Child Student Visa
UK Child Student Visa – 2025 Guide
What is the UK Child Student Visa?
The UK Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent (private) school in the United Kingdom.
This visa allows young international students to receive high-quality education in the UK and stay for the duration of their course.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Child Student Visa, the applicant must:
Be aged between 4 and 17 years.
Have a confirmed offer of a place at a licensed independent school.
Have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Have parental or guardian consent for studying in the UK.
Be able to show suitable care and accommodation arrangements (especially if under 12).
Who Can Apply?
The child’s parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.
Children aged 16 or 17 may apply themselves (with parental permission).
Parental Accompaniment
Parents cannot accompany their children on this visa unless the child is under 12 years old. In such cases, the parent may apply separately for a Parent of a Child Student Visa, allowing them to live in the UK with their child (only one parent is allowed to stay).
Documents Required
When applying, you’ll usually need:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an approved independent school
A valid passport or travel document
Proof of sufficient funds to pay school fees and living costs
Parental consent letter(s)
Proof of accommodation and care arrangements in the UK
Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if from a listed country)
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate funds to cover:
Course fees for one academic year
Living costs depending on boarding status:
If boarding: typically, £11,000–£15,000 per year
If living with a private carer: at least £1,560 per month in London or £1,334 outside London
Funds must be held in a regulated bank account for at least 28 days before applying.
If you are planning to send your child to the UK to study, ensure to get the best advice before proceeding with making this application.