Most international students in the UK don't plan to stay longer than their original Student visa — until they do. A resit, a course extension, a master's added after a bachelor's, a PhD that takes an extra year: all of these require either a Student visa extension or a new Student visa application. In 2026 the rules around this have tightened in several areas. This guide covers every scenario clearly.
When you need to extend vs. apply fresh
| Situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| Continuing at the same university (same course, longer duration) | In-country extension |
| Progressing from bachelor's to master's at same university | In-country extension with new CAS |
| Moving to a different university | New application (not extension) |
| Changing to a different type of course (e.g. full-time → part-time) | New application |
| Taking a gap year and returning | New application from overseas |
| Completing resits that push graduation beyond visa expiry | Extension with CAS for resit period |
The 60-day rule for extensions
You can apply to extend your Student visa up to 3 months before your current visa expires, but not earlier. Most students apply in the final 28–60 days.
If your visa expires and you haven't yet applied, you have entered the UK illegally (overstaying). The consequences:
- Overstaying a student visa by more than 28 days without reasonable cause can trigger a re-entry ban
- Your university must report a "suspected overstayer" to UKVI if you're still enrolled
- Overstaying does not automatically cancel your enrolment, but many universities have policies requiring active immigration status
Apply early, but not too early. The earliest you can apply in-country is 3 months before expiry. The latest is the day before expiry.
What you need for a Student visa extension
1. New CAS from your university
Your university's International Student Office issues a new for the extension period. The CAS must state:
- The new course end date (or resit period)
- Confirmation you've been attending and progressing satisfactorily
- Your new tuition balance (fees owed for the extension period)
Most universities generate CAS codes within 5–10 working days of your request. Give them 2 weeks to be safe.
2. Maintenance funds
Same rule as the initial application: you need to show the required amount has been in your account for 28 consecutive days immediately before applying.
| Course location | Monthly amount | 9-month total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,483/month | £13,347 |
| Elsewhere | £1,136/month | £10,224 |
Even for a 3-month extension, you must show the full 9-month equivalent maintenance — the Home Office does not pro-rate this.
3. Passport and previous visa evidence
Your current passport plus any previous passports showing relevant visas. If you've renewed your passport since arrival, bring both.
4. Proof of academic progress
Not always explicitly required, but recommended:
- Most recent academic transcript
- Letter from your tutor or personal supervisor confirming progress
- Enrolment confirmation letter dated within 28 days of application
Fees for a Student visa extension
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £524 |
| IHS for extension period (1 year = £776) | £776–£2,328 |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 |
Total minimum for a 1-year extension: £1,300. For a 2-year extension (PhD): £2,076.
Note: if you're switching from another visa type into Student for further study, the same fees apply as an initial application.
Changing your course — what's allowed
Within the same institution: Your university can update your CAS to reflect a course change without you needing to submit a new visa application, if the new course is at the same level or higher. Switching from PGCE to MSc at the same university — no new application needed.
Dropping a level (e.g. master's to bachelor's) — you must apply for a new Student visa, even at the same institution.
Moving to a different institution — you must apply for a new visa with a new CAS from the new institution. You can apply in-country before your current visa expires. The new visa will overlap the old one — UKVI cancels the old visa when the new one is issued.
If your university loses its "track record of compliance" (Home Office approval) while you are a student, you must transfer to a compliant institution or leave the UK. Check your university's status periodically at the Tier 4 register on gov.uk. Loss of status is rare but has happened.
Resits and failed years
If you fail a year and must resit, your Student visa may not cover the resit period. In that case:
- Ask your university to issue a new for the resit year
- Apply to extend your Student visa using that CAS
- Show maintenance funds for the full 9-month equivalent
- Pay the extension fee (£524 + )
If your visa expires before your resit results are confirmed, you must apply for the extension while in the UK (on or before expiry day) on the basis that the resit is pending. Your university should provide a letter confirming the timeline.
Part-time study — is it allowed?
Student visa holders must be studying full-time. Part-time study is not permitted on a UK Student visa. However:
- Studying part-time at a university while on a different visa (Skilled Worker, spouse visa) is permitted
- Distance learning from overseas with a UK institution does not require a Student visa
- If you switch to part-time study mid-way, UKVI expects you to notify them and may curtail your leave
After your extension — what comes next?
Student visas cannot lead directly to . After completing your studies:
- Apply for a Graduate visa (if eligible — see our Graduate visa guide)
- Or apply to switch directly to Skilled Worker if you have a job offer
- Or return home and re-enter later
Graduate visa time and Student visa time both do not count toward the 5-year ILR clock. Your settlement path effectively begins on the day your first qualifying "settlement route" visa (Skilled Worker, spouse visa, etc.) is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Yes — but keep them separate. Apply for the Student extension to cover your remaining studies. Then, once you graduate, apply for Graduate visa or switch to Skilled Worker. Mixing applications increases complexity and can confuse both caseworkers and your employer.
Contact your university's International Student Office immediately. The CAS details must match your actual course. An incorrect end date can cause the visa to be issued for the wrong duration.
Medical interruptions may require explanation. Your university must provide a letter confirming the interruption was authorised and that you are resuming studies. Keep all medical documentation.
No. Travelling while your in-country extension is pending may invalidate it. Wait until the extension is granted, then travel. If you need to travel urgently, withdraw the application, travel, and reapply from overseas.