Suppose you’re a Bangladeshi student dreaming of pursuing higher education in the UK. In that case, one crucial document stands between you and your student visa—the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter. Issued by your chosen UK university, the CAS is an electronic confirmation that you’ve been accepted onto a course and meet the requirements for studying in the UK. It’s not just a formality—it’s a unique reference number that proves to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you’re a genuine student, detailing your course, fees, and personal Information.
For Bangladeshi students, the CAS is indispensable because without it, you cannot apply for a UK student visa. In the year ending June 2025, 11,088 study visas were granted to Bangladeshi applicants, but this marked a decline amid stricter rules, with an 18% refusal rate in 2025. However, early 2026 showed promise, with Q1 study visa issuances rising 27% to over 48,000 overall. Although Bangladeshi applications faced a 30% drop in 2025 due to heightened scrutiny, the trend continued. Approval rates for Bangladeshis hovered at 80% among top nationalities in the year ending March 2025, underscoring the need for meticulous preparation. With applications skyrocketing 300% since 2019 but facing a recent 10% dip, securing your CAS promptly is more urgent than ever—delays could mean missing your intake or facing visa backlogs.
This guide demystifies the entire process, from eligibility to troubleshooting, drawing on official UKVI guidelines and authentic experiences. Whether you’re aiming for a September 2026 intake or beyond, we’ll equip you to navigate this step confidently, avoiding common pitfalls that snare many Bangladeshi applicants.
Table of Contents
- What is a CAS Letter?
- Eligibility Criteria for CAS
- Step-by-Step Process to Get a CAS Letter
- Timeline for Receiving CAS
- Required Documents for CAS
- Common Reasons for CAS Delays or Refusals
- After Receiving CAS – Next Steps
- Special Notes for Bangladeshi Students
- Why Securing CAS Smoothly Matters for Your UK Journey
- FAQs
What is a CAS Letter?
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a digital document issued by a licensed UK educational institution, serving as official proof that you’ve been accepted onto a full-time course. It’s essentially a unique 14-digit reference number, accompanied by details such as your course title, start/end dates, tuition fees, accommodation costs, and any applicable scholarships. UK universities issue CAS only to genuine students who meet Home Office requirements, ensuring compliance with immigration rules.
Why is it required? The UKVI mandates CAS for student visa applications to verify you’re not using studies as a backdoor for immigration. For example, if you’re enrolling in a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Manchester, your CAS will confirm the course is at the right level (e.g., RQF Level 6) and that you’ve paid a deposit. Without this, your visa application is invalid—think of it as your golden ticket to the Study Abroad.
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Eligibility Criteria for CAS
To qualify for a CAS, you must tick several boxes set by both the university and UKVI. First, secure an unconditional offer: This means meeting all academic conditions, such as a minimum GPA in your HSC or Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Bangladeshi institution.
Next, pay a tuition fee deposit—typically ranging from £1,000 to £8,000, depending on the university (e.g., some now require up to £8,000 due to policy changes). Prove English proficiency: IELTS (6.0-6.5 overall), TOEFL, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) from an English-medium Bangladeshi university, such as NSU or BUET, which is accepted by many.
Financial documentation is critical. Please provide sufficient funds for tuition (minus deposit) plus living costs (approximately £1,334/month in London, £1,023 elsewhere) for up to 9 months. For Bangladeshis, this often means 28-day bank statements or solvency certificates. You must also be at least 16 and intend to study full-time at a licensed sponsor.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a CAS Letter
Getting your CAS starts long before the letter arrives—here’s a detailed walkthrough:
- Apply to UK Universities: Research via UCAS (undergrad) or direct (postgrad). For September 2026, applications for international students are due by June 30. Tailor your SOP to highlight your fit.
- Receive and Accept Conditional Offer: Universities assess your application and accept via the portal.
- Meet Offer Conditions: Submit transcripts, English scores, and references to upgrade to unconditional.
- Pay Tuition Deposit: Transfer funds (e.g., via Flywire); confirm receipt.
- Submit CAS Request Form: Complete the university’s online form (e.g., CAS Shield), and upload supporting documents such as a passport and financial proof.
- University Verification: Admissions checks compliance; may request more info.
- CAS Issuance: Receive via email—use the reference for visa application.
Pro tip: Start early; some unis have CAS deadlines (e.g., 3 weeks before course start).
Timeline for Receiving CAS
Once you’ve met all conditions and submitted your request, expect your CAS within 1-2 weeks if your documents are complete. However, peak seasons (July-September) can extend to 3-4 weeks due to backlogs. Universities like Exeter aim for two working days post-contract, but delays occur if verification is needed.
For 2026 intakes, requests should be made by early August for September starts to allow sufficient time for visa processing (a standard 3 weeks). Track via uni portal; follow up if over 10 days.
Required Documents for CAS
Gather these early to avoid hiccups:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity after the course).
- Academic transcripts and certificates (HSC/Bachelor’s, translated if needed).
- Bank statements/solvency certificate showing funds (28 days old, in your/parent’s name).
- English proficiency: IELTS/MOI certificate.
- TB test certificate (for stays over 6 months).
- Offer letter and deposit receipt.
The university may request extras like SOP or references.
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Common Reasons for CAS Delays or Refusals
Delays often stem from incomplete documents (e.g., missing translations) or administrative backlogs during periods of peak activity. Financial proof issues—such as unclear large deposits without explanation—can prompt requests for additional evidence. Refusals, though rare, occur due to non-compliance (e.g., fake documents, unmet conditions) or errors in information. Delayed payments or education gaps without justification also hinder the issuance process. Always double-check; fraud leads to bans.
After Receiving CAS – Next Steps
With CAS in hand, apply for your Tier 4 (Student) visa online via the government website.UK within 6 months (or 3 if inside the UK). Pay the £490 fee, submit biometrics at VFS Dhaka, and prepare for the credibility interview (questions on course, finances). Decisions take 3 weeks; priority (£500) is processed within 5 days—book flights after approval.
Special Notes for Bangladeshi Students
Bangladeshi applicants face unique hurdles, with high refusal rates (18% in 2024) often due to financial scrutiny or the presence of unexplained funds. They should include cover letters for large deposits or gaps in their application. Delays from uni backlogs or visa rules (e.g., 5% refusal cap affecting recruitment) are common. Real experiences: Students report fraud risks from agents using fake CAS, leading to 10-year bans; always verify applications. Tips: Use MOI if eligible, prep for interviews, and apply early—missing deadlines risks intake deferral. One Bangladeshi shared: “Spent extra on priority visa due to CAS delay—plan buffers!”
Why Securing CAS Smoothly Matters for Your UK Journey
A seamless CAS process ensures you start studies on time, avoiding deferred intakes or financial losses from non-refundable deposits. For Bangladeshi students, education counsellors are invaluable—they spot errors, guide document prep, and boost approval odds at 80% rates. Post-study, UK degrees open doors: In IT, software engineers earn over £ 50,000; business graduates enter finance/marketing; engineers thrive in aerospace/energy. With a 2-year Graduate Route visa, gain experience at Google or startups, then return to Bangladesh’s booming sectors for 20-30% higher salaries. It’s not just a degree—it’s a career accelerator.
FAQs
1. What is a CAS letter, and why do I need it for a UK student visa?
The CAS is an electronic confirmation from your UK university, providing a reference number for your visa application. It’s required to prove you’re a genuine student; without it, UKVI won’t process your visa.
2. How long does it take to get a CAS letter from a UK university?
Typically 1-2 weeks after submitting all documents, but up to 3-4 weeks in peak seasons or with issues.
3. Can Bangladeshi students get CAS without IELTS?
Yes, if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from an English-medium Bangladeshi university, it will be accepted by many UK institutions.
4. Do I need to pay tuition fees before receiving CAS?
Yes, a deposit (often £1,000-£8,000) is usually required to trigger CAS issuance.
5. What documents do Bangladeshi students need for CAS?
Passport, transcripts, bank statements, English proof (IELTS/MOI), TB certificate, and deposit receipt.
6. Can a CAS letter be refused or withdrawn?
Yes, withdrawals occur for incomplete documents, false information, or non-compliance if the conditions change.
7. Does CAS guarantee my UK student visa approval?
No, it’s essential, but UKVI assesses finances and intentions through an interview; Bangladeshi approval rates are around 80%.
8. Can I change universities after receiving a CAS?
Yes, but request a new CAS from the new university; inform UKVI if a visa has been applied for.
9. What is the validity of a CAS letter?
6 months for applications outside the UK, 3 months inside; use before expiry.
10. How much bank balance do I need before CAS?
Tuition minus deposit + living costs (£1,334/month in London, £1,023 elsewhere, up to 9 months).
11. Can I apply for more than one CAS at the same time?
Yes, but disclose in the visa app; choose one for the final submission.
12. What happens if there’s a mistake in my CAS letter?
Contact the university immediately for correction; errors can delay the visa.
13. Is MOI (Medium of Instruction) accepted for CAS instead of IELTS?
Yes, for many universities, if your Bangladeshi education was in English.
14. What is the UKVI CAS number?
A 14-digit reference number, used in visa applications to confirm acceptance.
15. Can Bangladeshi counsellors help me get CAS faster?
Yes, they guide document prep, spot errors, and liaise with unis to expedite.
16. What financial proof issues do Bangladeshi students face?
Unclear deposits or insufficient 28-day statements; explain with cover letters.
17. How do delays in CAS affect Bangladeshi applicants?
Missed intakes or rushed visas; apply early for September 2026.
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