To apply for a UK Child Student Visa, the applicant must:

• Be aged 4 to 17 years.
• Have an offer from a licensed independent school in the UK.
• Have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Have parental or guardian consent to study in the UK.

Child Student Visa (For ages 4-17)

• For students attending an independent (private) school.
• Requires Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed school.
• Requires proof of financial support and parental/guardian consent.
• Visa duration: Full course length (up to 3 years for ages 16-17).
• Living Arrangements:
• Under 16: Must live with a guardian or in school accommodation.
• 16-17: Can live independently with parental permission.

Standard Visitor Visa (For short-term studies – up to 6 months)

• Suitable for short courses or exchange programs.
• Cannot be extended or switched to a Student Visa from within the UK.

Step 1: Get Accepted by a Licensed Independent School

• Apply and receive an offer letter from a UK independent (private) school that is a licensed Child Student visa sponsor.
• The school will provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a unique reference number required for the visa application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents:

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months of validity).
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the school.
• Parental Consent Letter confirming permission to study in the UK.
• Proof of Financial Support:
• Bank statements showing funds for tuition and living costs.
• In London: £1,560 per month (up to 9 months).
• Outside London: £1,235 per month (up to 9 months).
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (if required for your country).
• Custodianship Documents (if applicable for students under 16).

Step 3: Apply Online for the Visa

• Visit the UK Government Visa Application Portal: gov.uk/child-student-visa.
• Create an account and complete the visa application form.
• Upload required documents.
• Pay the visa application fee (£490).
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS healthcare access.

Step 4: Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

• Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
• Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph (biometric information).
• In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Processing Time:

• Standard Processing: 3 weeks.
• Priority Processing: 5 working days (extra fee applies).

If approved, you’ll receive:

• A visa vignette (sticker) in your passport.
• A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (to be collected in the UK).

Step 6: Travel to the UK & Start Your Studies

• Ensure you arrive before your course start date.
• Present your visa & supporting documents at UK immigration control.
• Begin your studies at the independent school!

Guardianship for Minor Students

• Students under 16 years old must have a guardian or live in school accommodation.
• A UK-based responsible adult (guardian) must be appointed.
• The guardian must be a UK resident, over 25 years old, and financially stable.

Parent of a Child Student Visa

• Parents of children under 12 years old can apply for a Parent of a Child
• Student Visa to stay in the UK with their child.
• Limitations: The parent cannot work and must leave when the child turns 12 or their visa expires.

 Independent (Private) School Fees

• Primary School (Ages 4-11)
• Day School: £10,000 - £25,000 per year
• Boarding School: £20,000 - £40,000 per year

Secondary School (Ages 11-18)

• Day School: £12,000 - £30,000 per year
• Boarding School: £25,000 - £50,000 per year

Top Boarding Schools (Average Fees):

• Eton College: £49,998 per year
• Harrow School: £48,945 per year
• Winchester College: £52,000 per year

London Schools tend to be more expensive, with fees reaching £40,000 - £50,000 per year.

Additional Costs

• Registration Fee: £100 - £400 (one-time, non-refundable).
• Uniform & Materials: £500 - £2,000 per year.
• Accommodation (if not in a boarding school):
• Homestay: £800 - £1,500 per month
• Private rental: £1,000 - £2,500 per month (London is higher)
• Extracurricular Activities & Trips: £1,000 - £5,000 per year.
• Health Insurance (IHS Fee): £776 per year.

Some UK independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries for talented international students, reducing tuition costs. Examples include:

• Academic Scholarships (for outstanding students).
• Music, Arts & Sports Scholarships.
• Needs-Based Bursaries (for families with financial constraints).

• Minor students must attend an independent school and have a valid study visa.
• Parental consent and proof of funds are mandatory.
• Students under 16 need a UK-based guardian or must live in school accommodation.
• Parents can accompany children under 12 but cannot work in the UK.
• Transition to university or further education is possible after turning 18.