LONNOW.COMEDUCATION
UK Student and Child Student visas: 2026 requirements explained
University students and children entering independent schools use different immigration routes. The school offer, finances, English and family arrangements must align.
Student visa basics
Applicants aged 16 or over may use the Student route for an eligible course with a licensed sponsor.
They need a course offer and CAS, sufficient funds, the required English ability and parental consent when aged 16 or 17. Degree-level study normally sits on this route.
On this page
Child Student basics
The Child Student route is for ages 4 to 17, normally studying at an independent school.
It requires an unconditional place with a licensed Child Student sponsor, a CAS, suitable living arrangements, enough money and parental or guardian consent. The official course page, checked 15 October 2026, specifies an Erasmus+ exception for a state-funded school or academy when the course follows the national curriculum and is at RQF level 3 or below.
Do not assume that any state-school offer qualifies.
Current timing and fee
GOV.UK states that applications from outside the UK can normally be made up to six months before the course and are usually decided within three weeks.
On 2 September 2026, the listed application fee for both routes is £558, plus the immigration health surcharge. Recheck before paying.
Work and family conditions
Student-route work rights depend on the course and term dates.
Child Students aged 16 or 17 may have limited work permission; younger children do not. Dependant rules are restricted and route-specific, so never assume a parent or partner can accompany the student.
After study
The Graduate route and its length depend on the qualification and application date.
GOV.UK currently states 18 months for most successful applicants applying from 1 January 2027, while PhD and other doctoral graduates retain a three-year period.
Use the official decision path
Check the licensed sponsor, CAS details, maintenance evidence, TB-test rules where relevant and eVisa access before travel.
Immigration rules change; a university offer or school place does not override the visa conditions.
Continue exploring
GCSEs, A levels and sixth form: the UK pathway explained
Subject choices at 14 and 16 shape later options, but there is no single perfect combination. Understand the qualification level, course requirements and the student’s strengths together.
Best secondary schools in England 2026: a transparent parent shortlist
The best school is not simply the one with the highest exam percentage. This guide identifies high-performing names, then shows how admissions, progress, pastoral care and fit change the decision.
Best universities in London for 2027: ten institutions to compare
London offers world-leading research, specialist institutions and direct access to major industries—but the right university depends on the course and the life around it.