Extend or Switch to a UK Student Visa From Inside the UK: Eligibility, Fees and Deadlines

If you are already in the UK and want to keep studying, you usually do not have to leave and re-apply from abroad. The UK government lets eligible students **extend** a Student visa or **switch** to it from another visa, all online. This guide walks through who can do which, when to apply, what it costs and what happens next, based on the official GOV.UK Student visa pages.

Extend or switch: which one applies to you?

**Extend** if you are already in the UK on a Student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) student visa) and want to continue your studies or start a new course.

**Switch** if you are in the UK on a different visa and now have an offer from a licensed student sponsor.

GOV.UK says you **cannot** switch to a Student visa from any of these: a visit visa, a short-term student visa, a Parent of a Child Student visa, a seasonal worker visa, a domestic worker in a private household visa, or leave outside the immigration rules. People with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need a visa.

Eligibility

To switch

You must be in the UK.

You need an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself.

To extend

You must be in the UK on a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You need an unconditional offer and a CAS from a licensed student sponsor.

You must show academic progress, with some exceptions (see below).

The same 12-month funds rule applies: if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you must prove you can support yourself.

The academic progress requirement (extensions)

If you are currently studying in the UK, you will usually need to show your new studies are at a higher academic level than your current course. GOV.UK lists these accepted cases for the new course:

It is at a higher academic level than your current course.

It is at the same level and related to your previous course or career aspirations, and it is degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider.

It is an intercalated course for a medicine, dentistry or medical science course you started on your Student visa.

You do not need to show a higher level if you are, for example, resitting exams or repeating modules, completing a PhD or other doctorate you started under your last Student visa, or extending to complete your studies because of a work placement or study abroad programme. GOV.UK points to its guidance for the full list.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is **3 months before your course starts**.

You must apply **before your current visa expires**, and your new course must begin within **28 days** of your current visa expiring. GOV.UK's example: if your visa expires on 1 December, apply before 1 December; the new course must begin by 29 December.

You must also apply within **6 months** of getting your CAS.

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If you applied for an administrative review after a refusal, you can stay until you get the review decision.

Costs

For each person applying:

**£558** to extend or to switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.

The healthcare surcharge, which depends on how long your visa lasts.

Fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) are taken at no fee.

If your partner or children are applying, they must apply separately, either at the same time as you or at any time before their current visa expires, and each pays the fee.

How to apply

1. Get your unconditional offer and CAS from your licensed student sponsor.

2. Gather evidence, including proof of funds if you have been in the UK on a valid visa for less than 12 months.

3. Apply online.

4. Prove your identity. You will either use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app to scan your identity document (and create or sign in to your UKVI account), or give fingerprints and a photo at a UKVCAS service point. You are told which when you apply.

5. Wait for the decision, and do not travel (see below).

Processing time

A decision will usually be made within **8 weeks**. You may be able to pay for a faster decision; you are told if you can when you apply. Complex cases can take longer, for example if documents need verifying, you need an interview, or because of your personal circumstances.

Do not travel while you wait

You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

After you apply

To change something in your application, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. The fee is only refunded if UKVI has not started processing it.

If successful, you get an eVisa, a digital record of your identity and immigration status. Your decision email or letter explains how to access it through a UKVI account.

Thinking ahead: the Graduate visa

GOV.UK notes you can switch to a Graduate visa after successfully completing your course. It lets you stay for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, or 3 years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

FAQ

Can I apply for a Student visa extension from outside the UK?

No. The extend and switch routes described here are for people already in the UK. Applications from outside the UK have their own process on GOV.UK.

How early can I apply to extend or switch?

Up to 3 months before your course starts, and always before your current visa expires.

What if my new course starts more than 28 days after my visa expires?

GOV.UK requires the new course to begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring, so check your dates before applying.

Can I stay in the UK while my application is processed?

Yes, you can stay until you get your decision, as long as you applied before your visa expired.

How much does it cost?

£558 per person, plus the healthcare surcharge.

*Rules and fees change. Always confirm the latest details on GOV.UK before applying.*