Who Needs a Visa?

If you're coming from outside the UK to study for more than six months, you'll need to get a Student Route visa before you arrive-unless you already have valid permission to be in the UK under an alternative immigration route.

How to Apply and Requirements

Applying Overseas: Locate your nearest Visa Application Centre and follow their visa application procedure.

Applying from the UK: Book an appointment with the Visa & Immigration Support Team and get your documents assessed before applying online.

Cost of Application: £558 

Further details on the application process are on the Home Office website: Student visa GOV.UK

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University (you will only receive this if eligible and approved, subject to our CAS Issuance Policy).
• Financial proof (sufficient funds for fees & living costs).
• English language qualifications (if needed, you may have a short interview).

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Number

You need a CAS number for your visa application. Request your CAS via eVision if:

• You have an unconditional offer.
• You have paid your tuition deposit.
• You have passed your PreCAS interview (if one is required). 
• You are within three months of your course start date.

Your CAS statement includes:

• Personal & course details.
• Tuition fee details & payments made.
• University of Wolverhampton Sponsor Licence Number.

Important: You must check your CAS details carefully and report any errors before applying.

Financial Requirements & Bank Statements

You must prove you have had the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days and the funds should continue to be in your account while the visa application is in progress. The bank statement must be less than 31 days old at the time of your visa application. 

Who can provide financial proof?

• Your own bank account.
• Parents’ account (requires birth certificate + parental consent letter).
• Not accepted: Friends, distant relatives, unofficial sponsors.

Required Amount:

Tuition Fees – The outstanding balance of your tuition fees (confirmed on your CAS statement).
Living Costs – £10,539 (£1,171/month for max. 9 months)

You must always be ready to show proof of funds held for 28 days, regardless of the course you're applying for or how long you've been in the UK, as this may be requested by the university as part of our pre-CAS checks.

Please note that the University reserves the right to request proof of funds before issuing a CAS and may require additional forms of acceptable financial evidence in accordance with its internal requirements, beyond UKVI regulations.

Financial Requirements for Retakes

Students with retakes who have been approved an extension will always need to confirm how they plan to fund their studies.

For retake modules totalling 120 credits or more, students will be required to provide evidence of funds held in their bank account before CAS issuance can be approved.

CAS issuance for retake modules is subject to university approval and is not guaranteed. Students must also comply with all other academic progression, attendance, and engagement requirements.

Required Documents

Essential Documents:

• CAS number
• Financial evidence (bank statements)
• Passport 
• Qualifications listed on CAS
• IHS (Immigration Healthcare Surcharge) reference number

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Parental consent letter (if under 18).
• TB test certificate (if it is required).
• ATAS certificate (if is it required).

Visa Interview Preparation

If you are invited to an interview with the caseworker processing your visa application, you must attend this. Be prepared to answer:

• Why you have applied this course?
• Why you have applied to University of Wolverhampton?
• Why you want to study in the UK?
• What are your future career plans?
• How will you fund your studies?

Missing the interview without a valid reason may result in visa refusal.

Concerns? Contact the Student Visa Compliance and Advice team on visa-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk.

Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)

• Mandatory for all Student Route visas.
• Grants NHS access in the UK.
• Fee: £776 per year (calculated based on visa duration, not course duration).

Use the Home Office Calculator to check your IHS fee.

Additional Requirements

Tuberculosis test: Check if your country requires a TB test.
ATAS Certificate: Required for some Postgraduate Research students.

Need help? Email the International Admissions team on CASRequests@wlv.ac.uk

In Country Applicants

Although in country applicants may face fewer UKVI compliance checks than overseas applicants, the university may request additional evidence at any stage. All in country applicants, regardless of course type, should be always prepared to:

• Provide financial evidence showing funds held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Attend a pre-CAS interview if requested by Admissions or the Student Visa Compliance & Advice team.
• Submit further supporting documents if additional checks are required.
• Provide visa status evidence and immigration history.

After You Apply

• Check visa processing times.
• Inform the university of visa outcome.
• Replace lost or stolen documents if needed.

More information is available on the Home Office Visas & Immigration Webpages.