UK · CHAPTER 4
From applicationto CAS, step by step.
Apply through UCAS (bachelor's) or the university portal (master's), accept an offer, meet the conditions, pay the deposit and complete the university's pre-CAS checks. The university then issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number that you use for the Student visa.
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The steps
- 01
Shortlist and check sponsor status
Confirm the university is a licensed student sponsor and that your course is full-time at degree level.
- 02
Apply
UCAS for bachelor's; university portals for master's and PhD.
- 03
Receive and accept an offer
Accept your firm choice. For UCAS, also choose an insurance offer.
- 04
Meet conditions and pay the deposit
Upload final transcripts and English results; pay the tuition deposit the university requests.
- 05
Pre-CAS checks
Many universities run a credibility interview and financial checks before issuing a CAS.
- 06
ATAS if required
Some science and engineering subjects need Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance; your offer will say so. It is free but can take several weeks.
- 07
Receive your CAS
The CAS lists your course, fees paid and any remaining balance. Check every detail before applying for the visa.
Preparing for the credibility interview
- Why this course, why this university and why the UK
- How the course fits your academic background
- Your funding and living-cost plan
- Your career plan after graduation
- Details of your accommodation and city
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ATAS clearance
Indian nationals studying certain postgraduate subjects in science, engineering and technology need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before the university issues a CAS. Your offer letter will say if it applies. Apply online as soon as you accept the offer — it is free but can take 20 working days or more in busy months.
Pre-CAS checks and the deposit
- 01
Accept the offer
Firm acceptance on the portal; meet any academic or English conditions.
- 02
Pay the deposit
Often £2,000–6,000, deducted from tuition; read the refund policy for visa refusals.
- 03
Pre-CAS interview
Many universities run a short credibility interview on your course, funding and plans.
- 04
Submit documents
Final transcripts, passport, English test, funding evidence, ATAS if needed.
- 05
CAS issued
Check every detail (name, course dates, fees paid) — errors cause visa delays.
Credibility interview: common questions
- Why this course and this university, and why the UK?
- What modules will you study?
- How will you fund tuition and living costs?
- What do you plan to do after the course?
- Why not study the same course in India?
- Explain any gap in your studies.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — a reference your university issues once you have accepted an unconditional offer and passed its checks. You need it to apply for the Student visa.
Most universities refund the deposit after a visa refusal, minus a small fee, if you send the refusal letter. Check the policy before paying.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Personal statement & references
How to write a UK personal statement for UCAS and master's applications, choose referees and prepare a UK-style CV.
UK GUIDE
Student visa
UK Student visa from India: CAS, £558 fee, health surcharge, TB test, documents, biometrics and decision times for 2026–27.
FROM INDIA
Documents & attestation
Indian documents for study abroad: transcripts, degree certificates, MOI letters, gap explanations, MEA apostille, notarisation, WES/ECA and sworn translations.
FROM INDIA
Month-by-month timeline
Month-by-month study abroad plan from India for a September 2027 start: tests, applications, scholarships, loans, visa, flights and a document checklist.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
FRANCE
Study in France
The full France guide: degrees, fees, Campus France, visa, housing and work, chapter by chapter.
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