What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a reference number issued by UK educational institutions licensed as sponsors under the Student visa route. It confirms that an international student has been offered a place on an eligible course and that the institution will act as their visa sponsor.

As an overseas national, if you want to study for longer than 6 months in the UK you will first need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK sponsor before you can apply for your student visa. The CAS therefore forms one of the most important parts of the Student visa application process as it verifies that you have been accepted on a qualifying course of study in the UK.

For students, the CAS demonstrates that their course and institution meet the requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It contains details such as course start and end dates, tuition fees, and other relevant information. Only one CAS can be used per visa application, and it must align with the application’s details.

Key risks include errors in the CAS, such as incorrect course details or ineligible institutions, which can result in visa refusals. Institutions face significant responsibilities when issuing CAS numbers, as non-compliance with sponsorship obligations can lead to penalties, including the suspension or revocation of their sponsor licence.

Students and institutions must ensure all information is accurate and comply with UKVI regulations. For employers hiring graduates, confirming that the CAS was used for a valid visa is vital to ensure lawful employment. Careful adherence to these requirements supports compliance and reduces risks.

The following guide for visa applicants looks at the CAS in detail, from what this is to the other documents needed to apply for a Student visa.

 

What is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

 

To be eligible for a Student visa, you must be aged 16 or over and have been made an unconditional offer of a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor in the UK. To prove that you have been accepted onto a course, your education provider will assign you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once they have formally offered you a place, and you have accepted that offer and met any other pre-CAS registration requirements.

Your CAS is not a physical document, but rather an electronic record of the offer of a place on a course, together with your biographical and other details, as evidenced by a unique reference number. You will need your CAS number before applying for your Student visa.

If you are 16 or 17 and would like to study at an independent school in the UK, you may instead be eligible for a Child Student visa. However, you will still need a CAS number as proof of an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor.

 

Who needs a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies?

 

If you are aged 16+ and subject to UK immigration control, you will need to apply for a Student visa if you are planning to undertake a course of study in the UK for more than 6 months. In turn, to be able to apply for a Student visa, you will first need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. However, you will also need to satisfy the following criteria:

 

• meet an English language requirement, unless exempt
• meet a financial requirement, where applicable
• have written consent from your parents if you are aged 16 or 17

 

You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate if your course of study for which your CAS has been assigned is at postgraduate level and involves a sensitive subject, such as biotechnology, nuclear physics or artificial intelligence. You should read the guidance for your prospective course to find out if you need an ATAS certificate or contact the education provider where you plan to study.

 

English language requirement

 

Under the English language requirement, applicants must meet a required level of English language ability depending on the level of their course, where your CAS will demonstrate what level of English is required and what assessment was carried out or what evidence has been used to demonstrate that you meet the relevant requirement. For example, if applying to study a course below degree level, you must have the equivalent of Level B1 on the Common European Framework of References (CEFR) for English language. If applying to study a course at degree level or above, you must have the equivalent of CEFR Level B2.

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a GCSE, A level or Scottish equivalent in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18. Alternatively, you can show that you can speak, read, write and understand English to the required standard by passing a Secure English language Test (SELT) with an approved SELT provider. However, if you are studying at degree level or above, your education provider can assess your level of English themselves, where they may ask you to take a different test.

You will not be required to prove your knowledge of English if you are from, or have completed a qualification that is equivalent to a UK degree in, a majority English-speaking country. The language requirement is also not applicable if any one of the following applies:

 

• you are a Canadian national
• you are applying for a study abroad programme in the UK which forms part of a university degree course in the United States
• you have already proved your English language ability in a previous visa application.

 

 

Financial requirement

 

When it comes to the financial requirement, the amount can vary depending upon your circumstances and what course you are applying for. In broad terms, you must have sufficient funds to pay your course fees for the first academic year and to cover your living costs for up to 9 months. As such, the financial requirement is made up of two parts:

Course fees: you will need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months) or for the entire course if less than a year long. The amount you will need to pay will be set out on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies;

Monthly living costs: in addition to your course fees, you must also show that you have enough money for each month of your course to prove that you are able to support yourself for up to 9 months. The level of money needed will depend on where you will be studying. For courses in London, the sum required for living costs will be £1,334 per month and, for courses outside of London, the monthly sum will be £1,023.

Where the financial requirement applies, you must have this money in your bank account for at least 28 days in a row. The end date of the 28-day period must also be within 31 days of the date you apply for your Student visa. If you have either a student loan or financial sponsorship, you will need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. However, you will also be exempt from the financial requirement if:

 

• you are applying for leave to remain in the UK, having already been in the UK for 12 months or more with valid permission on the date of your visa application
• you are applying for leave as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
• you are applying for leave to study on a recognised foundation programme as either a postgraduate doctor or dentist in training.

 

 

How do you obtain a CAS in UK universities and colleges?

 

To obtain a CAS in UK universities and colleges, you must apply for a suitable course that qualifies for a Student visa. The courses that you can study on this route include:

 

• a full-time course that leads to a qualification below degree level with 15 hours or more a week of organised daytime study
• a full-time course that leads to a qualification at degree level or above
• a full-time course at degree level or above equivalent to a UK higher education course that is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
• a part-time course that leads to a qualification above degree level
• a recognised foundation programme for either postgraduate doctors or dentists
• an English language course of at least Level B2 of the CEFR for English language

 

Once you have been offered a place on a suitable course by a licensed sponsor, and you have accepted that offer, your sponsor will confirm this with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). UKVI will then assign a unique CAS reference number, which will be forwarded to you via your sponsor. However, you will first be asked by your sponsor to clarify certain information and provide any key documentation, in this way ensuring that the information that appears in your electronic CAS record is correct. As such, it is vital that any registration requirements requested of you are carefully completed. Importantly, if you apply for a Student visa with an invalid CAS, your application will also be treated as invalid.

 

How much does a CAS UK cost to be assigned?

 

The cost for UKVI to assign an CAS to your UK sponsor on your behalf is £25 (from 4 October 2023). This fee will typically be passed on to you by your course provider as a processing fee. However, before your CAS is assigned to you, you may also be asked by your course provider to pay a deposit towards your course fees, whereby any deposit should be deducted from your total balance.

 

How do you use your CAS number UK for your visa application?

 

When applying for a Student visa, you will need to complete an online form, regardless of whether you are applying from overseas or inside the UK. You will need your CAS number UK to insert in your online application. In this way, UKVI can check your electronic record showing that you have been offered a place on a course with a UK licensed sponsor.

As part of your application for a Student visa, you will also need to prove your identity and provide a number of additional documents in support. The way in which you prove your identity will depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, and if you are eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.

You will be told when you apply if you can use the ID Check app, otherwise you will be required to schedule an appointment to attend with your passport or other valid travel document. You will also be required to enrol your biometric information at this appointment, including a scan of your fingerprints and a digitised image of your face.

When applying from overseas, you will need to schedule an appointment at your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) or, when applying to switch to the Student route from inside the UK, at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.

 

How long is your CAS number UK valid for your visa application?

 

Once you have been sent your unique CAS number UK by your course provider, you must apply for your Student visa within a period of 6 months of receiving this number. However, when you can apply for a Student visa will depend on whether you are applying for entry clearance from overseas or to switch from another visa category from inside the UK.

If you are applying from overseas, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months prior to the start of your course. You should usually get a decision from UKVI within 3 weeks of proving your identity using the ID Check app or enrolling your biometric information.

If you are applying from the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months prior to the start of your course. You must also apply before your existing visa expires and your course must begin within 28 days of that visa expiring. You will usually get a decision from UKVI within 8 weeks of proving your identity using the app or enrolling your biometrics.

 

Additional supporting documents for a student visa application

 

When applying for a Student visa, in addition to your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your course provider, as evidenced by your unique CAS number UK, you must provide a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity and nationality. You may also need to provide documentary evidence of the following:

 

• proof you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK for the first academic year, where applicable
• written consent from either your parents or legal guardians if you are aged 16 or 17, together with proof of your relationship
• a valid ATAS clearance certificate, where applicable

 

You may also need to provide additional documentation depending on your circumstances, such as a valid tuberculosis test certificate if you have been residing within a listed country for the 6 months preceding your Student visa application.

When it comes to the English language requirement, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies must show how this requirement has been met. In circumstances where your sponsor has themselves assessed your English language ability, they must state this and the method of assessment on your CAS. Similarly, where a SELT is required, the name of your test provider, your unique test reference number and the score for each component tested (reading, writing, listening, speaking) must be included on your CAS.

 

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) FAQs

 

What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

A CAS is a unique reference number issued by a UK educational institution licensed as a Student visa sponsor. It confirms an international student’s offer of a place on an eligible course.

 

Why is a CAS important?

A CAS is a mandatory requirement for applying for a UK Student visa. It provides UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with key details about the course and the sponsoring institution.

 

Who issues a CAS?

CAS numbers are issued by UK educational institutions that are registered as licensed sponsors under the Student visa route.

 

What information does a CAS include?

The CAS includes details such as the student’s personal information, course title, start and end dates, tuition fees, and any pre-paid amounts.

 

Can I use the same CAS for multiple visa applications?

No, each CAS can only be used for one visa application. If a visa application is refused, a new CAS may be required for reapplication.

 

How long is a CAS valid?

A CAS is valid for six months from the date it is issued. However, it must be used for a visa application within this period.

 

What happens if there are errors in my CAS?

Errors in the CAS can lead to a visa refusal. It is important to check the details and notify your institution immediately if corrections are needed.

 

Do employers need to check a CAS?

Employers hiring graduates under post-study work visas should confirm that the CAS was valid and used to obtain a legitimate visa.

Can a CAS be revoked?

Yes, a CAS can be withdrawn by the issuing institution if the student fails to meet conditions, such as non-enrolment or providing false information.

 

What should I do if my CAS is withdrawn?

Contact your institution immediately for clarification. If the CAS is withdrawn, your visa application may be affected, and you may need to address the issue with UKVI.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)	A unique reference number issued by a licensed UK educational institution to confirm a student’s eligibility for a Student visa.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)	The government department responsible for managing the UK’s visa system and immigration control.
Student Visa	A visa that allows international students to study in the UK at an approved educational institution.
Licensed Sponsor	A UK educational institution authorised by UKVI to issue CAS numbers and sponsor international students.
Course Start and End Dates	The official dates of a student’s academic programme, as stated on the CAS.
Tuition Fees	The cost of the academic programme, detailed in the CAS, including any amount already paid by the student.
Visa Application	The process of applying for permission to enter or remain in the UK, requiring a valid CAS for Student visa applications.
Sponsor Licence	A certification that allows UK institutions to sponsor international students under the Student visa route.
Visa Refusal	When UKVI declines a visa application due to missing or incorrect information, such as errors in the CAS.
CAS Validity Period	The six-month timeframe during which a CAS can be used to apply for a Student visa.
Revocation of CAS	The process by which an institution withdraws a CAS, often due to non-compliance by the student.
Graduate Route	A post-study work visa allowing international students to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after completing their studies.
Right to Work Check	A process employers must follow to ensure that an employee is legally allowed to work in the UK, including verifying visa details.
Errors in CAS	Mistakes in the information provided on the CAS, which can lead to visa delays or refusals.
Tuition Pre-Payment	The portion of tuition fees paid by the student before applying for a Student visa, often noted on the CAS.
Withdrawal of CAS	When a CAS is invalidated by the issuing institution, potentially affecting the student’s visa application or status.