UK student visa (Student visa): CAS, points and financial proof

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Student visa is for people 16 years of age or older to study at an educational institution licensed to sponsor students in the UK. Visa is considered according to a points system, in which the three deciding factors are CAS, finance and English. This article explains each requirement, cost and timeline so you can proactively prepare your application.

70-point system of UK student visa

Student visas are part of a points-based immigration system. You need to achieve 70 points, including:

• 50 points: have a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor, appropriate coursework, and meet level requirements.
• 10 points: prove sufficient finances to pay tuition and living expenses.
• 10 points: meets English requirements.

There is no "compensation" between factors: missing one condition means the application fails. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare all three parts evenly.

What is CAS?

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic code issued by the school after you receive an unconditional offer and complete the school's requirements (usually including a tuition deposit). CAS contains course information, start date, tuition, amount paid and documents the school used to consider you. According to GOV.UK, you must apply for a visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

Please read CAS carefully: personal information, courses, and tuition paid must be accurate, because the amount to prove is calculated based on CAS. See comparison with similar papers in the article What are CoE, I-20, CAS and how to read the offer in the article Offer Letter is conditional and unconditional.

English required

According to GOV.UK, undergraduate courses and higher require a minimum CEFR B2 level; below university level is B1. You can demonstrate this with an approved SELT test (such as IELTS for UKVI), appropriate qualifications or, for university level or above, the school can self-assess. Schools may set requirements higher than the visa level.

Proof of finances and 28-day rule

You need to prove enough money for two items: first year tuition fees that must be paid (according to CAS) and living expenses for up to 9 months. According to GOV.UK at the time of article update:

28 day rule: the amount must be in the account continuously for at least 28 days, and the last day of this period is not more than 31 days before the date of application. This is a very common mistake: withdrawing money midway or submitting an application when the statement is "overdue" can lead to rejection. Some nationalities apply different proof requirements, but Vietnamese citizens should prepare full financial documents. Details in the article Proof of finances for studying abroad.

Fees, IHS and other requirements

• Visa fee: according to GOV.UK, paid from outside the UK is £558 (subject to change).
• Medical surcharge (IHS): £776 per year for students, calculated based on visa term; In return you get access to NHS services.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test: people coming to the UK for 6 months or more and living in a country on the required list (Vietnam is on this list) need to be tested at a designated clinic; The certificate is valid for 6 months. See more Medical examination for student visa application.
• Parental consent for 16–17 year old students.
• Credible interview may be required; refer to the article Student visa interview.

Submission process and time

1. Receive unconditional offer, deposit, receive CAS.
2. Prepare finances according to the 28-day rule, TB test, English certificate.
3. Apply online, pay fees and IHS. From outside the UK, applications can be submitted at least 6 months before the start date.
4. Get biometrics at the application center (or use the app if eligible).
5. Waiting for results: usually about 3 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK.

Regarding entry time: courses of more than 6 months can arrive in the UK at least 1 month before the first day of school; Courses of 6 months or less are 1 week, and must not arrive before the visa validity date. After graduation, you can apply for a Graduate visa; According to GOV.UK, the deadline for bachelor's and master's degrees is 2 years if submitted by December 31, 2026 and 18 months if submitted from January 1, 2027. See more articles Is a 1-year master's degree in the UK worth the investment?.

September is the peak season for Vietnamese students flying to the UK, and ticket prices often increase sharply. More than 30 VeDuHoc Bookers hunt for multi-carrier tickets (direct flights or connecting flights through Asia, the Middle East), continue to monitor when prices are high, and if they find a better price after you have paid, HVSC transfers the difference to refund. Reference air tickets to study abroad and time to book study abroad tickets.

Frequently asked questions

Having CAS, are you sure you will get a visa?

Are not. CAS only meets the 50-point portion; You still need to meet financial qualifications, English and other requirements. Visa officers can also assess the authenticity of the purpose of study.

How much is the proof of finances to study in the UK?

The first year's tuition must also be paid according to CAS plus living expenses for a maximum of 9 months: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere, according to the latest announcement.

Who is entitled to hold the financial proof account?

You or your parents or legal guardian. If using a parent's account, a letter of consent and documents proving relationship are required.

Is IHS refundable?

IHS may be refunded in certain cases such as visa refusal or application withdrawal before a decision is made. Check the guidance on GOV.UK.

UK student visa has clear criteria, so just prepare the right CAS, finances and English, you will be proactive in getting results. Once you have a visa, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to book tickets within the allowed time frame.

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