Progressing from the International Foundation Programme (IFP) to an undergraduate course

If you are progressing from the IFP to an undergraduate course, find out how to get a new CAS and apply for your Student visa.

On this page

Get a CAS

You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before you apply for your visa.

Find out how to get a CAS.

You do not need to send your IFP results. The Admissions team will receive them directly from your school or college.

Apply for your visa

Find full details about how to apply for a Student visa. You should also read the information on this page, as some steps and requirements are different for IFP students.

Where you can apply from depends on your visa type and when it expires.

Visitor visa

If you studied on a Visitor visa you must apply from outside the UK

Student visa

IFP programmes finishing in April, May and June 2026

You must return to your home country before your visa expires and apply from outside the UK. Your visa will not be long enough to apply from inside the UK.

Find out how to apply from outside the UK.

IFP programmes finishing in July or August 2026

If your visa expires in September 2026 or later and you have successfully completed your course, you can usually apply from inside the UK.

Find out how to apply from inside the UK.

You can also apply from outside the UK if you prefer and have enough time.

When you can apply 

If you are applying in the UK:

  • apply before your current visa expires
  • show proof of your visa application to complete your Right to Study check
  • you can start your course before you receive a decision

If you are applying from outside the UK:

  • you must return to the UK by 14 September 2026.
  • visa applications can take a month or longer to process.

You can apply once:

  • you have met all the conditions of your offer
  • you have received your CAS

Financial requirement 

You may not need to meet the financial requirement if:

  • you are applying in the UK
  • you have lived in the UK for at least 12 months
  • you have not been outside the UK for more than 3 months in total during that time

If you do not meet all of these conditions, you must meet the financial requirement.

Contact the Student Visa Advisers if you have questions.

Who to contact