CAS Process Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide for International Students Applying to Study in the UK

What Is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a secure electronic record generated by a licensed UK education provider. It contains a unique reference number, details about your course, and information that UK Visas and Immigration will use when assessing your Student visa application.

For many students and families, receiving the CAS feels like a real “you made it” moment. After applications, offers, conditions, documents and waiting, it usually means that the university side of the process has come together.

However, it is not the final step. A CAS allows you to move forward with the Student visa application, but it does not mean that the visa has already been approved. UK Visas and Immigration will still assess whether you meet the visa requirements.

CAS and IB CAS: Avoiding Acronym Confusion

UK university applications come with a lot of terminology, and CAS is one of the terms that can easily confuse families.

For families familiar with the IB Diploma Programme, CAS may already mean Creativity, Activity, Service. In this article, however, CAS means Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the reference number issued by a UK university for Student visa purposes.

What Does “Student Sponsor” Mean?

In UK visa terminology, your university is often called your student sponsor. This can sound confusing, especially for families who associate the word “sponsor” with money.

In this context, sponsor does not mean that the university is giving you money or funding your studies. It means that the university is officially licensed by the UK government to sponsor international students for visa purposes and has confirmed that you have a genuine place on an eligible course.

This is different from financial sponsorship, which refers to funding from an official organisation, government, scholarship provider or other recognised source. Most students who receive a CAS are still responsible for paying their own tuition fees and living costs, unless they have a separate scholarship or funding arrangement.

CAS Process: Step by Step

The exact process varies slightly by university, but most students go through the following stages.

Step 1: Receive an Offer from a UK University

Before you can receive a CAS, you must first apply to a UK university and receive an offer. This may be a conditional offer, meaning you still need to meet certain requirements, or an unconditional offer, meaning the university has already confirmed that you meet the entry requirements.

In most cases, a CAS is issued only after your offer becomes unconditional.

Step 2: Accept Your Offer

Once you decide which university you want to attend, you must formally accept the offer. If you applied through UCAS, this is usually done through your UCAS account. If you applied directly to the university, you may need to accept the offer through the university’s applicant portal.

Students who are still comparing routes may also want to understand how UCAS Clearing works, especially if their results, offers or university choices change later in the cycle.

Step 3: Meet All Offer Conditions

If your offer is conditional, you must provide the required documents before the university can move forward with the CAS process. These may include final academic results, official transcripts, English language evidence, a passport copy, or any additional documents requested by the university.

This stage is especially relevant for students completing the IB or A-Levels, because final results, subject choices and offer conditions must be checked carefully before the university can issue the CAS.

Step 4: Pay Your Tuition Deposit, If Required

Many UK universities require international students to pay a tuition fee deposit before issuing the CAS. The exact amount depends on the university and the course.

After payment, keep the receipt or payment confirmation. Some universities ask for proof of payment before they approve the CAS request.

Step 5: Complete the University’s CAS Request Form

Most universities ask students to complete a CAS request form through the applicant portal. This form usually asks you to confirm your personal details, passport information, course details, previous UK visa history, previous UK study, funding arrangements, and whether you need visa sponsorship.

It is very important that the information matches your passport exactly. Even small mistakes in your name, date of birth, nationality or passport number can create problems later.

Step 6: Upload Any Requested Documents

Before issuing the CAS, the university may ask you to upload supporting documents. These can include your passport, academic certificates, English language evidence, previous visa documents, financial documents, or an ATAS certificate if your course requires one.

ATAS is usually relevant only for certain sensitive science, engineering, technology or research-based subjects at postgraduate level. If your course requires ATAS, you must obtain the certificate before applying for the visa.

Step 7: Check Your Draft CAS Carefully

Before issuing the final CAS, many universities send a draft CAS for you to review. This is one of the most important moments in the process.

Check every detail carefully, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, course title, course start and end dates, tuition fees, deposit or fees already paid, and English language information.

If anything is wrong, contact the university immediately. Mistakes on the CAS can delay or weaken your visa application.

Step 8: Receive Your CAS Number

Once everything is approved, the university will issue your CAS number. You will need this number for your UK Student visa application.

A CAS is valid for six months from the date it is assigned. If you are applying from outside the UK, the visa application must also be made no more than six months before the course start date stated on the CAS.

Step 9: Prepare Your Student Visa Application

After receiving your CAS, you can start your UK Student visa application through the official UK government website.

You will usually need your CAS number, a valid passport, financial evidence if required, an ATAS certificate if required, English language evidence if requested, and parental consent documents if you are under 18. Some applicants may also need a tuberculosis test certificate, depending on where they have lived before applying.

You will also need to pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Because fees can change, always check the official GOV.UK page before applying.

Step 10: Upload Documents and Complete Identity Checks

After submitting the visa application, you may be asked to upload supporting documents online or through a visa application centre. You may also need to attend a biometric appointment, where your fingerprints and photo are taken.

Some students, especially those with eligible biometric passports, may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead of attending a visa application centre. Applicants will be told what to do during the online application process.

Important Note for Students Applying from Greece

Greek nationals are currently included in the list of nationalities that usually do not need to upload financial evidence at the point of application. However, this does not mean the financial requirement disappears.

Students must still have the required funds available, and UK Visas and Immigration can ask to see evidence during the application process. As a general rule, students must be able to show enough money for tuition fees and living costs. The required living-cost amount depends on whether the course is in London or outside London, and the money must normally have been held for 28 consecutive days.

This is why students and parents should prepare bank documents even if they are not uploaded at the beginning.

Common Question: Do I Upload Bank Documents to UCAS?

No. Financial documents are not normally uploaded during the UCAS application stage.

Bank statements or bank letters may be requested later by the university before issuing your CAS, or by UK Visas and Immigration during the Student visa application process. The exact requirement depends on your nationality, funding situation, university policy and visa rules.

For students applying from Greece, the key point is this: even if you are not asked to upload financial evidence upfront, you should still have it ready in case the university or UKVI asks for it.

Important Tips Before Requesting Your CAS

Make sure your passport is valid before starting the CAS process. Use the same personal details across UCAS, your university portal, your CAS request and your visa application. Do not apply for your visa before receiving your CAS, and check early whether your course requires ATAS.

Students who are still at an earlier stage of the UK application journey may also want to think about supercurricular activities and essay competitions, especially if they are preparing for competitive UK university courses.

Final Checklist Before Applying for Your Student Visa

Final Thoughts

The CAS is one of the most important steps between receiving a UK university offer and applying for a Student visa. It confirms that your university is ready to support your visa application as a licensed student sponsor.

It is also a milestone worth recognising. For many students and families, the CAS is the moment when the UK university plan begins to feel real. The process may still feel complicated, but it becomes easier when you follow it step by step: receive your offer, meet your conditions, complete the CAS process, check your details carefully, and then apply for your visa.

Further Reading for Parents and Students

Sources and Useful Links

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