Student Visas

UK Child Student Visa

Immigration advice for families sending children to study at UK independent schools — including Parent of a Child Student visa applications.

Quick Overview

UK Child Student Visa — Key Facts

The Child Student visa is the route for children aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent fee-paying school in the UK. A parent may also be eligible for a Parent of a Child Student visa to accompany their child.

  • Age Range: For children aged 4 to 17 studying at a UK independent fee-paying school.
  • School Must Be a Licensed Sponsor: The school must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
  • Parent Visa Available: A parent may apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa to reside in the UK during the child's studies — no right to work.
  • Care Arrangements: Children aged 16 or 17 studying without a parent in the UK must have suitable care arrangements documented in the application.
  • Financial Evidence: Funds for tuition fees, boarding fees (if applicable), and living costs must be evidenced.
Full article below↓

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In this article

What Is the UK Child Student Visa?

The Child Student visa is the immigration route for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent fee-paying school in the UK. Unlike the standard Student visa (for those aged 16 and over), it caters specifically for younger students attending prep schools, junior schools, and senior independent schools.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Aged between 4 and 17
  • A confirmed place at a UK independent school that is a licensed Student sponsor
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the school
  • Financial evidence demonstrating funds for fees and maintenance
  • Suitable care arrangements for students aged 16 or 17 studying without a parent in the UK

Can a Parent Accompany the Child?

Yes. A parent of a child studying on a Child Student visa may be able to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa. This allows the parent to reside in the UK during the child's studies but does not grant the right to work. The parent must leave the UK at the same time as — or before — the child, and the school must confirm it does not object to the parent's presence.

Financial Requirements

The application must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the school's tuition fees (as shown on the CAS), any boarding fees if the child is a boarder, and living costs if the child is not a full boarder.

Care Arrangements for Older Students

For children aged 16 or 17 studying independently without a parent in the UK, suitable care arrangements must be in place and evidenced in the application. This is an area we advise families on carefully to ensure the application is complete and compelling.

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Student Visas
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Common questions

UK Child Student Visa FAQ

What age range does the Child Student visa cover?
Children aged 4 to 17 who have a confirmed place at a licensed independent school in the UK.
Can a parent stay in the UK with their child?
Yes, via the Parent of a Child Student visa. This permits residence during the child's studies but does not include the right to work.
What financial evidence is needed?
Funds covering tuition fees (as on the CAS), boarding fees if applicable, and living costs if the child is not a full boarder.
What care arrangements are required?
Children aged 16 or 17 without a parent in the UK must have suitable care arrangements in place and documented in the application.
Can the parent work on their visa?
No. The Parent of a Child Student visa does not grant the right to work in the UK.
When must the parent leave the UK?
The parent must leave the UK at the same time as — or before — the child when the child's visa expires or the child leaves the UK.
What if the child turns 18 during their studies?
When a child on a Child Student visa turns 18, they may need to switch to the standard Student visa to continue their studies. We advise on the timing and process for this switch.
Does the school need to approve the parent visa?
Yes. The school must confirm to the Home Office that it does not object to the parent accompanying the child in the UK.
Quick Overview
UK Child Student Visa — Key Facts

The Child Student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 at UK independent schools. A parent may apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa to reside in the UK — but without the right to work.

  • Age Range Children aged 4 to 17 at UK independent fee-paying schools.
  • CAS Required Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from the licensed school.
  • Parent Visa Parent of a Child Student visa available — residence but no right to work.
  • Care Arrangements Required for ages 16 and 17 studying without a parent.
  • Financial Evidence Tuition fees, boarding fees, and living costs must be evidenced.
Full article below ↓
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What Is the Child Student Visa?

The immigration route for children aged 4 to 17 to study at a UK independent fee-paying school. The school must be a licensed Student sponsor and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Parent of a Child Student Visa

A parent may apply to accompany their child to the UK. This visa permits residence during the child's studies but does not grant the right to work. The parent must leave when the child does.

Care Arrangements (Ages 16–17)

Children aged 16 or 17 studying without a parent in the UK must have suitable care arrangements documented in the application. We advise families on what is required.

Financial Requirements

Funds must cover tuition fees (as stated on the CAS), boarding fees if the child is a boarder, and living costs if the child is not a full boarder.

The care arrangement requirement for children aged 16 and 17 studying independently is an area where applications can fall short if not properly documented. We advise families carefully on what the Home Office requires and how to demonstrate it.

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We advise families on both the child's visa and the Parent of a Child Student visa — ensuring both applications are complete, compliant, and presented to the highest standard.

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Common questions

UK Child Student Visa FAQ

Children aged 4 to 17 who have a confirmed place at a licensed independent school in the UK.

Yes, via the Parent of a Child Student visa. This permits residence during the child's studies but does not include the right to work.

Funds covering tuition fees (as on the CAS), boarding fees if applicable, and living costs if the child is not a full boarder.

Children aged 16 or 17 without a parent in the UK must have suitable care arrangements in place and documented in the application.

No. The Parent of a Child Student visa does not grant the right to work in the UK.

The parent must leave the UK at the same time as — or before — the child when the child's visa expires or the child leaves the UK.

When a child on a Child Student visa turns 18, they may need to switch to the standard Student visa to continue their studies. We advise on the timing and process for this switch.

Yes. The school must confirm to the Home Office that it does not object to the parent accompanying the child in the UK.

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