Welfare benefits

The Student route is a points-based visa system for all international students, including EU, EEA, and Swiss students, who want to study in the UK.‍

‍Since 5 October 2020, 'Tier 4 (General)' leave has become 'Student' permission and 'Tier 4 (Child)' leave has become 'Child student' permission. 'Student' includes Tier 4 (General) and 'Child student' includes Tier 4 (Child).

‍Student visas can only be issued for certain courses.  If your course is eligible, your education provider (Student sponsor) will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you use to apply for a Student visa. The course details will be on the CAS.

Student visas can also be granted for work as a student union sabbatical officer or as a postgraduate doctor or dentist in training.

This information is based on the Immigration Rules and on the Home Office's Student and Child Student guidance. We update our information as soon as possible after any changes. However, if you have printed this webpage, we advise that you check on our website that it is still the most recent version.

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