Your UK study journey starts long before you land in the UK. It begins with getting your CAS, paying your IHS, and arranging clear proof of funds — three building blocks that decide how smooth your visa process will be.
Understanding the UK Student Route Basics
Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) confirms your admission to a UK institution. The IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) gives you access to NHS healthcare during your stay. Finally, you must show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs.
CAS = admission proof • IHS = healthcare access • Funds = tuition + living expenses covered.
1. CAS – Your Official Offer from the University
Your CAS is a unique reference number issued by your university once you accept their offer and meet their conditions. It includes details about your course, duration, fees, and any payments made.
- Issued by your licensed UK university or college
- Contains course details, fee information, and start date
- Must be valid on the date you submit your visa application
2. IHS – Your Access to NHS Healthcare
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee you pay as part of your visa application. Once paid and your visa is granted, you gain access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
- Paid online when you submit your visa application
- Covers most healthcare services during your course
- Charged based on the length of your visa
3. Proof of Funds – Showing You Can Afford Your Stay
You must prove that you can pay for your tuition and living expenses in the UK. This is usually shown through bank statements, education loans, or sponsor documents that meet Home Office rules.
- Cover remaining tuition fees for the first year (or full course if short)
- Show required living costs depending on your city of study
- Funds must normally be held for a specific number of days (as per UKVI rules)
Once these three pillars are in place — CAS, IHS, and Proof of Funds — the rest of your application becomes much easier to structure. You can then focus on getting your documents organised, filling in your online form accurately, and preparing for the final visa decision.