EDUCATION
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.
- Decision points
- 6 useful sections
- Reading time
- 2 minutes
- Source checks
- 1 named checkpoint
- Last reviewed
- 2 SEPTEMBER 2026
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.
Child Student basics
The Child Student route is for ages 4 to 17 studying at an independent school. It requires an unconditional place, suitable living arrangements, enough money and parental or guardian consent. It cannot be used to attend an academy or maintained school.
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.
