How to Change Tourist Visa to Student Visa in UK?

In most cases, you cannot switch from a UK tourist visa to a student visa while staying in the UK. The UK rules generally require you to apply for a Student visa from outside the country. Tourist visas are short-term and do not allow for a change of visa category within the UK.

The standard process is:

1. Leave the UK and apply for a Student visa from your home country or another country where you are legally resident.

2. Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK educational institution.

3. Submit the Student visa application with required documents, including financial proof, CAS, passport, and English language test results if applicable.

4. Wait for approval before returning to the UK to begin your studies.

Attempting to switch visa types while on a tourist visa can result in refusal and may affect future visa applications.