CAS Letter for UK: Requirements, Fees, Processing Time, and Tips

Dreaming of a UK education that not only broadens your horizons but also promises a well-paid career? Imagine securing a starting salary ranging from a substantial INR 24 Lakhs to an astounding INR 1.5 Crores (approximately £22,368 to £139,803) fresh out of university. This remarkable financial potential is a testament to the global recognition and quality of a top UK degree. But before you start your journey toward a great career, there’s one important step you must take getting your CAS letter for UK. 

This CAS letter for UK important document is your essential entry ticket to the UK, unlocking opportunities for the best education and a thriving professional future. This blog will delve into everything you need to know about the UK CAS letter, including the necessary documents, processing times, associated fees, and a clear guide on how to obtain it, ensuring your journey to study in the UK is as seamless as your future career prospects.

Aspect	Details
What is a CAS?	An electronic reference number from your UK university, confirming your unconditional offer and essential for your Student Visa.
Requirements	Unconditional offer acceptance, met academic/English conditions, typically a tuition deposit (e.g., £2,000-£5,000), valid passport.
Issuing Process	Accept offer, submit documents (passport, transcripts, English scores), university verifies, then issues CAS.
Processing Time	Typically 2-4 weeks after all conditions met; can be faster (5-10 working days) or longer during peak times.
Fees	No direct CAS fee; however, a tuition fee deposit (commonly £2,000-£5,000 / INR 2.1L-5.4L) is usually required and deducted from your tuition.
Validity	Valid for six months from issue date; usable for one visa application. Cannot apply more than six months before course start.
Top Universities	Issued by all accredited UK universities, including UCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, King’s College London, LSE, Bristol, Warwick, Glasgow, and many more.

What is a CAS Letter?

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter is like your official green light from a UK university to study there. If you’re an international student heading to the UK, you absolutely need this electronic document. Your chosen university gives it to you once they’ve accepted you unconditionally into a course. The CAS is your golden ticket that proves to the UK government (specifically, the visa people) that you’re a real student with a real spot at a real university.

Without a CAS letter, you simply can’t move forward with your UK student visa application. This letter from the UK is packed with different details relevant to your visa application, including:

• The unique 14-digit CAS reference number.
• Your personal details as they appear on your passport.
• The Sponsor Licence Number (SLN) of your chosen university, along with its name and address.
• Full details of your course: title, duration (start and end dates), and qualification level.
• Specifics of your English language proficiency, often including your IELTS or other approved test scores.
• A breakdown of your tuition fees for the first year or the entire course, clearly indicating any scholarships awarded.
• Any partial tuition fees or accommodation fees you have already paid to the university.
• The academic qualifications that formed the basis of your admission.

The info on your CAS is shared with the UK visa department. When you apply, they’ll check your application against the details the university provided, making sure everything matches up.

Importance of CAS Letter for UK

The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter is extremely important for international students who want to study in the UK because it is a mandatory requirement for applying for a UK Student Visa. Issued by a UK university after you accept an unconditional offer and meet all the necessary conditions, the CAS confirms that you have been officially accepted into a valid course at a licensed UK institution. 

It includes important details like your personal information, course start and end dates, tuition fees, payments made, and a unique 14-digit CAS number, which is used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify your admission. Without this letter, your visa application cannot be processed. In short, the CAS letter proves your genuine student status, allows you to apply for a visa, and is the key to beginning your educational journey in the UK.

Requirements for CAS Letter for UK

To receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter from a UK university, international students must meet the following requirements:

• Unconditional Offer from a UK Institution: You must first receive and accept an unconditional offer to study at a UK university or college that holds a UKVI sponsor licence.
• Payment of Tuition Fee Deposit (if required): Many universities ask for an initial tuition fee deposit (usually between £2,000 to £5,000) before issuing the CAS.
• Valid Passport: You must provide a clear scanned copy of your valid passport (must match the details on your application).
• Academic Documents: Submit final academic transcripts, certificates, and mark sheets (such as 10th, 12th, bachelor’s degree certificates, etc.).
• English Language Proficiency: Provide proof of meeting the university’s English language requirement (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE scores), unless exempted.
• Confirmation of Financial Support: While not always required for the CAS itself, universities may ask for proof of sufficient funds to ensure visa approval later (as per UKVI rules).
• TB Test Certificate (if applicable): Students from certain countries (like India) must provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test report from an approved clinic if staying in the UK for more than 6 months.
• ATAS Certificate (for specific courses): For certain science, engineering, or technology-related postgraduate courses, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• Pre-CAS Questionnaire or Interview (if required): Some universities ask students to complete a pre-CAS interview or form to assess their readiness and intentions.
• Valid Contact Information: You must provide a valid email address and phone number as the CAS letter will be sent electronically.

Also Read: Pre-CAS Interview Prep

When is CAS Letter UK Issued?

The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter is typically issued after you have accepted an unconditional offer from a UK university and met all their requirements, such as submitting documents and paying any required deposits. Most universities start issuing CAS letters 3 to 6 months before the course start date, depending on their internal timeline and the UKVI guidelines.

Here’s a general timeline for when is CAS letter Uk issued:

• After accepting your offer
• Once all conditions are cleared (academic, English, etc.)
• After tuition fee deposit is paid (if required)
• Once you’ve submitted all required documents (passport, academic records, TB test, etc.)
• Usually issued between May to August for September intake, and October to December for January intake.

Sample for CAS Letter for UK

Here is a sample format of a CAS Letter for UK issued by a university. Please note this is for reference only, the actual letter is sent electronically and may differ slightly based on the institution.

[University or College Official Letterhead] Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) CAS Reference Number: [Unique 14-digit CAS Number] Student Details Full Name: [Your Full Name] Passport Number: [Your Passport Number] Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY] Nationality: [Your Nationality] Student ID: [University-issued Student ID] Course Details Course Title: [Full Name of the Course] Course Level: [Undergraduate / Postgraduate / Foundation / PhD] Qualification Level: [RQF/NQF Level – e.g., Level 6 or Level 7] Start Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] End Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Mode of Study: [Full-time / Part-time] Study Location: [Campus Name and Full Address] Sponsor Institution Information Sponsor Licence Number: [Institution’s UKVI Licence Number] Institution Name: [Official Name of the University or College] Institution Address: [Full Registered Address] Type of Sponsor: Higher Education Provider Tuition Fee Information Total Tuition Fees for the Course: £[Total Fee Amount] Amount Already Paid: £[Amount Paid] Outstanding Balance: £[Remaining Balance] Additional Information English Language Requirement: [Details – e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall, or exemption if degree taught in English] ATAS Requirement: [Not Required / Required – Certificate Number if applicable] Accommodation Provided: [Yes / No – Include details if applicable] TB Test Requirement: [Yes / No – Based on applicant’s country] Scholarship (if applicable): [Yes / No – Amount if granted] Course Fees Include: [List if the fee includes extras like materials or placements] Issued By: Admissions Office [University Name] Email: [[email protected]] Phone: [+44 XXXX XXXXXX] Date of Issue: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Application process for a CAS Letter for UK

If you are an international student planning to study in the UK, obtaining a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter is a crucial step in your visa application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to apply for a CAS letter:

Step 1: Apply to a UK University – Start by applying to a UK university or college that is registered with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as a licensed student sponsor.
Step 2: Receive an Offer Letter – Once selected, the university will send you a Conditional Offer Letter. This means you need to meet certain requirements such as final academic results, English language test scores, or financial proofs.
Step 3: Meet All Offer Conditions – Submit the required documents and fulfill all conditions (like IELTS/PTE scores, transcripts, etc.) to convert your conditional offer into an Unconditional Offer Letter.
Step 4: Accept the Unconditional Offer – Officially accept the unconditional offer by confirming with the university through their portal or email.
Step 5: Pay the Tuition Fee Deposit – Many UK universities require a minimum deposit payment (often £2,000–£5,000) toward your tuition fees before they issue your CAS letter.
Step 6: Submit Pre-CAS Documents – Upload important documents such as:

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• English language test results
• TB test certificate (if required)
• Financial documents (for visa readiness)
• ATAS certificate (if applicable)

Step 7: Complete Pre-CAS Questionnaire or Interview (if required) – Some universities may ask you to complete a credibility interview or a questionnaire to confirm your genuine intention to study.
Step 8: CAS Issuance by the University – After reviewing all documents, the university will generate your CAS number and send your CAS statement via email. This usually takes 1–4 weeks depending on the university.
Step 9: Check Your CAS Details Carefully – Ensure all the details—passport number, name, course title, fees paid—are accurate. Contact the university immediately if any corrections are needed.
Step 10: Use CAS to Apply for Student Visa – Once you receive your CAS letter, you can use it to apply for your UK Student Visa (Tier 4) on the UK government visa application portal.

Also Read: How to Make a UK Visa Application?

Processing Time for CAS Letter for UK

The processing time for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter depends on the university and how quickly you meet all the necessary conditions. On average, it takes:

• 5 to 15 working days after submitting all required documents and fulfilling the conditions (like paying the tuition deposit and clearing the pre-CAS checks).
• In some cases, it may take up to 2 to 4 weeks during peak admission seasons (June–August for September intake or November–December for January intake).

Fees in Top universities for CAS Letter

When you’re considering the “fees” for a CAS letter, it’s different to understand that you won’t pay a direct fee for the CAS document itself. Instead, the CAS is issued after you’ve made a tuition fee deposit to your chosen university. This deposit secures your place and is then subtracted from your overall tuition costs.

Here’s a table outlining the typical tuition fee deposit ranges you might encounter at UK universities to get your CAS letter, including notes on how policies can vary:

Aspect	Common Deposit Range
General Universities (Most Cases)	£2,000 – £5,000 (Approx. INR 2.1L – 5.4L)
Russell Group Universities	Often on the lower end of the general range, e.g., £1,000 – £3,000
Modern/Post-92 Universities	Can vary widely, often £3,000 – £8,000+
Universities with Higher Risk Market Policies	£4,000 to Full First-Year Fees
University of Nottingham	£3,000 (for 2025/26 PGT)
University of Essex	£4,000
Swansea University	£4,000
University of Hull	£4,000
University of Sussex	£5,000
University of Bristol	£2,000
University of East Anglia	£2,000 (for UG Year 2/3 entry)

UK CAS Letter Fees Around £2,000

In most UK universities, there is no separate fee charged specifically for issuing a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter. However, to receive the CAS, universities typically require international students to pay a tuition fee deposit, which is usually around £2,000.

This £2,000 is not an extra fee, but a part of your total tuition fee, paid in advance to confirm your seat and demonstrate your commitment. Once this deposit is received and all other conditions are met (academic documents, English proficiency, etc.), the university issues your CAS letter.

Important Points About the £2,000 CAS-Linked Deposit:

• Amount: Usually £2,000, but can range from £1,000 to £5,000 depending on the university and course.
• Purpose: Confirms your acceptance and helps reduce visa fraud.
• Refundable?: Generally refundable if your visa is refused (terms vary by university).
• Included in Tuition: Yes, it is deducted from your total tuition fee once you enrol.

Here are UK universities with £2,000 tuition deposits for CAS

University Name	Deposit Required for CAS
University of Manchester	£2,000
University of Glasgow	£2,000
King’s College London	£2,000
University of Birmingham	£2,000
University of York	£2,000

Tips to Get Your CAS Letter for UK

Getting your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter for the UK is an important step towards your study abroad dream. It’s not an application you send directly to the government, but rather a document your chosen UK university issues to you once you’ve met certain conditions. Here are some important tips to ensure a smooth and timely CAS issuance:

• Start your university application process as early as possible, especially if you’re applying for popular intakes like September or January. The earlier you complete the steps, the sooner you’ll get your CAS letter.
• Clear all academic, language, or other conditions to convert your conditional offer into an unconditional offer. 
• Most universities require a deposit payment (usually £2,000–£5,000) before issuing the CAS. Pay this quickly to avoid delays.
• Submit all required documents clearly and correctly including Valid passport, Academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores, TB test certificate (if applicable), and Financial documents (if requested).
• Some universities may conduct a credibility interview to check your genuine student intent. Prepare well—be honest, clear, and confident.
• Follow instructions on systems like CAS Shield, OSIS, or your university’s application portal to track your status and submit forms.
• Once you receive the CAS draft, review every detail (passport number, name, course, dates, fees paid, etc.). Report any errors immediately.
• Keep in touch with your university’s admissions or international office for updates, especially if you haven’t received your CAS within the expected time.
• Visa processing can take time. Apply for the CAS at least 2–3 months before your course starts to avoid visa delays.
• While it may not be needed for CAS, you must prepare financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters) for your visa application. Universities may ask for this to help avoid visa refusal.

Also Read: UK Visa Success Rate in Detail

FAQs

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