Applying for a visa

International students coming to the UK to study full-time must apply for a student visa. If you need a visa to study in the UK, you must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number to apply for your student visa. 

CAS numbers

Student Visa Advice have information on how to apply for a visa on their webpages.

Applicants are required to complete certain steps to receive a CAS. Those depend on programme type and individual circumstances. Visit this Student Visa Advice webpages to learn more. A CAS cannot be issued unless the steps have been completed. 

You will receive your CAS number by email. Once all the above requirements have been met, the admissions team aims to generate a CAS for you within a week. Please contact the admissions team or department with queries concerning your CAS. Contact information can be found on each entry in the programme finder.

You can check UK government visa processing times for an estimate of how long you will need to apply for your visa. 

ATAS clearance

Some applicants will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate. This applies to international applicants who need a visa to study in the UK and who will be studying certain science, engineering or technology programmes. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement.

You can find out if you will need an ATAS certificate by looking at the programme admissions statement. You will need an ATAS certificate before you can be issued a CAS and can apply for a Student visa. The University will receive a copy of your ATAS certificate once it is granted.

Find out more information on ATAS from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including how to apply for the certificate, and on the Student Visas webpage.