Your CAS is the point where a university offer becomes a real UK study plan. If you are searching for how to get a CAS letter for UK study, the key is to understand that a CAS is not something you request at the start of your application. It is issued only after you have met your university’s academic, financial and compliance requirements.
For many international students, the wait for a CAS can feel stressful, particularly when a course start date is approaching. The good news is that most delays are avoidable. With the right documents, timely payments and clear communication with your university, you can move from offer holder to visa applicant with confidence.
What is a CAS letter?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Although it is often called a CAS letter, it is usually an electronic record created by your university or college and assigned a unique CAS reference number.
You need this number to submit a UK Student visa application. Your CAS confirms to UK Visas and Immigration that your chosen institution is a licensed student sponsor and that it has offered you an eligible course.
Your university will normally send you a CAS statement by email once it has issued the CAS. Check every detail carefully before using it for your visa application. The statement may include your name, passport number, course title, course dates, tuition fees, payments already made and any qualifications used to assess your admission.
A CAS is valid for six months from the date it is issued, but you should normally apply for your Student visa as soon as you are ready. Do not ask for a CAS too early if you are not prepared to make your visa application, as timing matters.
How to get a CAS letter for UK study step by step
The process differs slightly between universities, but the stages below apply to most postgraduate applicants studying a Master’s, PhD or DBA in the UK.
1. Secure an unconditional offer
First, you need an offer from a UK institution. A conditional offer means the university still needs something from you before it can confirm your place. This could be your final degree certificate, English language evidence, references, a clearer copy of your passport or an academic document that has not yet been verified.
Read your offer letter carefully. Do not assume that meeting the academic entry requirement alone is enough for a CAS. Universities also review immigration and fee-payment conditions before sponsoring a student.
If you are unsure what remains outstanding, ask for a clear checklist from the admissions team. Resolving one missing document early can prevent a last-minute CAS delay.
2. Meet every offer condition
Upload the documents requested by your university in the required format. This often includes your passport, academic transcripts and certificates, English language evidence where applicable, and any additional information requested for credibility or compliance checks.
Make sure the details across your documents match. Small differences in names, dates of birth or passport details can lead to further questions. If your name is shown differently on a degree certificate, provide an explanation and supporting evidence where needed.
Some universities may ask you to attend a pre-CAS interview. This is common and should not cause concern. It is an opportunity for the institution to confirm that you understand your course, why you chose it, how it fits your previous study or career plans, and how you intend to fund your studies.
Be honest, specific and prepared. You should be able to explain the course modules, campus location, tuition fee, living costs and your reasons for choosing the UK. Generic answers can make a genuine applicant appear unprepared.
3. Pay the required tuition fee deposit
Most UK universities require an advance tuition fee payment before they issue a CAS. The amount varies by institution and course. It may be a fixed deposit or a percentage of your first-year tuition fees.
Your offer letter or applicant portal should confirm the required amount, payment deadline and accepted payment methods. Pay only through the university’s approved channels, retain your receipt and allow time for the payment to appear on your student record.
The payment shown on your CAS is especially useful for your visa application because it can reduce the tuition fees you need to demonstrate in your financial evidence. However, only payments recorded on the CAS can be counted in this way.
There is a trade-off to consider. Paying early can help you receive your CAS sooner, but you should first be certain about your course, intake and ability to meet the remaining visa requirements. Ask the university about its refund policy before making a large payment.
4. Complete the university’s CAS request process
Once you have an unconditional offer and have met the payment requirements, your university may invite you to complete a CAS request form through its portal. You may need to confirm your current address, immigration history, travel plans and financial arrangements.
Answer every question accurately. If you have had a previous UK visa refusal, overstayed a visa or studied in the UK before, declare this where requested. Trying to hide immigration history can create a much more serious problem than explaining it properly.
Some institutions complete internal checks automatically. Others will not begin the CAS assessment until you submit the request form. This is why checking your email and applicant portal regularly is essential during the weeks before your course starts.
5. Pass financial and compliance checks
Before issuing a CAS, your university must be satisfied that it can sponsor you. It may ask for evidence that you can pay outstanding tuition fees and support yourself in the UK.
For your Student visa, you generally need to show the remaining first-year course fees plus living-cost funds. The amount depends on whether you will study in London or outside London. These funds normally need to be held for a continuous 28-day period before your visa application, in an acceptable account and with the correct evidence.
Your university may review your bank documents before issuing the CAS, but this does not replace the UKVI assessment. Follow the most current visa guidance and use the exact figures required for your circumstances. Financial evidence is one of the areas where applicants should avoid guesswork.
You may also need to provide tuberculosis test evidence if this applies to your country of residence. Your university may check this before CAS issuance, or it may be part of your visa preparation instead. Requirements can change, so work from your institution’s instructions for your intake.
6. Check your CAS statement before applying for a visa
When your CAS arrives, compare it with your passport, offer letter and payment receipts. Check your full name, date of birth, passport number, course title, course level, start and end dates, campus location and fee information.
If there is an error, contact the university immediately and do not submit your visa application until it is corrected. A CAS cannot simply be edited after your visa application has been lodged. The university may need to withdraw and reissue it with the correct information.
You should also check whether the CAS states that your English language ability has been assessed by the institution, and whether qualifications have been included. This information helps show how your university assessed your eligibility.
Why CAS letters are delayed
A delayed CAS does not always mean there is a problem with your admission. During busy September and January intakes, universities process a high volume of requests. Still, the most common causes are incomplete conditions, unpaid or unallocated deposits, unclear financial documents, unanswered emails, failed credibility interviews and inconsistent information across documents.
The fastest approach is not to send repeated messages asking when the CAS will arrive. Instead, ask whether there are any outstanding conditions and provide exactly what is requested. Keep copies of all emails, receipts and uploaded documents in one folder so you can respond quickly.
If you are applying through an admissions adviser, ensure they have your most recent documents and can follow up with the university when appropriate. University Connect UK can support students through admissions progression, CAS preparation and visa guidance at no cost, helping you identify gaps before they become urgent.
Can you get a CAS without a deposit?
Sometimes, but it depends entirely on the university. A small number of institutions may issue a CAS without an upfront deposit, while others require a substantial payment before sponsorship is confirmed. Scholarship awards, instalment arrangements and specific course policies can also affect the amount due.
Do not rely on information from another applicant or an old social-media post. Deposit rules can differ by intake, nationality, course and institution. Your own offer letter and university portal are the documents that matter.
What to do after receiving your CAS
Your next step is to prepare and submit your Student visa application within the permitted timeframe. Keep your CAS reference accessible, but remember that it is only one part of the application. You may also need your passport, financial evidence, tuberculosis test certificate where required, proof of relationship for dependants where applicable, and certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.
Give yourself room for unexpected questions, biometric appointments and processing times. A carefully checked CAS and well-organised visa file give you the strongest possible start to your UK study journey.