Immigration and visa information for prospective students applying to study at UWS London campus
To study at UWS London, international students, including nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, are required to obtain a student visa before travelling to the UK. Immigration rules change often, so please check the UK GOV website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a student visa.
How to apply for a UK student visa
Before you apply
Before starting your visa application, you should have:
- An unconditional offer from UWS London
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for any remaining tuition fees
- Valid passport or travel document
Application timeline
- Apply up to 6 months before your course starts (if applying from outside the UK)
- Apply up to 3 months before your course starts (if applying from inside the UK)
- Standard visa processing takes around 3 to 6 weeks from outside the UK
- Priority and super-priority services are available in some countries for additional fees
Download guide
The UK Border Force has developed ten top tips to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth arrival into the United Kingdom.
UK Border Force 10 Top Tips
Partners and children
Currently, only students who have been accepted into a research-based degree, a PhD programme, or are officially sponsored by the UK or an overseas government are allowed to bring dependants to the UK to accompany them while studying.
Arriving in the UK
You can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course start date.
Step-by-Step application process
1. Receive your CAS
UWS will issue a CAS once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid the initial deposit. The CAS is valid for 6 months and contains a unique reference number needed for your visa application.
2. Prepare required documents
- Valid passport
- CAS from UWS
- Financial evidence showing you have enough money to pay for living expenses and any tuition fees balance
- English language qualifications
- Academic qualifications listed in your CAS
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if required for your country
- ATAS certificate if required for your course
3. Financial requirements
You must prove you have enough money to cover:
- Any tuition fees not already paid for the first year
- From 11 Nov 2025, living costs for up to 9 months (currently £1529 per month for London-based students)
- Any dependants you may have if your course allows (currently £845 per month for London-based students)
- Funds must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days
Note: Applicants already in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months are not required to submit financial documents when applying for a student visa. However, you still need to have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses during your studies.
4. Complete online application
- Fill out the online application form on the UK government website
- Pay the visa application fee (currently £524)
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book and attend a biometric appointment
5. Biometric appointment
- Attend your appointment at a visa application centre
- Submit your supporting documents
- Provide your fingerprints and photo
- Some centres offer document scanning services
After applying
- Track your application online
- You may be contacted if more information is needed
- Once approved, you’ll receive an eVisa
- Create a UKVI account and access your eVisa
If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa – a digital record of your immigration status. To access your eVisa, you must create a UKVI account and link it to your travel document (the same one you’ll use to enter the UK). Please note that you may need to demonstrate your immigration status upon arrival in the UK.
Visa conditions
Your Student visa will allow you to:
- Study at UWS London
- Work part-time during term (20 hours per week maximum)
- Work full-time during official holidays
- Bring dependants if eligible (PhD or research courses)
Important notes
- Don’t book travel until you receive your visa
- Check processing times for your country
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
- Ensure all documents are correctly translated if not in English
- Contact UWS’s International Student Advisers if you need assistance
- Contact the UK Visas and Immigration help line
It is important to note that we do not have funding to assist students in financial hardship, although we may refer students to other appropriate agencies.
This is general guidance – always check the official UK government website for the most current information and specific requirements for your situation.
For additional guidance with completing your online student visa application either from outside or inside the UK, please look at the tailored visa support guides for UWS students on the UWS webpage for international students: International Students | UWS | University of the West of Scotland