Study Abroad in the United Kingdom-Child Student Visa

• Category:Student Visa
• Country:United Kingdom
• View Counts:464
• Published on:13-Feb-2026

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations for school education, offering outstanding independent schools, strong academic foundations, and global exposure. If your child is planning to study at a private school in the UK, the Child Student Visa is the correct visa category.

This guide explains eligibility, requirements, application timelines, fees, and visa conditions in simple and clear terms.

Overview

The Child Student Visa is for students aged 4 to 17 years old who wish to study at an independent (private) school in the UK.

If the student is 18 years or older, they must apply for a standard Student visa instead.

This visa has replaced the former Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Child Student Visa, the student must:

• Have an unconditional offer from a UK independent school
• Have a suitable place to live in the UK
• Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs
• Provide parental or legal guardian consent to study and live in the UK

Proper documentation is required to prove each of these conditions.

Your Course

The Child Student Visa only allows study at a UK independent school. It does not permit study at:

• Government-funded schools
• Further education colleges
• Universities

Students must maintain full-time enrollment at the sponsoring independent school.

Where You’ll Live

You must have appropriate living arrangements in the UK, such as:

• Boarding accommodation at the school
• Living with a parent or legal guardian
• Living with an approved private foster carer

The accommodation details must be clearly documented in the visa application.

Money You Need

You must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to:

• Pay school tuition fees
• Cover accommodation costs
• Cover living expenses

The required amount depends on where the student will live and the length of the course.

When to Apply

Applying from Outside the UK

• You can apply up to 6 months before the course start date.
• A decision is usually made within 3 weeks.

Applying from Inside the UK

• You can apply up to 3 months before the course starts.
• You must apply before your current visa expires.
• The new course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
• A decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

How Long You Can Stay

The visa duration depends on the student’s age at the time of application:

Age When You Apply

Length of Stay

Under 16 : Course length (up to 6 years) + 4 months

16 or 17 : Course length (up to 3 years) + 4 months

When You Can Travel to the UK

Students may arrive up to 1 month before the course starts, but not before the visa start date.

Visa Fees

• £524 (applying from outside the UK)
• £524 (extending or switching inside the UK)

Each applicant must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The amount depends on how long the visa is granted.

Extending Your Visa

You may extend the Child Student Visa if:

• You continue studying at an eligible independent school
• You meet financial and accommodation requirements

Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires.

Switching to a Child Student Visa

If already in the UK on another visa, you may be able to switch to a Child Student Visa, depending on your current immigration status.

What You Can and Cannot Do

✅ You Can:

• Study at a licensed independent school
• Work (if aged 16 or over):
  • Up to 10 hours per week during term time
  • Full-time during vacations
  • On a work placement (not more than 50% of the course duration)

❌ You Cannot:

• Study at a government-funded school or university
• Claim public funds (benefits)
• Take full-time permanent employment
• Be self-employed
• Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• Apply for settlement
• Bring dependants

If a parent wishes to accompany the child, they must apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa separately.

Start Your Child’s UK Education Journey

The Child Student Visa allows young learners to access world-class private education in the United Kingdom in a safe and structured environment. With proper planning, financial preparation, and accurate documentation, your child can begin an enriching academic journey in one of the world’s leading education systems.

If you need professional assistance with school selection or visa application support, our study abroad experts are here to guide you every step of the way.