Child Student Visa

The Child Student visa allows children aged 4 to 17 to study in the UK at a licensed independent (fee-paying) school. It cannot be used to study at an academy or a state-funded school. The route does not lead to settlement.

Who may be eligible

A child may qualify if they:

• Are aged 4 to 17.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place from an independent school that is a licensed student sponsor, confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Have the written consent of their parents or legal guardian for the application, their travel and their living and care arrangements in the UK.
• Can show enough money to pay their course fees and living costs.

Money you need

The living-cost figures depend on where the child will live, and are generally needed for up to 9 months:

• With a foster carer or close relative: at least £570 a month.
• With a parent who holds a Parent of a Child Student visa: £1,560 a month (covering the parent and child), plus £625 a month for each additional child.
• Aged 16 or 17 and living independently: £1,334 a month in London or £1,023 a month outside London.

Funds must generally have been held for 28 days.

Care arrangements

The Home Office looks closely at the child's welfare. The application must show suitable arrangements for the child's travel and care in the UK, and the parents' consent to those arrangements. The money required also depends on whether the child will live with a parent, a foster carer or close relative, or independently.

How long a child can stay

A child aged under 16 can generally be granted permission for the length of the course (up to 6 years) plus 4 months. A child aged 16 or 17 can generally be granted permission for the length of the course (up to 3 years) plus 4 months. The Home Office fee is currently £558.

Parent of a Child Student visa

One parent can apply to accompany a child who is aged 4 to 11 when the parent applies and who holds, or is applying for, a Child Student visa at an independent school. Key points:

• The parent can stay until the child's visa ends or the child turns 12, whichever comes first.
• The parent cannot do paid work in the UK.
• The parent must show £1,560 a month, plus £625 a month for each additional child, for up to 9 months.
• The parent must intend to maintain a home for the child in the UK.

Documents and evidence commonly needed

• The child's passport and CAS.
• Written parental consent and evidence of the relationship to the parents.
• Bank statements or evidence of fees already paid.
• Details of care and accommodation arrangements.

How the application works

1. Secure an unconditional offer from a licensed independent school and receive the CAS.
2. Arrange care and accommodation, and gather parental consent and financial evidence.
3. Submit the child's application online, with a separate application for any accompanying parent, and complete the identity steps the Home Office asks for.
4. Wait for a decision before making final travel arrangements.

Recent and upcoming changes

The Statement of Changes HC 584 amends parts of the Child Student rules from 8 October 2026. No new money figures for Child Students had been published at the time of writing. The increase in living costs from 30 November 2026 applies to the adult Student route.

How Stonebridge can help

We advise families on the Child Student and Parent of a Child Student routes, check financial evidence and consent documents, help set out clear care arrangements, and prepare and submit the applications. When a child turns 16 or moves on to further study, we can advise on moving to the adult Student visa.

To discuss your child's schooling plans, book a consultation.