Visa for study

The University holds a Student sponsor licence, granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), to sponsor a visa for study at Cambridge. 

Full-time degree students can normally be sponsored for a Student visa.  

A Student visa application must be supported with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). 

• The Postgraduate Admissions Office issues CAS for new postgraduate students and postgraduate students continuing to a new course. 
• The International Student Office issues all other CAS.

New students are issued a CAS from around 3–4 months prior to the start of the course and only once all offer conditions have been met.  

Students on part-time postgraduate courses who spend most of their study time outside the UK and only need to attend for short periods in Cambridge can do so using Visitor immigration permission. From a visa perspective, attendance arrangements are considered to be via distance learning. 

It is not possible as a Visitor on a course of more than 6 months to make the UK your main study location or residence. Generally students will enter for a short period of study and leave soon after. It is not expected for students to be in the UK for extended periods, or to undertake frequent and successive visits. 

Student visa sponsorship is not provided for part-time study except in the following circumstances: 

• Certain postgraduate courses in the Faculty of Education.
• A research degree where the reason for studying part-time is due to a disability, and the student will be based in Cambridge engaging with studies on an ongoing basis. 

A part-time Student visa does not permit any work or allow dependant family members to live in the UK.   

Students studying at Cambridge on a course under 6 months, for example on an international summer programme, a medical elective placement or to undertake a short visiting research period in a host Faculty or Department, study with Visitor immigration permission. 

ATAS requirements may apply for certain postgraduate science and technology courses.  

Students may already have a UK immigration status that permits study. If the status is time-limited, students should consider:  

• whether ATAS requirements apply  
• full-time students are expected to work within the University’s working guidance  
• eligibility for the post-study Graduate visa is based on holding a Student visa  
• whether your immigration status covers the length of your course and, if not, what you plan to do when it expires  

If you intend to switch to a Student visa during your studies, contact the International Student Office to discuss your plans.  

It is not possible to study full-time at Cambridge with a: 

• Visitor status (unless in specific circumstances)
• Student visa issued for study at another institution  
• Graduate visa
• High Potential visa 

The University is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify students have valid immigration permission for their studies and retain evidence. 

This is undertaken during the admissions process, for those who already hold a UK visa, or, for those who are applying for a visa to study at Cambridge, on arrival prior to commencing studies.   

Students are required to hold a valid immigration status throughout their studies and provide the University with evidence of any new permission at the relevant time.