Student Visa Guide for SOAS University of London

Planning to study at SOAS University of London? Here is how CAS, London maintenance funds, and arrival in London fit together.

SOAS University of London is a UK Student sponsor institution in London, England. It can issue a CAS for eligible degree-level programmes once you meet offer conditions. International applicants should confirm English language requirements, financial evidence (usually London-rate maintenance funds), and CAS timing before starting the online Student visa application.

Start gathering bank evidence early and keep SOAS University of London's international office updated on your intended arrival week so CAS and orientation dates stay aligned.

Your CAS and the international student office

The international student office at SOAS University of London guides applicants through CAS issuance, document checks, and pre-departure briefings. Contact them early if you need a visa compliance letter or have questions about genuine student assessment criteria. They support compliance; they do not decide Home Affairs visa outcomes.

Financial documentation for your CAS

Because SOAS University of London teaching is treated as London-based for most programmes, use Home Affairs’ higher London maintenance funds figure—not an outside-London shortcut. Bank statements for a SOAS University of London Student visa should show your name (or a permitted sponsor structure), available balance, and a 28-day history that does not rely on unexplained last-minute top-ups timed to your London start date. Always re-read the current GOV.UK Student visa money guidance before you lodge—thresholds change.

Arriving in London

Living near SOAS University of London in London: Zone 1–2 rents are among the highest in the UK; many students share flats in Zones 2–4 and budget 30–50% of living costs for rent alone. TfL Oyster/contactless is essential; factor monthly travel into maintenance funds even if Home Affairs uses a flat London rate. Multiple campuses across the city mean your CAS site and housing borough should match actual teaching locations. London-rate maintenance funds apply for most courses taught in Greater London—do not under-budget rent. After arrival, complete SOAS University of London's international student registration with your passport, visa vignette/BRP or eVisa evidence, and CAS details.

Common challenges for SOAS University of London applicants

• Meeting London-rate maintenance funds while also paying Zone 1–2 deposits and holding fees.
• Obtaining a timely CAS after meeting offer conditions without last-minute document gaps.
• Understanding Student visa work limits during term time versus vacation periods for your course level.
• Aligning OSHC-equivalent health cover expectations and registration steps after you arrive at SOAS University of London.

Working during and after your programme

During studies in London at SOAS University of London, most Student permission holders can work up to the weekly term-time limit printed on their visa/eVisa and full time in official vacations—retail and campus roles are competitive, so do not assume hours are easy to find. After an eligible award from SOAS University of London, you may apply for the Graduate route if you meet the Home Affairs rules then in force (successful completion and qualifying Student permission history). SOAS University of London does not control grant decisions. Later Skilled Worker sponsorship is employer-led, not automatic from graduation in England.

Local facts for SOAS University of London

• London-taught courses usually require the higher Home Affairs maintenance funds rate—rent alone can consume most of that band.
• London-rate maintenance funds apply for most courses taught in Greater London—do not under-budget rent.
• London housing: Zone 1–2 rents are among the highest in the UK; many students share flats in Zones 2–4 and budget 30–50% of living costs for rent alone.
• With 2,100 international students from around the world, SOAS University of London is a leading destination for study in England.
• SOAS University of London is a UK licensed student sponsor campus in London, England, with roughly 2,100 international students in recent counts.
• The international student office at SOAS University of London guides applicants through CAS issuance, document checks, and pre-departure briefings.

Official sources

Confirm Student visa rules, maintenance funds, and sponsor status on GOV.UK. Your university's international office is the authority for CAS issuance.

• GOV.UK — Student visa
• GOV.UK — Student visa: documents you must provide
• GOV.UK — Student visa: money you need
• GOV.UK — Find a UK visa application centre
• UKCISA — Student immigration advice
• GOV.UK — Register of licensed sponsors: students

Legal rules live on MyCaseworks

This UK page owns the campus journey for SOAS University of London. Student Route procedure and Graduate Route rules are maintained on legal.yousafeconsultancy.com (MyCaseworks):

• UK Student Route document checklistWhat to assemble for CAS, funds, and biometrics.
• Student Route financial requirement28-day funds rules and acceptable evidence.
• Graduate Route checklistPost-study work route after a UK degree.
• UK renters’ rights for international studentsHousing rules after you arrive.

Frequently asked questions