If you’re planning to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a Student Scholarship. This opportunity allows international students to pursue full-time (and in some cases, part-time) studies at a recognized British college or university. To apply, you must be sponsored by a licensed education provider and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsor. This CAS is a key part of your application.
The Student Scholarship has replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Scholarship under the UK’s new immigration system. It is now the most common route for non-UK residents who wish to study in the UK.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible to apply for a Student Scholarship if you are 16 years or older and wish to study at an eligible institution in the UK. If you are 16 or 17 and plan to attend an independent school, you may be eligible for a Child Student Scholarship instead.
Your course provider, often referred to as your “sponsor,” must be a licensed student sponsor who can issue a CAS. Some institutions, such as academies, state-funded schools, or sixth-form colleges, are not eligible to sponsor international students.
Both EEA and non-EEA nationals will need a Student Scholarship if they are not eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme. The EEA includes all EU member states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland (although Switzerland is not part of the EEA, it is treated similarly for immigration purposes). Irish nationals do not require a scholarship to live, work, or study in the UK.
The 70-Point Requirement for Student Scholarship
Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, you must score 70 points to qualify for a Student Scholarship. Points are awarded based on the following criteria:
Offer from a licensed student sponsor (50 points) – You must have an unconditional offer of a place on an eligible course, leading to an approved qualification. Your sponsor will issue you a CAS as proof.
Financial requirement (10 points) – You must have enough money to cover your course fees and support yourself.
English language requirement (10 points) – You must meet the minimum standard in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
What is a CAS?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is an electronic record maintained by the Home Office and issued by your education provider once you have been accepted. The CAS includes key details about your course and sponsor, along with a unique reference number, which you must include in your application.
You can only receive a CAS if you have been accepted by a licensed student sponsor. The CAS is valid for a limited period, so it’s important to apply for your scholarship as soon as you receive it.
Meeting the Financial (Maintenance) Requirement
The amount of money you need to show depends on your situation:
Course fees: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to pay your first-year fees (or the full cost if your course is less than a year).
Living costs: You must show you have enough money to support yourself for each month of your course (up to nine months), with higher amounts required if studying in London.
If you’ve been living in the UK for at least 12 months under a valid scholarship, you may not need to show proof of funds. If you have a scholarship or official sponsorship covering your costs, this could also reduce or eliminate the requirement.
Importantly, you must have the required funds in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
English Language Requirement
You will need to prove your English skills through an approved test or qualification, unless you are from an exempt country or have previously studied in English at an acceptable level. Your education provider will guide you on the required evidence.
How to Apply for a UK Student Scholarship
Obtain your CAS from your licensed sponsoring education institution.
Apply online using your CAS reference number.
Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Submit your documents and, if required, attend a biometric appointment.
You must apply within six months of receiving your CAS if applying from outside the UK.
Graduate Route: After You Finish Studying
Upon successfully completing your degree in the UK, you may be eligible for the Graduate Scholarship. This allows you to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to work, look for work, or even switch to a Skilled Worker scholarship if you secure an eligible job with a licensed sponsor.
Bringing Family Members (Dependants)
Your partner and children (referred to as “dependants”) may be eligible to apply to join you in the UK or extend their stay if they are already in the UK. This is possible if one of the following applies:
You are a government-sponsored student starting a course lasting longer than six months, or
You are a full-time student on a postgraduate-level course (RQF level 7 or above) lasting nine months or longer.
If your postgraduate course begins on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either:
Who Qualifies as a Dependant?
A dependant partner or child can be:
Your husband, wife, or civil partner.
Your unmarried partner.
Your child, under 18 years old (including children born in the UK during your stay).
eScholarships – Important Changes from 15 July 2025
Starting from 15 July 2025, most new Student Scholarship applications will be issued as digital eScholarships rather than physical vignettes (stickers) in passports. This applies to short-term study scholarships (up to 11 months).
Applicants will need to:
Dependants and other scholarship types may continue to receive passport vignettes until further notice.
Working While You Study
Many students can work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations. However, the number of hours and the type of work you can do depend on your course level and sponsor type. Some courses and providers may have stricter limits, so always check your scholarship conditions before accepting work.
Get Expert Help
Applying for a Student Scholarship can be straightforward if you meet all the requirements, but even small mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. Our advisers at University Pathway Global Consultants provide tailored guidance on eligibility, financial evidence, and supporting documents, ensuring you prepare a strong application.
