Six students all walking in a horizontal line together

Visas and Immigration

Visas and Immigration

Applying for a UK Student visa is an important step in preparing to study at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). This page explains the visa process, the documents you’ll need, and how we’ll support you from offer to arrival.

We recommend reading this page alongside our Ӱ guide.

Female student outside gateway building on High Wycombe campus
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number that links your BNU offer to your UK Student visa application. You will receive your CAS once you have:

  • Met all academic and application requirements
  • Accepted your unconditional offer
  • Uploaded financial evidence that meets UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements
  • Paid your CAS deposit (this may vary by country)

A CAS can be issued up to six months before your course start date. 

Before requesting your CAS, please ensure that your personal details exactly match your passport. Any discrepancies may delay your visa application.

Students studying in a booth in the Atrium
Applying for Your Student Visa

You can apply for your visa once your CAS has been issued. Before starting your visa application, make sure you have:

  • A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required in your country –
  • A valid passport
  • Your CAS number from BNU
  • Financial evidence (see below)
  • Visa application fee – £524 if applying from outside the UK
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – £776 per year, payable during your visa application ()

You should apply as early as possible, as visa processing times vary by country.

Financial Evidence

You must show that you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, and your bank statement must be no more than 31 days old at the date of your visa application. See full details on .

Minimum funds required
  • High Wycombe Campus: £10,224 for living costs + any outstanding tuition fees for the first year.
  • For visa applications submitted on or after 11 November 2025, this increases to £10,539.
  • £13,347 for living costs + any outstanding tuition fees for the first year.
  • For visa applications submitted on or after 11 November 2025, this increases to £13,761.
Your Visa Decision

Once your visa is granted, you’ll receive an email confirming the start and end dates of your visa. Please:

  • Check that your name, dates, and visa category are correct
  • Read your decision notice carefully to understand your visa conditions
  • Contact us immediately if your visa is refused: compliance-admin@bnu.ac.uk

You must not travel to the UK before the start date on your visa. If you arrive too early, you may need to leave and re-enter the country to activate your Student visa.

Students walking around campus in the atrium
eVisa and Travelling to the UK

The UK now uses digital immigration status (eVisas) for most students. Your eVisa is an online record of your permission to live and study in the UK. After receiving your visa decision:

  • Create a
  • Access your
  • Generate a share code so BNU can verify your immigration status
  • Upload your share code and travel details (e.g. flight bookings) to CAS Shield under “Travel Docs”

Confirming your travel plans helps us prepare for your arrival and ensure a smooth enrolment.

Group of students sitting at the table at Brook Street accommodation in High Wycombe campus
Short-Term Study or Visitor Visas

If your course lasts six months or less, you may be eligible to apply for a Visitor Visa instead of a Student Visa. Visitor Visa holders:

  • Cannot work (paid or unpaid) in the UK
  • Cannot extend their stay or switch into another visa route from within the UK
  • Must leave the UK within six months of entry

Check if this route applies to you on the . If you are unsure which visa you need, contact us for advice before applying.

Your Responsibilities and Ours

As a Student visa holder, you must:

  • Keep your passport and visa details up to date
  • Inform BNU if you change address, withdraw, or defer your studies
  • Attend all scheduled classes and maintain academic progress
  • Follow all conditions of your Student visa (for example, work hour limits)

As your sponsor, BNU must:

  • Report your course registration, attendance, and any changes to the UK Home Office
  • Keep secure records of your visa documentation
  • Support you with visa compliance advice during your studies
students in Rye Park
Five students sitting on a bench at High Wycombe campus

Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)

If you wish to stay in the UK and work after graduation, you may be eligible for the Graduate Route Visa.

To qualify, you must:

  1. Successfully complete an eligible qualification
  2. Receive confirmation from BNU that your course completion has been reported to UKVI
  3. Have studied in the UK under a valid Student visa for the required period
  4. Apply from inside the UK after your results are confirmed

Please note: deferrals, suspensions, or resits may affect eligibility.

Learn more about the .

Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply up to six months before your course start date (outside the UK) or three months before if applying inside the UK.

Dependants are only permitted for certain postgraduate or government-sponsored courses. Check the latest eligibility on the .

 

Most full-time degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Your visa will clearly state your work permissions.

Our Compliance Team can advise on your CAS or visa documentation: compliance-admin@bnu.ac.uk. For general visa guidance, visit .

Important Note

This information is provided as a guide only. Immigration regulations can change at short notice. Always check the latest official advice on the .