Applying outside the UK: document checklist

Documents you need to prepare and submit your visa application from abroad.

Before you apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, make sure you have a valid passport and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. You must also prepare your financial documents.

Depending on your nationality, programme, level of study, and individual circumstances, you may need additional documents. Not all documents listed on this page will apply to everyone.

Please read the information carefully and prepare all the documents required for your visa application before you start your application.

Documents everyone will need 

Valid Passport

You will need a valid passport to apply for your Student visa. Your passport must be valid:

  • When you apply for your visa, and
  • When you enter the UK

There is no UKVI requirement for how long your passport must be valid after arrival. Generally, you should have at least one blank page in your passport.

As part of your application, you’ll need to upload a copy of your passport, but you won’t need to send the original document. 

Before you apply
  • Check that your passport will not expire before you travel.
  • If it is due to expire soon after arrival, it is best to renew it before applying.
  • Consider whether your passport will expire before your visa ends. Not all nationalities can renew their passport while in the UK.
If your passport expires after you arrive
  • Some students can renew their passport in the UK.
  • If this is not possible for you, you will need to renew it before applying or during a university vacation period.
  • Passport renewals can take several weeks, though some countries offer priority services.
Need more information?

For the most accurate guidance on passport renewals, check with the passport issuing authority in your home country.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

To apply for your Student visa, you will need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from the University of Edinburgh.

A CAS is a digital document issued by the university to confirm that you have been given an unconditional offer to study. It includes key details about your: 

  • Programme of study
  • Tuition fees
  • Qualifications
Getting your CAS
  • Once requested, a draft CAS will first be created for you to check.
  • Once you confirm all details are correct, your CAS number will be issued.
  • You do not need a physical copy of the CAS for your visa application.
When you will receive your CAS

Your CAS can be issued up to 6 months before your programme start date. However, if you are starting an undergraduate course in September, you should expect to receive your CAS from July at the earliest.

Processing time

The time it takes to receive your CAS depends on your level of study and application timing. During busy periods, it may take longer.

Need more details?

Find out more about the process, timelines and what to expect when requesting your CAS number.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) 

Financial documents

You should prepare your financial documents before starting your visa application. The amount you need to show depends on your programme fees and the length of your studies in the UK.

The type of documents you need will depend on your funding:

  • Self-funded students usually need bank statements
  • Students with a loan or scholarship need an official letter confirming the funding

All documents must be in the required format and ready before you submit your application.

Not all nationalities are required to submit financial documents with their application, but UKVI may still request them. Your application could be refused if you cannot provide them within the required timeframe.

Gathering documents

The time required depends on how you are funding your studies. For example, you may be able to download bank statements yourself, or you may have to wait for a funding provider to send you a letter confirming your funds.

Tip: Make sure all documents are prepared in the correct format and ready before you submit your application.

Need more details?

See our financial requirements pages for full details on what documents you need and how to meet the requirements.

Financial requirements 

Documents you may need

Below Degree level 

If you have applied for a programme of study which is below degree level, you will need to submit certificates or official transcripts of the qualifications used by the University to assess your suitability for the course.

Your qualifications will be listed on your CAS.

Degree level or above 

If your programme of study is at degree level or above (for example, a bachelors degree or higher), you will not need to submit any certificates or official transcripts of the qualifications with your Student visa application. The relevant information used by the University to assess your suitability for your programme will be confirmed on your CAS.

Find out more about evidence for academic qualifications 

 


Below Degree level 

You need to prove that you can speak, write and understand English to a standard that will allow you to study your programme. 

You can do this by showing one of the following:

  • a certificate that shows you passed the Secure English Language Test (SELT)
  • a certificate showing you have a degree from a majority English-speaking country (along with a certificate from UK ENIC which confirms the level of your degree programme)
  • a passport that shows you are a national of a majority English-speaking country
How long it takes to gather English language documents

If you need to take a SELT, you should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking, but it may not be at the location nearest to you.

If you need a certificate from UK ENIC, they will complete your assessment within 15 working days. 24-hour or 48-hour fast track services are available at an additional fee.

Find out more about what English language documents you will need 

Degree level or above

If your programme of study is at degree level or above (for example, a bachelors degree or higher), you will not need to submit any documents to prove your English language skills in your Student visa application. Your CAS will confirm that your English language ability has been assessed by the University. 


Selected Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes may require you to have an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, depending on your nationality. 

Your offer letter from the University will indicate if ATAS clearance is needed. If required, you must have a valid ATAS certificate on the day you submit your visa application.

Applying for an ATAS certificate
  • You can apply for your ATAS certificate up to 6 months before your visa application.
  • Certificates are valid for 6 months and must be valid on the visa application date.
Processing time

ATAS applications usually take at least 30 working days (around 6 weeks). Processing may take longer during peak periods (July–August).

Tip: You should apply as soon as you get a conditional offer, but not more than 6 months before your visa application date. 

How to apply for an ATAS certificate


You will need a medical certificate showing a negative TB test if:

  • You have been living in a country that requires TB testing and
  • You are coming to the UK for more than 6 months

If you have lived in a country that does not require TB testing for at least 6 months before your visa application, you do not need a test.

On arrival in the UK, you might need to show your TB certificate to an immigration officer.

Find out if you need to provide a TB certificate


If you are under 18 when applying for a Student visa, you must include a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) confirming their support. The letter should clearly state:

  • Their relationship to you
  • Their consent to your Student visa application
  • Their consent to your living arrangements in the UK

If one parent or guardian has sole legal custody, the letter should confirm this and be signed by that parent or guardian. Otherwise, both parents or guardians must provide consent and sign the letter.


If you have completed a programme of study in the UK and received a full scholarship (covering both tuition fees and living costs) for that programme from a 'government' or an 'international scholarship agency' within the last 12 months, you may be required to provide a letter of unconditional written consent from your financial sponsor. This letter must confirm that they give permission for you to apply for a new Student visa.

This requirement applies only in limited circumstances. You only need to provide this letter if both of the following apply:

  • You completed a programme of study in the UK within the last 12 months before making your visa application; and
  • You received a full scholarship (covering both tuition fees and living costs) from a government or international scholarship agency.

If these conditions do not apply to you, you do not need to provide this letter.


Any documents that are not in English must be translated by a professional translator. You must submit a fully certified translation that includes:

  • The date of the translation
  • The translator’s full name
  • The translator’s signature (or that of an employee of the translation company)
  • The translator’s contact details or the translation company’s details
  • A statement confirming the translation is accurate

 

Have a question about which documents you need?

If you are unsure about any of the documents you will need to provide, contact us through our enquiry form. 

Contact us through our enquiry form

Next step

Now that you know which documents you will need to apply, find out what the Student visa application and process is like.

 

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