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Visa Information
How to apply for a UK Student Visa to study at Abertay University: who needs one, the money you need, documents, when to apply and what happens next.
How to apply for a UK Student Visa to study at Abertay University: who needs one, the money you need, documents, when to apply and what happens next.
Most international students need a Student Visa to study at Abertay. Here's who needs one, how much money you need and how to apply.
Please note: Visa rules and fees may change. Always check GOV.UK before you apply.
You'll usually need a Student Visa if you're 16 or over, you're coming from outside the UK and your course lasts longer than six months.
You don't need a Student Visa if you:
are a British or Irish citizen
have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens without settled or pre-settled status need a Student Visa for courses longer than six months.
Coming to Abertay for less than six months on an exchange or study abroad programme? Read our page for incoming exchange and study abroad students.
Check these two things early. Both can add weeks to your application.
If you're studying a master's or PhD in certain science, technology or engineering subjects, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa. Some nationalities are exempt.
If you're from certain countries, you'll need a TB test at an approved clinic. You include the certificate with your visa application.
You must show you have enough money to pay:
your tuition fees for one academic year (the amount on your CAS, minus anything you've already paid us)
your living costs for up to nine months
Abertay is outside London, so you need £1,171 for each month of your course, up to nine months. For a course of nine months or more, that's £10,539.
The money must be in your account for at least 28 days in a row. UKVI counts the 28 days back from the closing balance on your most recent bank statement. That statement must be dated no more than 31 days before you apply.
If your balance falls below the amount you need on any day in those 28 days, you won't meet the requirement.
UKVI converts it to pounds using the OANDA exchange rate on the date you apply. Keep a margin above the minimum in case the rate moves.
You can use your own money, a parent's money (with a letter from them confirming you can use it), your partner's money (if they're in the UK or applying with you), a student loan or official financial sponsorship.
You can't use overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks and shares or pensions.
If you're applying from inside the UK and you've had a UK visa for at least 12 months, you don't need to show this money.
Some nationalities don't need to send financial evidence with their application. You must still have the money, and UKVI can ask to see it.
Meet the conditions of your offer. Send us anything we still need and pay any deposit due.
Complete your CAS Shield profile. We use CAS Shield to check your documents before we issue your CAS. Read our student guide to CAS Shield (PDF). Agents should use our CAS Shield checklist for agents (PDF).
Meet any pre-CAS conditions. This could be an interview, for example.
Get your CAS. Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a reference number we send once you've met all your conditions. You need it to apply for your visa.
Prepare your documents. You'll need your passport, your CAS and your financial evidence. Add your ATAS certificate, TB test certificate and parental consent if they apply to you. Documents not in English need a certified translation. Check the documents you need on GOV.UK
Apply online. Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to NHS healthcare. Apply for a Student visa on GOV.UK
Prove your identity. Depending on your passport, you'll either give your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre or scan your passport with the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Your application tells you which.
Set up your UKVI account. If your visa is approved, you'll get an eVisa: a digital record of your immigration status. Create a UKVI account to access it and link the passport you'll travel with. Get access to your eVisa on GOV.UK
Get ready to arrive. Read our pre-arrival guide for international students.
Apply as soon as you have your CAS.
| Where you apply from | Earliest you can apply | Usual decision time |
| Outside the UK | Six months before your course starts | Three weeks |
| Inside the UK | Three months before your couse starts | Eight weeks |
If you're applying from inside the UK, you must apply before your current visa expires. Your course must start within 28 days of that visa ending.
You may be able to pay for a faster decision. You'll find out when you apply.
See our international dates and deadlines for CAS deadlines.
Waiting for exam results? Start gathering your documents now. Bank statements and translations take time.
See visas and immigration advice on the UKCISA site.
If your course lasts more than six months, you can arrive in the UK up to one month before it starts. You can't travel before the start date on your visa.
Most students on undergraduate and taught master's courses can't bring family members on a Student Visa.
Your partner and children may be able to join you if you're:
studying a PhD or other research-based postgraduate degree
a government-sponsored student on a course longer than six months
Each family member needs their own visa. They also need extra money: £680 a month for up to nine months for courses outside London (£6,120 each).
Check if your family can come with you on GOV.UK
If you're 16 or 17, you need written consent from your parents or legal guardian, and you must include it with your visa application. The letter must confirm they agree to your visa application, your living arrangements in the UK and your travel to the UK.
Your Student Visa has conditions. Your eVisa shows the ones that apply to you. Breaking them can end your visa and affect future UK visa applications.
Work: at degree level, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacations. Check your eVisa for your limit.
What you can't do: claim public funds (benefits), be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Attendance: as your visa sponsor, we must tell the Home Office if you stop engaging with your course, withdraw or interrupt your studies. Read our academic engagement policy for Student visa holders.
Your UKVI account: keep your contact and passport details up to date.
If you complete your degree, you may be able to stay in the UK for 18 months on a Graduate visa to work or look for work. If you complete a PhD, you can stay for three years. You don't need a job offer.
You apply from inside the UK before your Student Visa expires. The Graduate visa can't be extended.
Our Careers Service can help you plan your next step.
Questions about your CAS or visa application? Email international@abertay.ac.uk.
Include your full name, applicant ID and course so we can find your application quickly.
Learn more about pre-CAS credibility interviews, parental consent for under-18s and visa information for current Abertay students.
Some Student Visa applicants must pass a pre-CAS interview. Check if you need one, how the £500 prepayment works and what to expect.
Applying for a Student visa before you turn 18? You need a parental consent letter, even if you'll be 18 when your course starts. Use our template.
Already studying here? Find out how to apply for a Graduate visa, access your eVisa, keep your Student visa valid and check your EU settled status.
We have tried to answer all your questions but if you can't find the answer on this page, please contact international@abertay.ac.uk.
Sign in to your UKVI account and use the View and prove service to create a share code. You can give the code to Abertay, employers and landlords.
You may be able to, depending on your current visa. You can't switch from some visas, including a Visitor visa or a Short-term study visa.
