Documents you must provide
When you apply you’ll need to provide:
a current passport or other valid travel identification
one passport-sized colour photograph
evidence that you can support yourself during your trip, eg bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months
details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans - you shouldn’t pay for accommodation or travel until you get your visa
your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
contact details for at least one parent or guardian in your home country (if you’re under 18 years old)
You need to provide the original documents.
You’ll also need to provide a certified translation of any documents that aren’t in English or Welsh.
You need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa.
Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.
Documents about your course
You must provide proof of the course you’re studying, eg a letter of acceptance from the educational institution - on official headed paper, stating the course’s name, duration and cost (including accommodation).
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances, eg evidence of your:
previous study, eg academic certificates, references or transcripts
English language qualifications, eg certificates or awards
accommodation and travel plans
permission to be in the country you’re applying from (if you’re not a national)
financial sponsor’s occupation, income, savings or funds that will support your studies
If you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you’ll need to provide additional documents if:
you’re travelling on your own
you’re travelling with someone who isn’t your parent or guardian
Travelling on your own
You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone 18 or over).
Your parent or guardian will need to provide their:
written consent for you to travel to the UK
full contact details
They’ll also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:
the name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with
an address where you will be living
details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you
consent in writing so they can look after you during your stay in the UK
You must provide a letter from the school confirming it has notified the local authority of your visit and your care arrangements if:
you’ll be studying in the UK during your stay
you’re under 16
You must include the reply from the local authority if the school has received one.
Read the guidance for more information on carers’ responsibilities.
Travelling with an adult
When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone 18 or over), you’ll need to identify them in your visa application.
Their name will appear on your visa, and you’ll be refused entry to the UK if you arrive in the UK without them.
You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application, and your visa will only be valid if you travel with at least one of them.
The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.