International studentsStudent visa - applying in the UK

This page is for new and continuing University of Strathclyde students applying for a Student visa from within the UK.

Important note: The Student visa application process and questions can change frequently. While this information is intended to be helpful, we recommend you always refer to the official UK government website for the most up-to-date guidance.

Who can apply in the UK?

A group of students work together
Current continuing students:
  • Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) needing to repeat a study period
  • UG and PGT students extending due to resits or repeated period of study
  • UG and PGT students adding a work placement or study abroad, extending time to complete your programme
  • PhD students requiring more time to complete

Note: Eligibility requires assessment by University's Visa Compliance Team for a new CAS to apply in the UK.

If you're a Strathclyde student starting a new course at Strathclyde:
  • starting your new course within 28 days of your Student visa expiry
  • your new course shows academic progression from your previous course
  • you can register on your current Student visa up to 6 weeks from your new course start date or until your Student visa expires - whichever is sooner
If you're a new applicant coming from another institution:
  • starting your new course within 28 days of your Student visa expiry
  • proof of your Student visa application or the visa decision required for course registration
If you're a new applicant with a valid UK visa:

Student visa application information and overview

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Before you apply

You should: 

  • apply before your current visa expires
  • have supporting documents ready beforehand
  • apply online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible) or attend an in-person appointment at a service point
  • regularly check your emails (including spam) for updates from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
  • contact the International Student Support Team with any questions before paying the visa application fee
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Fees and costs

Student visa standard application: 490GBP (applies to dependants as well)

For faster decisions:

  • Priority Service (5 working days): 500GBP (added to standard fee)
  • Super Priority Service (next working day): 1000GBP (added to standard fee)
  • Super Priority Service not available with the ID Check App

Immigration Health Surcharge - This is calculated on your overall Student visa length, not course dates. Use the Immigration Health Surcharge calculator with your CAS to calculate the cost.

How to apply

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About CAS

You'll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying for your Student visa.

This electronic document contains a unique CAS number required for your visa application.

New students:

  • Admissions will email your CAS for new courses at the University of Strathclyde

Continuing students:

After receiving your CAS, verify all details and information in your CAS before you apply for your Student visa.

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Supporting documents guidance

Learn more about what supporting documents you'll need to apply for your Student visa.

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Student visa application form in the UK

Find helpful guidance and information when answering questions on your Student visa application form for applying in the UK.

Your partner and children

Students on Student visa may wish to have family with them in the UK as their 'dependants.' Whether dependants can apply depends on your situation and whether they can meet eligibility and finance requirements. Find out more.

After you submit your Student visa application

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What to expect after you apply

After submitting your visa application, allow up to eight weeks for a decision, unless you paid for a faster decision. UKVI will contact you by email, so check your inbox and spam/junk email folders regularly.

Waiting for a decision in the UK?

As long as you applied before your current visa expires, you can stay in the UK until a decision is made. However, travelling outside the UK before you receive a decision will withdraw your visa application.

Receiving your visa decision

UKVI will email you when a decision is made. The email will tell you if you received either:

  • an electronic visa status with instructions how to access your share code or
  • a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card sent by courier
Check your new visa 

When you receive your visa, verify that all details are correct, especially your name, the visa conditions and the visa expiry date covers through the end of your studies.

If there is an error, contact the International Student Support Team for advice.

If your BRP expires 31 December 2024

Don't worry! If your Student visa is valid beyond this date, UKVI will grant you an online digital status for the remaining period. You won't need a BRP from 1 January 2025.

Address updates

If your term-time address changed, be sure to update your address with UKVI and on Pegasus.