United Kingdom•Europe

Open

Child Student Visa

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

£558 GBP

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Up to 6 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For children aged 4-17 attending independent schools in the UK.

The UK Child Student visa lets children aged 4–17 attend independent fee-paying schools in the UK. Applicants need an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed school. Maintenance funds required: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month outside London, plus course fees.

Under-16s may stay for the full course (up to 6 years) plus 4 months; 16–17 year olds are capped at 3 years plus 4 months. The visa costs £558 and is renewable. Students aged 16–17 may work up to 10 hours/week during term and full-time in holidays. No route to settlement; parents cannot join as dependants.

This visa is ideal for school-age children of international families seeking access to UK private education, with no English language test required.

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Cost Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK)£558 GBP

Application fee (extend or switch inside UK)£558 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge—

Priority processing—

optional

Total£558 GBP

Processing Time

Standard (outside UK)	2–3 weeks
Standard (inside UK)	1–2 months
Expedited	5–10 days

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Kingdom

Student Visa

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing2 weeks – 2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs (£1,529/month in London; £1,171/month outside London)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of intended stay)

CAS reference number from school

Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsor letter)

Evidence of accommodation

Written parental or legal guardian consent

TB test certificate (if applicable by nationality/country of residence)

Previous UK visa or immigration history documentation (if applicable)

Passport-sized photographs

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Enables children aged 4–17 to attend UK independent schools
Stay covers full course duration plus 4-month buffer
Students aged 16+ may work up to 10 hours/week during term
Full-time work permitted during holidays for 16+ students
Course-related work placements permitted (up to 50% of course)
Can arrive up to 1 month before course start date
Extendable if continuing studies

Worth Knowing

Restricted to independent schools only — state-funded or higher education institutions not permitted
No public funds access (benefits)
No route to settlement or permanent residence
Cannot bring dependants — parents require a separate visa to accompany child
No full-time or permanent employment allowed
Professional sports and entertainment work prohibited
Under-16s cannot work at all
Healthcare surcharge must be paid in addition to visa fee

Application Process

Obtain unconditional offer and CAS number from a licensed UK independent school

Gather all required supporting documents

Apply online via UK Visas and Immigration portal

Pay the £558 application fee and healthcare surcharge

Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre

Await decision (~3 weeks from outside UK, ~8 weeks from inside UK)

Collect vignette visa sticker in passport (if applying from abroad)

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Online application form via UKVI portal

—

Verified Claims (20)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Obtain unconditional offer and CAS number from a licensed UK independent school; Gather all required…

gov.uk

Fee Breakdown

Application fee (outside UK): 558 GBP; Application fee (extend or switch inside UK): 558 GBP; {"labe…

gov.uk

Fees

£558 application fee (from outside or inside UK)

gov.uk

Forms

Online application form via UKVI portal (no separate paper form)

gov.uk

Included Nationalities

—

gov.uk

Job Offer Required

false

gov.uk

Application Portal

https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk

gov.uk

Official Info

https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa

gov.uk

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living

2% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary£31,200

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

For children aged 4-17 attending independent schools in the UK.

This visa is ideal for school-age children of international families seeking access to UK private education, with no English language test required.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs (£1,529/month in London; £1,171/month outside London)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of intended stay)

CAS reference number from school

Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsor letter)

Evidence of accommodation

Written parental or legal guardian consent

TB test certificate (if applicable by nationality/country of residence)

Previous UK visa or immigration history documentation (if applicable)

Passport-sized photographs

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Enables children aged 4–17 to attend UK independent schools
Stay covers full course duration plus 4-month buffer
Students aged 16+ may work up to 10 hours/week during term
Full-time work permitted during holidays for 16+ students
Course-related work placements permitted (up to 50% of course)
Can arrive up to 1 month before course start date
Extendable if continuing studies

Worth Knowing

Restricted to independent schools only — state-funded or higher education institutions not permitted
No public funds access (benefits)
No route to settlement or permanent residence
Cannot bring dependants — parents require a separate visa to accompany child
No full-time or permanent employment allowed
Professional sports and entertainment work prohibited
Under-16s cannot work at all
Healthcare surcharge must be paid in addition to visa fee