International Study Centre

Sussex students smiling in class

Prepare to study

You’ve received an offer, what next?

Applying and receiving an offer is the start of your journey to study with us, there are a few more steps you need to take before we see you on campus.

Important things to do before you arrive

Pay your Confirmation Payment and return your signed acceptance form to confirm your offer. For more information on what your Confirmation Payment consists of and your payment plan please visit our fees page

Once you have confirmed, you will have access to our Welcome Hub with lots of useful information about preparing to study.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number which confirms you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK. It is required for your Student visa application. You can apply for your CAS up to six months before your course start date (three months if you are in the UK).

a. Book and take your Readiness Check (if required)

b. Pay any fees due - check the information in your payment plan in your offer letter

c. Provide any outstanding documents - your insurance information, emergency contact details, any study gap information (if applicable), living arrangement confirmation form and previous UK Visa history (if applicable)

d. Receive your CAS preview. Sign and return it

e. Submit your financial or bank documents - you must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

Once you have received your CAS you can apply for your visa and take your UKVI interview (if required).

If you have requested accommodation on your application form, our Central Student Services Team will contact you directly regarding the options available. 

Should you choose to book your own accommodation, we suggest you live close to the Centre so you can make the most of your student experience, but your accommodation should be no more than one hour travel time from the Centre.

Find out more

Receive your visa and book your travel. When booking your travel, make sure you arrive before your first day of term, so you don’t miss our valuable induction programme. Accommodation booked with the University of Sussex International Study Centre is usually available two days before the start of term.

While not mandatory, we recommend that all international students have the protection of appropriate insurance for the duration of their time in the UK. The costs of not being insured can add up, becoming expensive and stressful - the last thing you want whilst studying abroad. You can choose to take out StudyCare or arrange your own cover with an alternative provider.

StudyCare has been designed in partnership with education insurance specialist, Howden, specifically to provide international students with protection and support during their studies with Study Group and, if required, after progressing to their chosen university.

Study Group is an appointed representative of Howden UK Brokers Limited and StudyCare is underwritten by Zurich, one of the largest insurers in the world. StudyCare is available in durations of  either up to 12 months and 24 months (fixed), allowing you to choose a policy duration that fits your needs.

Find out more

In your first week, you will take part in orientation activities and get to know the people and places around you. These normally include tours, information talks, and team games. You will receive further information when your place at the University of Sussex International Study Centre is confirmed.

Important deadlines for your CAS

You must submit your CAS and have them approved by the below published deadlines, at the latest.

Please note that these CAS deadlines are based on standard visa processing times for each country. If you miss the standard CAS deadlines, you must confirm that you will use a priority visa service before the CAS is issued, otherwise you will be deferred to the next available intake.

For some programmes, the CAS will be issued by Study Group; for other programmes, the Combined visa (iCAS) is issued by the University.

Here are three simple steps to find your deadline to be CAS ready: 

  1. Find your programme and start date in the left-hand column
  2. Look for the country you are applying from, not your nationality. For example, if a student is from Angola but is a resident in France, then the deadline is the date above France in the table below
  3. The deadline to submit your CAS will be the date above the country you are applying from.

CAS deadlines

 Deadline to submit CAS and Country of residence







International Foundation Year, International Year One, Pre-Masters Programme (2 semesters) 

Start date: 22nd September 2025 

3rd July 

2025 

14th July 2025 23rd July 2025 29th July 2025 1st August 2025 5th August 2025 12th August 2025 21st August 2025 1st Sept 2025 

International Foundation Year, International Year One, Pre-Masters Programme   

Start date: 24th November 2025 

4th September 2025 15th September 2025 24th September 2025 30th September 2025 3rd October 2025 7th October 2025 14th October 2025 

23rd October 2025 

 

3rd November 2025 
 

Nigeria 

Pakistan 

 

 

Sri Lanka 

Nepal 

Peru 

Saudi Arabia 

South Africa 

Iraq 

 

Macau 

Malaysia 

Mexico 

Myanmar (Burma) 

New Zealand 

Oman 

Philippines 

Qatar 

Russia 

Singapore 

Taiwan ROC 

 

Afghanistan 

Algeria 

Bangladesh 

Egypt 

India 

Iran 

Kuwait 

Sudan 

Syria 

Uganda 

Ukraine 

Vietnam 

Zimbabwe

Applicable to all countries except ones listed in other columns. 

Portugal 

Spain 

Switzerland 

UK onshore 

If you are applying from a country that is not listed in the above table, then your CAS deadline will be similar to the countries with the earliest deadline (i.e. Angola, Bahrain, Brazil).

Later CAS deadlines may be available if you are using a Super Priority or Priority Service. Contact Admissions for information.

For the 22nd September 2025 start date, the deadline for United Kingdom onshore students (already in the UK) will be 12th September 2025.
For the 24th November 2025 start date, the deadline for United Kingdom onshore students (already in the UK) will be 14th November 2025.

Important things to do before you arrive

Magnifying glass in book icon

High-quality teaching

You will experience the level of exceptional, high-quality teaching you would expect from an Office for Students registered provider, whether you study virtually or on campus. 

Hands shaking in heart icon

One to one support

Academic guidance, tutorial sessions, careers support and personal welfare support is all available virtually and on campus. You'll be part of a community of international students and we'll be here to support you on your university journey.

Location trail icon

Flexibility

Keep your studies on track and start your programme virtually or on campus. We'll make sure you're ready to progress to the University of Sussex as planned. 

Students smiling and walking downstairs on campus

Join us on campus

Find out about studying with us, how your programme will be delivered and  tips on preparing to travel.

Graduate speaking in class

Prepare for Success

Join our online preparation course at no extra cost, so that you are ready to thrive academically and culturally in your new environment.

Students studying on campus

Enhanced Induction

Get a head start on your studies with our 3-week Enhanced Induction programme, designed to help you settle into your new home – at no extra cost.

Students entering accommodation

Accommodation

Discover our accommodation options and see where you will begin your Sussex adventure. We offer both on and off-campus accommodation to suit your every need.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!