Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The Child Student visa in brief
The Child Student visa page says you must be 4 to 17, have an unconditional offer from a licensed Child Student sponsor, have a suitable place to live, have enough money, and have your parent's or legal guardian's consent. You study at an independent school and cannot study at a further or higher education institution.
| Item | Gov.uk rule |
|---|---|
| Age | 4 to 17 (18 or over: Student visa) |
| Stay if under 16 when you apply | Course length, up to 6 years, plus 4 months |
| Stay if 16 or 17 when you apply | Course length, up to 3 years, plus 4 months |
| Fee | £558 from outside or inside the UK, plus healthcare surcharge |
| Earliest application from outside the UK | 6 months before the course starts |
Where English comes in
Appendix Child Student has no English language requirement, unlike Appendix Student's B1 and B2 levels. The caseworker guidance says all sponsors must assess their prospective students' English language ability, with the level and documents depending on the course and the type of institution.
For 16 and 17 year olds, caseworkers apply the genuine student rule, and the guidance lets them treat English ability as a factor when assessing credibility. An independent school can also issue one CAS for a pre-sessional course and the main course, if the student has an unconditional offer (rule CS 11.1).
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Parents and older students
A parent of a child aged 4 to 11 can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa; see the parent visa and English. A student who turns 18 and moves to a college or university needs a Student visa, which does set an English level. Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current rule on the gov.uk Child Student visa page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need IELTS to study at a UK boarding school?+
Not for the visa. The Child Student rules set no test, but the school must assess your child's English and may set its own entry test.
Can a 17-year-old use the Child Student visa for college?+
No. Child Students study at independent schools and cannot study at a further or higher education institution.
How long can a 16-year-old stay?+
Course length up to 3 years, plus 4 months afterwards.
Can the school add a pre-sessional English course?+
Yes. An independent school can assign one CAS for a pre-sessional course and the main course if the student has an unconditional offer.
Keep reading
Related
- Parent of a Child Student visa and English
- IELTS for the UK Student visa
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- Free IELTS mock test
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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