Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before you can apply for your Student visa, you’ll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Edge Hill University. This page explains how to apply, what you’ll need to provide and what to expect throughout the process.
What is a CAS?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Your CAS is not a visa — it is a document you use to apply for your Student visa from United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
A CAS can only be issued where the University is satisfied that you meet both its own requirements and the requirements of UKVI to study in the UK.
Academic Offer and CAS Application
An unconditional academic offer confirms that you meet the academic entry requirements for your programme.
The Student Visa Compliance team assesses CAS applications separately and independent of academic offers.
Before a CAS can be assigned to an applicant, the University must be satisfied that you meet the genuine student requirements under the Student Route as laid down by UKVI.
The University is required to assess each CAS application carefully. We take our responsibilities as a licensed Student sponsor seriously, and will not issue a CAS where we are not satisfied that the requirements are met.
The CAS assessment process
Once you have accepted your academic offer and started your CAS application through CAS Shield, the University will assess your application. This assessment considers:
- Your personal statement and reasons for choosing your programme
- Your academic background and whether your proposed course of study represents a credible progression
- Your financial evidence, including the source, sufficiency, and accessibility of your funds
- Your immigration history, including any previous visa applications or refusals
- The consistency of all information provided across your application documents
We may contact you during the assessment process to request additional information or clarification. It is your responsibility to respond promptly and to notify us immediately of any changes to your circumstances.
If your circumstances change after you submit your CAS application — including any new visa refusals, changes to your financial position, or changes to your academic status — you must notify the Student Visa Compliance Team immediately.
Failure to disclose material changes before your CAS is issued may affect your deposit refund entitlement under the University’s International Student Fee Policy.
Paying your deposit
The standard deposit required before a CAS can be issued is £4,000 (currently).
Please note that the University reserves the right to require a higher deposit based on its assessment of your individual application. This may also apply to applicants from high-risk areas.
If you are confident that you meet all of the conditions set out on this page, you are invited to pay your deposit and proceed with your CAS application.
If you are unsure whether your documentation meets the requirements, you may request a preliminary assessment by the Visa Compliance Team before making your deposit payment. To request this, you will need to have
- An unconditional academic offer
- Answered and passed your CAS Shield Credibility interview
- Uploaded all supporting documents to CAS Shield in advance so that the Team can review your application in full.
Please note that paying your deposit does not guarantee that a CAS will be issued.
In the event that the University decides not to issue a CAS, any refund will be processed in accordance with the International Student Fee Policy.
If your CAS application is refused
If the University decides not to issue a CAS, you will be notified of this.
The University’s decision is final and there is no right of appeal against a decision not to assign a CAS.
It is important to understand that a decision not to issue a CAS relates solely to the University’s willingness to sponsor an application for entry clearance to the United Kingdom under the Student Route. It is not a comment on your personal character or your academic ability.
The University’s CAS assessment is designed to reflect the standards applied by UKVI when considering Student visa applications.
A visa refusal carries significantly more serious consequences for an applicant than a CAS refusal — including potential impacts on future visa applications — and our assessment process is intended to help protect applicants and the university from that outcome wherever possible.
Any refund of your deposit will be processed in accordance with the International Student Fee Policy.
Your responsibilities as an applicant
As an applicant for Student visa sponsorship, you are responsible for:
- Providing accurate, complete, and consistent information in support of your CAS application
- Ensuring your financial evidence is genuine, sufficient, and clearly evidences the source of your funds
- Disclosing your full immigration history, including any previous visa refusals in any country
- Notifying the Visa Compliance Team promptly of any changes to your circumstances
- Complying with all UKVI requirements throughout the application process
- Seeking independent regulated immigration advice where needed — you can find a regulated adviser at www.gov.uk/find-immigration-adviser
The University is not responsible for the outcome of your visa application and cannot guarantee that a Student visa will be granted when a CAS has been issued.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a document assessment before paying my deposit?
Yes. If you are unsure whether your documents meet the requirements, you may ask the Visa Compliance Team to review them before you pay your deposit. Refer to the ‘Paying your deposit’ section above.
How long does the CAS assessment take?
Assessment timelines vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your documentation. We process a high volume of CAS applications during the pre-sessional period. Ensuring your documents are complete and consistent when submitted will help avoid delays.
What financial evidence do I need?
UKVI sets out detailed requirements for the financial evidence that must support a Student visa application. These are set out at:
- Student visa — financial requirements (overview)
- Financial evidence for Student and Child Student Route applicants (detailed guidance)
We strongly recommend that you read both pages carefully before submitting your financial documentation. The University’s assessment of your financial evidence will be guided by these requirements, and documentation that does not meet the UKVI standard will not support the issue of a CAS.
Can my agent submit my CAS application on my behalf?
Your agent may assist you in preparing your application, but responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted rests with you as the applicant. Your agent is expected to be familiar with UKVI requirements and to advise you accordingly.
Will I need to pay a higher deposit and what might this be?
This depends on your individual circumstances. You will be informed during the CAS process of this requirement. If applicable, we would usually request the full year’s tuition fee in advance which will then be reflected on your CAS document.
Why has my CAS been withdrawn?
On rare occasions a CAS may be withdrawn after it has been issued. This may be due the university being made aware of new information about the applicant, UKVI feedback or market factors. In case of a CAS withdrawal, if a refund is to be processed, this will be in line with the fee policy.