Apply as a new student outside the UK
Find out how to apply for a Student Route visa from outside of the UK.
How to make a Student Route entry clearance application
To make an application for Student Route entry clearance, you will need to apply in time so that you can gain entry for the start of your course and any welcome inductions. For your application to be processed you will need to provide the necessary evidence which confirms that you are able to meet the entry clearance immigration requirements for students.
How to make a Student Route entry clearance application
You must follow the steps below:
- Obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Newcastle University.
- Check if you need a Tuberculosis Test and provide this in your application, if necessary.
- Provide your ATAS certificate if required.
- Obtain appropriate evidence to meet the Student Route maintenance requirement
- Collect the original qualifications listed on your CAS letter. Please also include appropriate translations, if required.
- Complete the relevant visa application form online (Unless you are a national of North Korea). Please see our Student Route visa application guidance for help on filling out the visa application form: Overseas Student route visa application guidance (PDF: 1MB)
- If you wish to bring an applicable family member or partner with you as a dependant, please remember to include them in your application form and that there is a separate fee. Please read the Dependant guidance on the additional maintenance requirements for dependants.
All applicants will be required to have their fingerprints taken as part of the application process. There may be special requirements in some countries, such as the need to take a tuberculosis test.
Newcastle University is a Higher Education Provider with a Track Record of Compliance. You do not need to include the academic qualifications listed on your CAS to support the visa application. You should still include all other supporting evidence as required.
The current visa application fee for each applicant is the equivalent of £490.
You are also required to make a payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge which is currently £776 per year of the visa granted. These fees may change so always check the UK visas website for the latest guidance.
Credibility assessment
If there are gaps between your prospective programme and the last time you were in education, please provide an explanation for these gaps.
For example, if you have been employed since you graduated from your most recent degree, then you are advised to state this on a document and upload this as part of the supporting documents for the visa application.
Additionally, if you have recently deposited funds into the bank account you are relying on for the visa application to demonstrate that you held the relevant funds for at least 28 days, please also state an explanation for the source of the funds on a document and upload this as part of the supporting document for the visa application.
As part of your Student Route visa application, you may be asked to attend an interview with the UK Home Office. The visa application centre will notify you if this is a requirement of your application.
When you should make your application
You need to make sure that your application can be processed in time for you to attend the start of your course and any course inductions and welcome talks.
However, you may not make a Student Route application using a CAS more than six months before the start of your course. If you do so, your application may be rejected.
Where you should make an application
You should make your application through the visa application centre or your nearest British Diplomatic post (for example Embassy, High Commission Consulate in your Home country). The initial application is made online, and some nationals will then be required to attend and submit their passport and biometrics through a Visa Application Centre. Please note, if you are required to attend an application centre, the processing time will only begin once you have submitted your biometrics. At certain times of the year, some application centres have limited availability - please take this into consideration.
How do I get a CAS?
If you are a prospective student, your CAS will be sent to you automatically by e-mail from the relevant admissions department after your offer has been made unconditional. This may take a few weeks during the summer when the admissions departments are very busy.
What is on my CAS?
When you receive your CAS, you must check the details on the CAS carefully. If there are any errors, you should inform the University immediately.
Your CAS will state your personal details and details of your programme of study, such as:
- programme title and level
- tuition fees charged and paid
- qualifications used for admissions
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if required
Qualifications listed on your CAS
You CAS will list the qualification documents used for your admission onto your programme of study. You do not need to submit these documents as part of your visa application because Newcastle University is a Student Visa sponsor with a track record of compliance.
If you are submitting any documents which are not in English or Welsh, you should obtain appropriate translations.