CAS Shield for UK: All you need to know

CAS Shield for UK: All you need to know

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Priya
Priya Garg
Assistant Manager - Editorial, Shiksha Study Abroad
Updated on Jun 30, 2026 23:44 IST
International students require a UK Student Visa to study in the UK and a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) letter to apply for this visa. This document includes information such as the student’s personal details, selected program, duration of the program, and a unique CAS number. Read the article and get informed about what a CAS Shield

International students require a UK Student Visa to study in the UK and a CAS letter to apply for this visa. This document includes information such as the student’s personal details, selected program, duration of the program, and a unique CAS number. Read this article to get informed about the CAS Shield.

What is a CAS Shield?
CAS Shield is an online platform used by UK universities to verify and process the documents of international students who have received an offer to study in the UK. A CAS letter issued to you by the university helps in the visa and immigration process. If a university in the UK provides you with a CAS Shield, then, this means that the university is agreeing to act as your UK student visa sponsor.

A CAS is a unique reference number and official document required for an international student to apply for a UK Student Visa.  Students use the portal to securely upload required documents, such as their passport, academic transcripts and financial proof. And by the medium of this portal, both students and university admissions teams can view real-time updates and track the progress of the CAS application. Read this article further to learn everything about the UK CAS Shield and CAS letter for Indian students. 

What is CAS Shield?

CAS Shield is an online self-service system that helps candidates to upload all of their information and important documents. CAS Shield will be auto-populated with information about the candidate and the candidate's programme that he/she provided at the time of application and he/she has to check this for accuracy. The information provided by you must be correct, otherwise, your visa may be refused.

How to Check Your CAS Shield Status?

Once your draft CAS is ready, you will receive an email from the university to check and confirm the details of your draft CAS. You need to visit the OSIS (Online Student Information System) and check the information. After confirming the details you need to approve the draft CAS.

What is Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies?

A CAS is an electronic statement that includes information about you and the programme you are going to study. It also includes your unique 'CAS number'. The university will send your CAS statement via email, once you meet the requirements to be issued a CAS.

What is Included in the CAS?

A CAS statement includes the following information.

  • Candidate’s Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Course and level of study
  • Course start and end dates
  • University's sponsor license number
  • University address
  • Campus address
  • ATAS requirements
  • Details of previous UK study (if applicable)
  • Tuition fees for the first academic year
  • Tuition fees paid to date
  • Qualifications required as part of your offer

When CAS will be Issued?

Once you have accepted the offer to study at your desired university and deposit the payment, the university will send you a CAS Shield invitation via email. CAS Shield is the online self-service system that enables you to provide all your necessary information and documents to receive your CAS. Your personal details on CAS Shield will be pre-populated with the information that you have provided during your application. Make sure the information provided by you is accurate, otherwise, your visa might be refused.

Once you have confirmed that the information is correct and your supporting documents have been approved, the university will issue your CAS. This can be done up to six months before your programme commences. However, you will be able to use it only 3 or 4 months before the commencement of your course.

Once you have your CAS, you should apply for a study visa as soon as possible. Once your visa is issued, you can arrive in the UK up to one month before your programme starts.

What Are CAS Requirements?

Aspirants need to submit some documents during the application process to receive the CAS letter. You need to submit a valid passport, transcripts, and mark sheets of your previous UG or PG course completed by you. You need to submit valid documents having proper credentials. Your CAS number will be issued after the certification of the documents.

How Many Days Does it Take to Get the CAS Letter?

Once you accept the offer from the university, the institution will verify the required documents and provide you with a CAS letter by email. Usually, universities take up to 10 days to send the CAS after confirming the details in the statement.

Can a student apply for a Student visa with an offer letter?

No, you can not apply for a student visa without a CAS number. A CAS number is arranged by the university.

Can you apply to UKVI directly for a CAS number?

No. Only authorised (government-approved) institutions can apply for CAS numbers on behalf of applicants who applied to study with them.

Learn more about studying in the UK

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the entry level jobs after MBA in International Finance (ACCA-UK) from GCEC Global Foundation?
A: 

After completing MBA in International Finance (ACCA-UK), students can apply for entry level jobs such as:

  • Credit & Risk Analyst
  • Treasury & Forex Analyst
  • Investment Research Analys
  • Corporate Finance Associate
  • International Banking Executive
  • Financial Planning Executive
  • Financial Analyst -Global Markets

 

Q:   How does the University of Liverpool, Bangalore BSc fee compare to the UK campus?
A: 

Studying the BSc at the University of Liverpool, Bangalore saves you a lot of money. In the UK, the same degree can cost over INR 25 Lakhs a year just for tuition. You also save on expensive UK rent and flight tickets. By staying in Bangalore, you get the exact same certificate and quality of education for much less. It makes a top-tier international degree possible for many more families. It is a very smart way to get a global education.

Q:   What is a British National (Overseas) Visa and what does it cover?
A: 

Someone who has been a British overseas territory's citizen by connection with Hong Kong can be entitled as the British National (overseas), (BNO). A British National (Overseas) Visa allows BNOs and applicants from Hong Kong to come to live and work in the UK even without having a job offer. 

This visa also opens ways to permanent residence after a period of years in the UK and the recipients also become eligible for benefits like certain public funds to support their living in the UK.

Q:   Is GBS Malta less expensive than studying in the UK or Western Europe?
A: 

GBS Malta is considerably more affordable. The average annual cost (tuition + living) at GBS Malta is EUR 13,000 – EUR 20,000, compared to EUR 24,000 – EUR 35,000 in the UK. Below is a graphical illustration:

 

This makes Malta a great option for students seeking UK-accredited studies at an affordable European location.







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Priya Garg
Assistant Manager - Editorial, Shiksha Study Abroa...

Priya Garg is an Assistant Manager in the Editorial Team of Shiksha Study Abroad (Shiksha.com, InfoEdge India Ltd), where she has served as the primary content owner on studying in the UK, Ireland, France, Spai

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Neha Nain Kuntal, a highly qualified professional, holds an MBA in International Business and Marketing, a Master’s in Commerce, a PG Diploma in International Business Operations, and a Bachelor’s in Education. With Read Full Bio
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