A UK Student visa allows eligible Thai applicants to study at a UK institution licensed to sponsor international students. You will normally need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), sufficient funds and evidence that you meet the English-language requirement.
The Student route replaced the old Tier 4 (General) visa. The correct permission depends on your age, course and length of study, so check the route before submitting your application.
Planning to study in the UK?
Send us your course details, intended start date and whether your education provider has issued your CAS. Thai Visa Express can help you check the visa requirements and prepare your application from Thailand.
Ask us on WhatsAppWho can apply for a UK Student visa?
You can apply from age 16 if you have an eligible course offer from a licensed student sponsor, meet the financial and English requirements, and satisfy the other immigration rules.
Applicants aged 16 or 17 also need parental consent. Children aged 4 to 17 attending an independent school may need the Child Student route instead.
What is a CAS?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an electronic record issued by your education provider. It includes a reference number used in your visa application and information about your course and fees.
An offer letter alone is not a CAS. Your provider must issue the CAS before you apply, and you normally need to use it within six months of issue. Check that your personal details, course dates and recorded payments are correct.
How much money do you need?
You normally need enough money for the outstanding course fees shown on your CAS for one academic year, plus living costs.
The current maintenance amounts are:
- London: £1,529 per month, for up to nine months.
- Outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to nine months.
For nine months, this is £13,761 in London or £10,539 outside London, in addition to outstanding tuition fees. Different provisions can apply to boarding students, financial sponsorship and student loans.
Where you rely on bank funds, the required balance normally must be held for 28 consecutive days. That period must end within 31 days before the application date.
Do Thai applicants have to submit bank statements?
Thailand is on the differential evidence list. Eligible Thai applicants may not need to submit financial evidence initially, but must still meet the financial requirement. UKVI can request the documents before deciding the application, so prepare them properly.
What English-language evidence is required?
The usual standard is CEFR B2 for degree-level study or above, and B1 for study below degree level. The requirement covers reading, writing, speaking and listening.
The accepted evidence depends on your circumstances and sponsor. An eligible higher education provider may assess English itself for degree-level study. Other applicants may need an approved Secure English Language Test or another permitted form of evidence.
Check your provider’s instructions and the visa rules before booking a test. A basic A1 spouse visa test does not meet the Student route’s English standard.
Documents for a Student visa application
Your checklist will depend on your course and circumstances. It may include:
- A valid passport and your CAS reference.
- Financial evidence, where required.
- English-language and academic evidence relevant to your CAS.
- A UKVI-approved TB certificate, where required.
- An ATAS certificate for courses and applicants subject to that requirement.
- Parental consent and evidence of your relationship to your parents if you are under 18.
- Consent from a previous financial sponsor, where applicable.
Documents not in English or Welsh should be accompanied by translations meeting UKVI requirements.
Do you need a TB test in Thailand?
Applicants coming to the UK for six months or more who meet the residence conditions will normally need a TB certificate when applying from Thailand. Use a Home Office-approved clinic and check the official requirements before arranging the test.
How to apply from Thailand
- Confirm your course and sponsor. Obtain your CAS and check its details.
- Prepare the evidence. Check funding, English, TB and any additional requirements.
- Apply online through GOV.UK. Complete the application accurately and pay the required charges.
- Complete identity and biometrics steps. Follow the instructions issued during your application.
- Provide supporting documents. Follow the upload or submission process provided.
- Receive the decision. If approved, follow the instructions for accessing your eVisa and travelling.
Our guide explains where to apply for a UK visa and complete biometrics in Thailand.
When should you apply?
Applications from outside the UK can normally be made up to six months before the course starts. GOV.UK gives a usual decision time of three weeks, although additional checks can take longer.
Priority processing may be offered during the application. Allow time for your CAS, evidence and appointments before your course begins.
Visa fees and healthcare surcharge
The current Student visa application fee is £558. The Immigration Health Surcharge is an additional charge, calculated according to the permission granted. Check the official amounts before paying.
Can you work on a Student visa?
Work permission depends on your course and sponsor. Some students can work limited hours during term time and more during official vacations; others cannot work.
Check your individual conditions before accepting employment. Student permission generally prohibits self-employment, and you should not rely on future UK earnings to meet the visa’s financial requirement.
Can your partner or children come with you?
Not every Student visa holder can bring dependants. Eligibility is generally limited to qualifying government-sponsored students and certain postgraduate research students.
For courses starting from 1 January 2024, an ordinary taught master’s degree does not normally qualify a new student to bring dependants. Check the course, sponsorship and any applicable exceptions before making family arrangements.
Studying English or taking a short course
A Student visa is not always the correct route:
- Study of up to six months: eligible study may be possible under the Standard Visitor route.
- English-language study lasting more than six months and up to eleven months: the Short-term study visa may be suitable.
- Longer study or another qualifying sponsored course: the Student route may be required.
Visitor and Short-term study permission do not allow you to take employment. Course eligibility and other conditions must also be met.
Your eVisa after approval
A successful Student application results in digital immigration status. Follow the decision instructions to access your UKVI account and ensure the passport you will travel with is linked correctly.
Read our guide to UK eVisas and UKVI accounts.
Help with your application
Thai Visa Express can help applicants in Thailand review their circumstances, organise supporting evidence and prepare a clear Student visa application.
For an initial assessment, tell us your age, course, education provider, start date, funding arrangements and whether you have received your CAS.
Contact Thai Visa Express on WhatsApp.
Official guidance
Updated October 2026. Check the official guidance for the rules and charges applicable when you apply.