New students

You should request a CAS as soon as you have accepted an unconditional offer (as long as the admissions team have checked all required documents). How long it takes to receive your CAS number depends on your level of study and the time of year.

When to request a CAS 

You can request a CAS as soon as you have accepted an unconditional offer. We will not issue a CAS if you only have a conditional offer. 

There will be a waiting period after you request your CAS. Usually, we will not issue your CAS number until: 

  • 6 months before your programme start date if applying outside the UK
  • 3 months before your programme start date if applying inside the UK 

However, if you applied through UCAS, your CAS number won't be issued until July at the earliest.

How to get a CAS number

Undergraduates: how to get a CAS number

Find out how to request a CAS as an incoming undergraduate student. You should not expect your CAS number until July at the earliest.

Postgraduates: how to get a CAS number

Find out how to request a CAS as an incoming postgraduate student. We aim to issue CAS within 5 working days. However, it may take longer depending on your circumstances.

Have you read our Guidance on CAS issuance?

By requesting a CAS you confirm that you have read and understand the University's principles for issuing a CAS

Guidance for CAS Issuance

Students Under 18 & Parental Consent Letters

If you are under 18 when you submit your Student visa application online, you must include a letter of consent from:

  • Both your parents; or
  • One parent, if they have sole legal responsibility; or
  • Your legal guardians.

The letter must include:

  • Contact details of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
  • Confirmation of your relationship
  • Consent for your application
  • Consent for your living and care arrangements in the UK
  • Consent for your travel and reception arrangements in the UK (if applying from overseas)

The letter should be signed by both parents / legal guardians.

What happens when I request my CAS and I'm under 18?

We need to maintain a copy of the parental consent letter for record-keeping, ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations around safeguarding.  If you are under 18 when you request a CAS, we will ask for a copy of this letter (if it has not already been provided).  

Please note that we will hold your CAS request until we receive a copy of your Parental Consent letter, if required.

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