You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK. You must: have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK - you’ll need to prove this when you apply If you’re 18 or over, apply for a Student visa instead. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa. If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme . The deadline is 30 June 2021. Otherwise you need a visa to study in the UK. Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme. When to apply When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK. Applying from outside the UK The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Applying from inside the UK The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks. How long you can stay How long you can stay depends on your age on the date you apply and the length of your course. Age when you apply How long you can stay Under 16 Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards 16 or 17 Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards When you can travel to the UK You can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course starts. Staying longer in the UK You may be able to: extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK switch to a Child Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK Fees It costs: £348 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK £475 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply. What you can and cannot do You can study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over you can work: part-time during term for up to 10 hours per week full-time during vacations on a work placement as part of your course (but not for more than 50% of your course) You cannot: study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school) or further or higher education institution get public funds (benefits) take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed work as a professional sportsperson (for example a sports coach) or entertainer apply for settlement bring family members (‘dependants’) - if a parent wants to accompany you, they’ll need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa visa If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Child Student visa.

You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child 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 a course at an independent school that’s taught in line with one of the following: the national curriculum the Regulated Qualifications Framework ( RQF ) at level 3 or below independent school education inspection standards You can also do a course that’s accepted as being at the same academic level by: Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) Education Scotland Estyn (in Wales) Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland) You can do a short ‘pre-sessional’ course to prepare you for your main course. You cannot do a foundation course that will prepare you for direct entry to a higher education institution. Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) Once your education provider has offered you a place on a course, they’ll send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ). You’ll need to enter this reference number on your visa application. Your CAS can cover both the pre-sessional course and your main course of study. You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS .

You must have enough money available to you to pay for your course and support you in the UK. How much money you need depends on where you will live and who will be looking after you. If you’ll live with your parent or guardian Your parent must have a Parent of a Child Student visa to accompany you to the UK. If you’re over 12 your parent will not be eligible, unless you have a younger sibling who’s under 12 and also has a Child Student visa. You must have enough money to pay for your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months). You’ll also need £1,560 per month (for up to 9 months) - this amount is for both you and your parent. Your parent will need an extra £625 a month (for up to 9 months) for each additional child they accompany to the UK. The child must be your sibling and must also have a Child Student visa. If you’re boarding at an independent school You must have enough money to pay for your course fees and your boarding fees for one academic year (up to 9 months). If you’ll live with a foster carer or close relative You must have enough money to pay for your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months). Your foster carer or close relative must confirm they have at least £570 per month (for up to 9 months). Your foster carer or close relative must be a British citizen or be settled (have ‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK. They cannot be your parent. If you’re 16 or 17 and living independently You must have enough money to pay for your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months). You’ll also need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying in London £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying outside of London London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. Read the guidance to find out how much money you need and how to prove it . You must prove you (or your parent) have the money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa. Example If you submit your application on 1 January 2021, you’d have to show that the funds were in your bank account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December. If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself You do not need to prove you have money to support yourself if you’ve had a valid UK visa for at least 12 months immediately prior to the date of your Child Student visa application - you must currently be in the UK. If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories: Australia Austria Bahrain Barbados Belgium Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Chile China Croatia Republic of Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark The Dominican Republic Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Peru Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Tunisia United Arab Emirates United States of America However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application. If you do need to provide it, you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) after you’ve submitted your application. Read the guidance to find out how much money you need and how to prove it .

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply for your Child Student visa you must provide: a current passport or other valid travel documentation a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) from your course provider written consent from your parent or legal guardian for your study in the UK You may also need to provide: proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian (for example a birth certificate or other government issued document showing their names) evidence of the qualifications you used to get a place on your course - if this was required by your course provider your tuberculosis ( TB ) test results written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide . You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply. Parental consent You must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or legal guardian. This must confirm they consent to: your visa application your living arrangements and care in the UK your travel to the UK If you’re living with a close relative or foster carer, you’ll need to provide additional evidence. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide .

You must apply online for a Child Student visa. Check which documents you’ll need to apply . Apply outside the UK As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either: have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later. Start now How long it takes to get a decision You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision . Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services. Apply inside the UK You may be able to apply to: extend your Child Student visa switch to a Child Student visa from another type of visa After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17) of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. After you get a decision If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app Find out what happens after you get your decision .

You may be able to apply to extend your Child Student visa to stay longer in the UK. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (Child) student visa. To extend your visa you must: be in the UK on a Child Student visa (or a Tier 4 (Child) student visa) have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself . When to apply The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring. For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December. You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ). You can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision. Fees You’ll need to pay: £475 to extend this visa the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. Apply You must apply online. As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Start now You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply. After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17) of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. If your application is successful If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

You may be able to change (‘switch’) to a Child Student visa from another visa. You must be between 4 and 17 years old. You cannot switch to a Child Student visa if you have one of the following: a visitor visa a short-term student visa leave outside the immigration rules If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa. Eligibility To switch to a Child Student visa you must: be in the UK be between 4 and 17 years old have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor - show by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself . When to apply The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring. For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December. You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS ) . You can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision. Fees You’ll need to pay: £475 to switch to this visa the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. Apply You must apply online. As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have. You’ll either: give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services ( UKVCAS ) service point use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account) You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Start now You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do. How long it takes to get a decision A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply. After you apply You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17) of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction) If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) . You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application. If your application is successful If your application is successful, you’ll get either: a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

Child Student visa

Overview

You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK.

You must:

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school
be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course
have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK - you’ll need to prove this when you apply

If you’re 18 or over, apply for a Student visa instead.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline is 30 June 2021.

Otherwise you need a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on your age on the date you apply and the length of your course.

Age when you apply	How long you can stay
Under 16	Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards
16 or 17	Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course starts.

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
switch to a Child Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK

Fees

It costs:

£348 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK
£475 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

What you can and cannot do

You can study at an independent school.

If you’re 16 or over you can work:

part-time during term for up to 10 hours per week
full-time during vacations
on a work placement as part of your course (but not for more than 50% of your course)

You cannot:

study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school) or further or higher education institution
get public funds (benefits)
take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed
work as a professional sportsperson (for example a sports coach) or entertainer
apply for settlement
bring family members (‘dependants’) - if a parent wants to accompany you, they’ll need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Child Student visa.

Print entire guide

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you
You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK.
1. You are currently viewing: Check what you can and cannot do on this visa
2. Check what courses you can study on this visa
You might be eligible for a different visa if you're 18 or over.
1. Check which visas you're eligible for
Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need
1. Check what documents you can use as evidence
2. Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test
Step 3 Apply from outside the UK
1. Apply from outside the UK £348
You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
1. Find out if you can pay more to get a faster decision
or Apply from inside the UK
1. Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on a Child Student visa (or Tier 4 (Child) visa) £475
2. Apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £475
You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.

You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
1. You may be able to pay more to get a faster decision you’ll be told if you can when you apply
Step 4 Check what you can bring with you to the UK
Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border
1. Check what you need to show at the UK border
If you said in your application that you would be accompanied by an adult, they need to be with you when you arrive at the border.

If you're not accompanied by an adult, the official at the border will check that you know where you're going and how you're getting there. They may ask you other questions too.
Step 6 After you arrive in the UK
1. Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you were told you'd get one when you applied
You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.
1. Check if you can extend your visa
If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to come to the UK again.

Child Student visa

Overview

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

When to apply

Applying from outside the UK

Applying from inside the UK

How long you can stay

When you can travel to the UK

Staying longer in the UK

Fees

What you can and cannot do

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3 Apply from outside the UK

or Apply from inside the UK

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you to the UK

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 After you arrive in the UK

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

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Part of Study in the UK on a Child Student visa

Child Student visa

Overview

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

When to apply

Applying from outside the UK

Applying from inside the UK

How long you can stay

When you can travel to the UK

Staying longer in the UK

Fees

What you can and cannot do

Part of Study in the UK on a Child Student visa

Step 1: Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2: Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3: Apply from outside the UK

or Apply from inside the UK

Step 4: Check what you can bring with you to the UK

Step 5: Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6: After you arrive in the UK

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you

Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

Step 3 Apply from outside the UK

Step 4 Check what you can bring with you to the UK

Step 5 Check what you need to show at the UK border

Step 6 After you arrive in the UK