The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a crucial document for international students seeking a student visa to the United Kingdom. It’s an electronic document attesting to your unconditional acceptance into a program at a recognized university in the United Kingdom. This document is supplied by the college or university where you have been admitted and is required to apply for a student visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa). For any non-UK study participant, a CAS is a crucial part of the admissions process because it is needed to assess your visa application.
Everything You Need to Know About CAS
Why Do You Need CAS?
- Student Visa Application: Since CAS verifies your enrollment in a course and gives you all the program details you need, it is a must for the Student Visa application.
- Proof of Enrollment: It certifies your eligibility to pursue an education in the United Kingdom.
- Visa Processing: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses the data in the CAS to evaluate your application for a visa.
- Compliance with UKVI: It also attests to the fact that your university, the sponsoring institution, is an authorized and respectable educational establishment in the United Kingdom
What Does a CAS Contain?
The CAS is an electronic reference number rather than a paper document. Your university will email you the CAS reference number as soon as they issue it. Your personal information and course data are connected to this number.
A CAS usually contains:
- Your full name and personal details
- Course title and level (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
- Course start and end date
- Tuition fee details and payment status
- UK institution’s sponsor license number
- Ǫualification details used for your admission
- ATAS certificate requirement, if applicable
- Accommodation details, if provided by the university
CAS Criteria: How to Qualify
To be eligible for a CAS, you need to meet certain requirements set by the UK government and the institution offering admission. Here are the basic criteria:
- Unconditional Offer: You must have been offered a place to study in an approved UK university or other educational establishment.
- Course Confirmation: The institution needs proof that you accepted the offer, usually in the form of a deposit payment or fulfillment of other financial commitments.
- English Language Proficiency: You should be able to meet the university’s standards for English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
- Financial Proof: You must demonstrate that you have the money to pay for both your living expenses and your tuition. Before awarding CAS, most universities want proof of this.
- Prior Study History: You should include information about your prior coursework and credentials that are pertinent to the course.
- Criminal History & Health Records: Based on the subject, certain students might also have to provide a criminal record certificate or health screenings, particularly for healthcare-related courses.
