How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from China (2026 Guide)

UK Student Visa Application Guide for Students in China

Applying for a UK Student Visa from mainland China follows a clear, well-documented process. Here is exactly what you need to do in 2026.

Step 1: Receive Your CAS

Your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you accept your unconditional offer and pay the deposit. The CAS contains a unique reference number you will use in your visa application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will need:

Valid passport with at least one blank page

CAS statement from your UK university

Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in China (mandatory for all Chinese applicants)

Financial evidence showing 28 consecutive days of held funds

Academic transcripts and certificates (with notarised English translations from a CSSD-recognised notary)

English language test results (IELTS UKVI / Duolingo / PTE / TOEFL)

Parental consent letter (if you are under 18)

Step 3: Apply Online via GOV.UK

Submit your application on the official GOV.UK Student Visa portal. The current visa fee from China is £524 (subject to change). You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £776 per year.

Step 4: Book a Biometrics Appointment

After submitting online, book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre. There are centres in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Jinan, Fuzhou and Kunming.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment

Bring all original documents plus printed copies. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken. Optional priority services (3-5 working days) cost an additional fee.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

Standard processing from China takes 3 weeks. Priority service is 5 working days; Super Priority is next working day.

Financial Requirements (2026)

Location	Monthly	9 Months

|----------|---------|----------|

London£1,529£13,761Outside London£1,171£10,539

Funds must be in your name (or your parents' with consent letter) for at least 28 consecutive days.

CSC Scholarship Holders

If you are funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), you do NOT need to show maintenance funds. Submit your CSC award letter as financial evidence instead.

Common Mistakes Chinese Applicants Make

❌ Booking the wrong type of TB test (must be IOM-certified)

❌ Using IELTS Academic instead of IELTS for UKVI

❌ Submitting bank statements where the closing balance date is older than 31 days

❌ Forgetting the notarised translation of academic documents

Source: GOV.UK Student Visa pages, UKVI guidance for China, IOM panel physician list, and China Scholarship Council 2026.