The UK student visa application process is no longer just about finding a course, getting an offer, and paying your deposit. Universities are reviewing applications carefully, payment requirements can differ between institutions, and there can be additional steps between receiving your offer and getting your CAS.
If you’re planning to study in the UK, understanding these requirements before you apply can help you avoid surprises later in the process. Here are seven things you should know before starting your UK university and student visa journey.
1. Avoid Universities With CAS Withdrawal Issues
Getting an offer from a university is an important step, but there are still requirements to meet before you can move on to the CAS and visa stages. Universities can change their application and CAS policies, and some courses or applicants may be affected by new restrictions or CAS withdrawals for a particular intake.
This is why it is important to look beyond the course and tuition fee when choosing a university. Before applying, check whether the university is currently accepting applications for your course and intake, whether there have been any recent CAS withdrawals, and whether there are specific requirements affecting applicants from your country.
For example, the University of Sunderland, University of Chester, and University of Hertfordshire have recently had CAS withdrawals, with some applicants or courses affected by changes to CAS processing and eligibility. Sunderland has also recently announced changes affecting applications from the Sub-Saharan African region for upcoming 2027 intakes, which we explain in more detail in our guide, UK Universities Stopping Sponsorship for Nigerian Students. These developments show why you should check the latest information for your specific university, course, intake, and applicant category before you apply or pay.
2. Consider the University’s Location and Cost of Living
The university’s location matters too. Don’t look only at the tuition fee; consider what it will cost you to live there. Before applying, research the city or area where your university is located. Consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other everyday expenses. The cost of living can vary significantly between cities, so a university with lower tuition may not necessarily mean lower overall costs.
You should also consider the weather and general environment of the location. If you are moving from Nigeria, the weather in the UK can be very different, particularly during the colder months. Research the typical weather conditions and think about how they may affect your clothing, daily routine, and overall preparation. Knowing what to expect from the location, cost of living, and weather can help you plan properly before you apply.
3. Know Your University’s Refund Policy Before You Pay
Always ensure you understand a university’s refund policy before applying. Don’t look only at the amount you need to pay. You should also understand what happens to that money if things don’t go according to plan. For example, what happens if your visa application is refused? What if your CAS is withdrawn? What happens if you decide not to proceed or need to defer your studies?
The answers can vary between universities.
A refund policy may have specific conditions that determine whether you are eligible for a refund and how much you can receive. These conditions may also depend on when you request the refund or what stage of the application process you have reached. Before making a significant payment, take a few minutes to read the university’s refund policy and understand the conditions.
4. Get Your Documents Right
After reviewing the university’s refund policy, make sure you understand the documents required for your chosen university and course.
Before you apply, check the university’s official website for its current entry and application requirements. Make sure you have the required documents ready and that the information across your documents is accurate and consistent.
Your academic background, personal information, study history, and financial information should be accurate and consistent throughout your university and visa applications. An inconsistency in your name, dates, qualifications, or other information can raise questions that could have been avoided by checking your documents carefully from the beginning.
Documents you should have ready
For undergraduates:
- International passport
- WAEC/NECO or equivalent secondary school certificate
- Academic transcripts, where required
- Personal statement
- English language test result, if required
- Reference letter(s), where required
- CV, where required
- Evidence of any additional qualifications or relevant experience
For a master’s:
- International passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- WAEC/NECO
- CV
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Reference letter(s)
- English language test result, if required
- Evidence of relevant work experience, where required
- Professional qualifications or additional documents, where required
These are general documents, not a complete list for every university or course. Your chosen university may request additional documents or have specific requirements for your course.
5. Prepare Financially
Your financial planning should start long before your UK student visa application.
Many UK universities have different tuition deposit requirements and payment structures. Some may require a larger deposit, while others may allow students to pay the remaining tuition in installments.
You therefore need to understand your university’s payment requirements before applying. You also need to consider your living costs, visa expenses, and the financial evidence you may need for your student visa application.
For a UK student visa application, you may need to show that you have enough money to cover your course fees and support yourself in the UK, depending on your circumstances. Knowing what you are expected to pay and when gives you time to plan properly instead of trying to put everything together at the last minute.
6. Prepare for Pre-CAS Interviews
Getting your offer is not necessarily the final step before your CAS. With increased scrutiny around international student applications, many universities now conduct pre-CAS interviews or other credibility checks before issuing a CAS. The purpose and format can vary between universities, but you may be asked questions about your course, your university, your previous studies, your career plans, and how you intend to fund your education.
You should be able to explain your study plans clearly and demonstrate that you understand the course you have chosen and why it fits your background and plans. Don’t wait until you receive an interview invitation before learning about your course or university.
7. Understand CAS Shield
For some applicants, CAS Shield can be an important part of the process between receiving an offer and getting a CAS. Some UK universities use CAS Shield to manage parts of their CAS process. Depending on the university, you may be asked to upload documents, provide additional information, or complete an interview before your CAS is issued.
The exact process can differ between universities, so don’t assume that your CAS journey will be identical to another applicant’s. Pay attention to the instructions you receive through the platform and complete each step within the required timeframe.
Your CAS is an important part of your UK student visa application, so delays or incomplete requirements at this stage can affect the next step of your journey. Read the instructions carefully and complete your CAS requirements as early as possible.
What Happens After You Receive Your CAS?
Once your university issues your CAS, you can move on to your student visa application, provided you meet the other visa requirements. Your CAS contains information about your course and is used as part of your visa application. You will need the CAS reference number when completing your application.
This is why the process doesn’t simply end when you receive your university offer. Your journey can move through several stages:
University application → Offer → Deposit/payment → Pre-CAS checks → CAS → Student visa application
Getting a university offer is an important step, but there is still work to do before you can complete your visa application. University policies and immigration requirements can change, so always check the latest information for your chosen university, course, and intake before making decisions or payments.
If you’re planning to study in the UK and need help understanding the process, click here to speak with our counsellors and get guidance on your next steps.
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