Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

What is a CAS?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number that you will need when you make your student visa application. The CAS is confirmation of your unconditional offer of a place to study with us. The CAS is an electronic document which confirms both the University’s and your personal details and generates a unique CAS number.

Please note that the CAS cannot be issued more than six months before the start date of your intended programme. The earliest that you can use your CAS to apply for your visa from outside the UK is six months before your programme begins. The earliest that you can use your CAS to apply for your visa from inside the UK is three months before your programme begins.

Obtaining a CAS

If you are a new student the CAS number is sent to you by email by the University as part of the admissions process. You must hold an unconditional offer and have either accepted the offer and paid at least £2,000 towards your tuition fees (if you are a postgraduate student) OR selected the University of Surrey as your firm choice through UCAS if you are an undergraduate.

If you are a non-degree student (English language or on an exchange programme) the CAS will be sent to you as part of the application process.

Always read the CAS email carefully as soon as you receive it, to ensure there are no errors, which could later affect your visa application.

If your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, you must provide this before a CAS can be issued.

Further information

As the CAS contains your personal details, you must inform the University of any changes that may occur, for example if you get a new passport or pay any additional tuition fees. You should scan a copy of your new passport, or receipt for the payment, and your CAS will be updated. Confirmation of the update will then be emailed to you.  

You also need to keep us informed of any change to your contact details, particularly your email address. If you are using an agent’s contact details, you must keep in touch with them to ensure that you receive all the information from them.