Tuition Fee Deposit Payment

A step-by-step guide for international students to pay their tuition fee deposit to a UK university. Most UK universities require international students to pay a deposit to secure their place before a CAS can be issued. Deposit amounts vary by university but typically range from 2,000 GBP to 8,000 GBP. The deposit is deducted from total tuition fees and can be recorded on the CAS to reduce the financial evidence needed for the visa application. Payment methods commonly include bank transfer, credit or debit card, and third-party platforms such as Flywire. This step is critical because the CAS cannot be issued until the deposit is paid, and without a CAS the Student visa application cannot proceed. The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks including transfer time and university confirmation.

~14 days to complete

4 steps in total

United Kingdom

Step-by-step guide

Check Deposit Amount and Deadline

Review your university offer letter and finance pages for the specific deposit amount, payment deadline, and accepted payment methods. Deposit amounts vary by institution but typically range from 2,000 GBP to 8,000 GBP for international students. Some universities set different deposit levels depending on the applicant's country of residence or whether they fall under the UKVI Differentiation Agreement. Missing the payment deadline may result in your offer being withdrawn.

Review the Refund Policy

Before making your payment, read the university deposit refund policy carefully. Policies vary by institution: some deposits are fully non-refundable, others offer partial or full refunds in specific cases such as visa refusal (with evidence of the refusal letter). Check whether the deposit is refundable if you change your mind or choose another university, and note any administrative fees the university may retain.

Make the Deposit Payment

Complete the payment using the method specified by your university. Common options include: international bank transfer; credit or debit card through the university online payment portal; or third-party payment platforms such as Flywire or Western Union where accepted. Include the correct payment reference number (usually your student or applicant ID) so the university can match the payment to your record. For bank transfers, allow 3 to 5 working days for international transfers to clear.