International student support

Date of Application and Visa Processing Times

Your 'date of application' is the date you submit your online Student visa application after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa application fee.

Your visa application will be processed after you have:

• Submitted your online application

• Uploaded all required documents

• Provided your biometric information

Typical processing times are:

• Standard service: 3 weeks

• Priority service: 5 working days

• Super priority service: by the end of the next working day

Visa processing delays

During busy periods (for example, August to October), processing may take longer than usual.

If there is a delay, UKVI may contact you by email. However, they do not usually provide specific reasons or revised timelines.

If you are concerned about delays, please see the section below on what to do.

Important notes

• If you require a faster decision, you must select and pay for a priority or super priority service when you apply.

• You must complete all parts of the application process (online form, document submission, and biometrics) in the country you are applying from. You cannot complete any part of the process in the UK.

• Do not travel to the UK until you have received your visa, even if you would normally be able to visit without one. Travelling without your visa will prevent you from completing visa registration and starting your course.

If you are concerned about your visa timing

If you are worried about not receiving your visa in time to travel and complete visa registration before your latest arrival date, contact Admissions as soon as possible.

They can advise you on your options, including deferring your start date if necessary.

If a later arrival date is agreed:

• If your CAS is still 'Assigned', Admissions will update it

• If your CAS is marked as 'Used', keep confirmation of your new arrival date with your passport and CAS when you travel

This will help explain any delay to UK Border Force officers if required.

1. Complete your application

Apply online using the UKVI Student visa application form. You will use information from your CAS and supporting documents.

2. Pay the required fees

You will need to pay:

• The visa application fee: £524 (£558 from 8 April 2026)

• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year 

You may be able to pay extra for a faster decision.

3. Submit your documents

Follow the instructions from your visa application centre to upload or submit your supporting documents.

4. Meet the financial requirement

You must show you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. 

5. Attend your appointment

Most applicants will need to:

• Provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo)

• Attend an appointment at a visa application centre

• Complete a short credibility interview (if required)

6. Receive your decision

You will be contacted by UKVI once a decision has been made.

If your visa is approved, check that all details are correct before travelling to the UK.

Your CAS

You must have a valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for your current or new course.

• Check all details are correct before applying.
• Contact Admissions if any information needs updating.
• Your CAS must include an academic progression statement if required.

Prepare your documents

Have your supporting documents ready before submitting your application. Documents must meet UKVI requirements.

Common documents you will usually need:

• Current passport
• Current visa (BRP, visa sticker, or digital status)
• CAS and any receipts for tuition paid after it was issued
• Academic progression evidence if applying for a new course
• ATAS certificate (if required)
• Financial evidence
• Documents for applicants under 18

Financial requirements

You must show you have enough money to cover:

• Any unpaid tuition fees

• Living costs of £1,171 per month (up to £10,539 for 9 months)

• UKVI guidance: Financial evidence for Student and Child Student visa applicants

If you are relying on a parent, guardian, or official financial sponsor:

• Proof of relationship and a letter of consent (for parents/guardians)
• Official sponsor letter confirming tuition fees and living costs

Translations and currency conversion

Non-English documents must be translated by a certified translator.

• If using another currency, convert this to GBP on the date of application (e.g. using OANDA).

• Some students may not need to provide all documents, but you should prepare them in case UKVI requests them.

If you are under 18 at the time of your Student Visa application, you will need to provide additional documents:

1. Parental Consent Letter: This letter must be signed by your parents or legal guardians. It should confirm the following:

   • Your relationship with your parents or guardians
   • Their consent for your visa application
   • Their consent for your living and care arrangements in the UK
   • Their consent for your travel to and from the UK (if applicable)

2. Proof of Relationship: You must provide proof of your relationship with your parents or legal guardians, such as:

   • A birth certificate showing your parents’ names
   • A certificate of adoption naming your parents or guardians
   • A legal document naming your guardian(s) or showing one parent has sole responsibility

For more detailed information, refer to the UKVI’s Student Guidance.

Admissions at University of Glasgow require permission from your parents/guardians for you to study here. Complete the Under-18 consent form and upload to the University Admissions Applicant Self-Service Portal.

Please see the information on (Student) Dependants here.

You can travel to the UK via Ireland using your Student visa. This may be either:

• your digital immigration status (eVisa), or

• a visa vignette (entry clearance sticker) in your passport (if issued)

You should carry your passport and be prepared to show evidence of your visa if requested.

Important:
If you enter the UK via Ireland, your entry to the UK may not be automatically recorded. This is because the UK and Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area, and there are usually no routine immigration checks when travelling between them.

Because of this, you should keep evidence of your travel, such as:

• boarding passes

• flight or travel tickets

• booking confirmations

You may need this information later (for example, to confirm your date of entry to the UK).

For more details, check the UKCISA website.

Starting from 1 January 2025, UKVI will issue all visa holders with an online digital eVisa, accessible with a share code, and will no longer issue BRPs.

If Your Visa is Less Than 6 Months

Your visa will be a sticker in your passport or a digital visa status.

Receiving an eVisa 

Follow the link in your decision letter or email to check if you can generate a share code before traveling to the UK. You will need to show your digital visa status upon arrival if asked by a UK Border Officer, to prove your rights to work and study.

Reporting an error with your eVisa

If you notice an error in your visa, report it immediately.
The UK Home Office (UKVI) advises that failing to report errors may mean you need to apply for a new visa, which could be costly and delay your studies.

If you have a 90-day visa sticker (vignette):
(e.g. incorrect name, nationality, or ‘valid from’ date)

• Contact the International Enquiry Service before travelling to request a correction

• A fee may apply

If you have a digital visa (eVisa):

• Report the error to UKVI 

   

Your Student visa includes specific conditions that you must follow during your studies in the UK.

Attendance and engagement

You must meet the University of Glasgow attendance and engagement requirements to keep your visa valid.

If you do not engage with your studies, the University may be required to report this to UKVI, which could affect your visa.

Absences and travel during term time

If you need to be absent from your studies or travel outside the UK during term time, you must request permission from your School or Graduate School in advance.

Unauthorised absences may affect your visa. Always check Immigration Compliance guidance before booking travel.

Changes to your studies

Changes such as switching course, changing study mode, or withdrawing from your programme may affect your visa. In some cases, you may need to make a new visa application. More detailed information can be found on the International Student Support webpages. 

Working during or after your studies

Your visa includes restrictions on working in the UK.

Check the International Student Support guidance for information on:

• Working during your studies
• Working after you graduate