After an offer
Find out how we support the student from when they receive an offer to enrolment, including deposit, CAS and visa information.
Read our detailed guidance on the key stages following an offer, including deposit payment, CAS preparation and visa application. Including how to reduce delays and clear requirements and expectations for each stage.
- Offer
What happens
Applicants who meet the academic requirements will receive an offer. This may be
conditional or unconditional depending on the information provided at application
stage.What to check
- the type of offer (conditional or unconditional)
- any outstanding academic or administrative conditions
- deadlines associated with the offer.
What to do
- review conditions with the student
- support the student in meeting any outstanding requirements
- submit any additional documents promptly.
Common causes of delay
- missing or unclear documentation
- delays in submitting updated qualifications
- conditions not clearly understood by the student.
- Deposit
What happens
Students are required to pay a tuition fee deposit to confirm their place and progress to the next stage.
What to check
- deposit amount and deadline
- accepted payment methods
- any country-specific requirements.
What to do
- ensure the student understands deposit requirements
- support timely payment
- encourage early payment to avoid delays later in the process.
What to expect
- deposit payments are confirmed once received and processed
- processing times may vary depending on payment method.
Common causes of delay
- late payment
- payment via slow or incorrect channels
- mismatch between payment and application details.
- CAS
What happens
Once all academic and compliance conditions have been met, Sussex will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to enable the student to apply for a visa.
What to check
- student has met all academic conditions
- deposit has been paid
- all required documentation has been submitted.
What to do
- ensure all required documentation is accurate and complete
- support the student in preparing financial evidence
- prepare the student for any required checks (e.g. pre-CAS interview).
What to expect
- CAS will be issued once the student is fully CAS-ready
- additional checks may be required for some applicants
- processing times may vary depending on volume and compliance review.
Definition: CAS-ready
A student is considered CAS-ready once all academic and compliance conditions have been met. This typically includes holding an Unconditional Firm (UF) offer, payment of any required deposit, and submission of required documentation.
Where additional checks are required (including interviews or further compliance review), processing times may be longer.
Common causes of delay
- incomplete or incorrect financial documentation
- delays in meeting academic conditions
- additional compliance checks required.
- Visa
What happens
Students use their CAS to apply for a UK Student visa through UKVI.
What to check
- student has received CAS
- all required visa documentation is prepared
- application timelines align with intake deadlines.
What to do
- support students in preparing visa applications
- ensure documentation is accurate and complete
- keep up to date with UKVI requirements.
What to expect
- visa processing is managed by UKVI
- processing times vary by country and time of year
- Sussex cannot influence visa decision timelines.
Common causes of delay
- incomplete visa applications
- incorrect financial evidence
- late submission of visa application.