Every international student who hopes to pursue an education in the United Kingdom must obtain a UK Student visa. This process involves several steps and a lot of required documents, but it’s generally straightforward, especially if the student is thoroughly prepared – and even more so if they can employ the help of UK student visa consultants. In this article, we give an overview of the UK Student visa and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK Student visa.
What is a UK student visa?
A UK Student visa, previously known as a Tier 4 (General) student visa, is a permission granted to foreigners that allows them to study, work as a student union sabbatical officer and possibly seek employment (depending on what the student is taking and whether they’re working in or out of term time) in the country.
There are four UK Student visa categories that international students may apply for:
- Student visa: For students taking a course by a licensed student sponsor.
- Child Student visa: For students between four and 17 years old taking a course at an independent school.
- Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa): For students taking an English language course that’s longer than six months and up to 11 months.
- Standard visitor visa: For students taking short-term courses lasting up to six months only.
It’s important to note that foreigners on a UK student visa aren’t allowed to:
- claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
- work in certain jobs (e.g. as a professional sportsperson)
- study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (“maintained school”)
- be self-employed.
Who can apply for a UK student visa?
A foreigner can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if they:
- are 16 years old or over
- have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- have enough money to support their stay and study in the UK
- can speak, read, write and understand English.
Students aged 16 and 17 also need consent from their parents. Evidence of this will be required during application.
Foreigners between the ages of four and 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK may apply for a Child Student visa, instead.
When to apply for a UK student visa
Students applying from outside the UK can apply for a Student visa as early as six months before the start of their course. They will likely receive a decision on their application within three weeks.
Students applying from inside the UK can apply three months before their course starts. They must apply before their current visa expires, and their new course must begin within 28 days of this date. It typically takes eight weeks before a decision on their Student visa application is made.
How to apply for a UK student visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK student visa:
1. Apply to a UK university and receive an unconditional offer
A student must apply to their chosen university and receive an unconditional offer to pursue an education there.
2. Get a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
After being accepted into a university, the student must obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) that certifies that they’ve been admitted to a program. This costs £25.
3. Begin the visa application process
To begin the visa application process, the student must collect all the necessary documents, including
- a current passport (with at least one blank page) or other valid travel documentation
- proof of financial stability or support
- evidence of English language proficiency (depending on specific requirements of the program or university applied to)
- a valid ATAS certificate if required in the student’s course or by their nationality
- tuberculosis test results (applicable only to some nationalities).
Students under the age of 18 must also provide:
- proof of parental or other legal guardian consent
- proof of relationship to the parent or guardian (e.g. birth certificate)
- written consent for one’s application from a financial sponsor (if the student has received sponsorship for course fees and living costs in the last 12 months).
4. Pay the necessary fees
Students must pay the necessary fees to process their Student visa application. It costs £490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK or to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.
If a student is staying in the UK to study for more than six months, they must also pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This amounts to £776 per year for each full year the student is in the UK. If their stay includes part of a year, they’ll be charged £388 for periods of one to six months and £776 for periods of six to 12 months.
5. Pass all requirements and await Student visa decision
Students must complete their application and have an approved Student visa before they arrive in the UK, which can be up to one week before for courses that last six months or less or up to one month before for courses that last more than six months. Applicants aren’t allowed to travel to the UK before the start date on their visa.
How long a student can stay in the country will depend on their course length (and what study they’ve already completed in the UK, if any). Foreigners 18 years old and over can usually stay for up to five years for degree-level programs. Other students may stay for up to two years. Visas can also be extended or switched for those who wish to stay longer in the region.
Get UK Student visa help
Applying for a UK Student visa is much easier when a student is properly guided. upGrad GSP aims to support interested applicants pursue their dream of studying in the UK with help from our recruitment partners. Contact our business development experts to learn more.
