAS for your new course.
If you are applying from inside the UK, you must submit your application before your current visa expires. The date you submit your online application is your official date of application.
Applying before your visa expires is known as making an 'in-time' application.
If you apply in time:
- you can stay in the UK lawfully while your application is being processed
- you can start or continue your studies (in most cases)
You do not need to receive your new visa before your course starts, but you must provide proof of your application to the Immigration Compliance Team.
If you apply late:
If you apply after your visa has expired, you will be considered an overstayer. This can affect your ability to study or work in the UK.
Application process
1. Complete your application
Apply online using the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Student visa application form. You will need information from your CAS and your supporting documents to complete the form.
2. Pay the required fees
You will need to pay:
The visa application fee: £524 (£558 from 8 April 2026)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
You may be able to pay extra for a faster decision.
3. Submit your documents
Follow the UKVI instructions to upload your supporting documents to your online account, or bring them to your biometric appointment as required
4. Meet the financial requirement
You must demonstrate you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs, unless you are exempt (e.g. you’ve been living in the UK for 12+ months on a valid visa).
5. Attend your biometric appointment
Most applicants will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) via the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a Visa Application Centre appointment.
6. Receive your decision
You will be contacted by UKVI once a decision has been made.
If your application is successful, check all details are correct. If not report the error to UKVI.
Keep a copy of your decision email or digital status.
Documents and CAS
Your CAS
You must have a valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your current or new course.
- Check all details are correct before applying.
- Contact Admissions if any information needs updating.
- Your CAS must include an academic progression statement if required.
Prepare your documents
Have your supporting documents ready before submitting your application. Documents must meet UKVI requirements.
Common documents you will usually need:
- Current passport
- Current visa (BRP, visa sticker, or digital status)
- CAS and any receipts for tuition paid after it was issued
- Academic progression evidence if applying for a new course
- ATAS certificate, if required
- Documents for applicants under 18
Financial evidence
You must show you have enough money to cover:
- Tuition fees (including any unpaid fees)
- Living costs (£1,171 per month, up to 9 months
- UKVI guidance: Financial evidence for Student and Child Student visa applicants
Exemption:
If you’ve been living in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more, you may not need to provide financial evidence.
If you are relying on a parent, guardian, or official financial sponsor:
- Proof of relationship and a letter of consent (for parents/guardians)
- Official sponsor letter confirming tuition fees and living costs
Translations and currency conversion
Non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator.
Convert any non-GBP financial documents to GBP using a reliable converter (e.g., OANDA).
Can I have my dependants stay with me?
Please see the information on (Student) Dependants here.
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.
- For 90-day visa sticker errors (like wrong name, nationality, or 'valid from' date): Contact the International Enquiry Service for corrections before traveling. There may be a fee.
- For digital visa errors: Report to UKVI's Settlement Resolution Centre before traveling. If the error occurs after arrival, contact International Student Support for advice.
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.