UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa

Every year, many students from all over the world apply for a UK student visa. The student visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The Student Route falls under the UK’s new points-based immigration system. To be eligible to apply for a student visa, you need to be able to score 70 points. Points are non-tradable, which means you will need to meet all the requirements.

Requirements for international students to study in the UK

How to study in the UK without a visa?

While Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states do not currently need a visa to study in the UK (for up to 6 months), all other international students are likely to need one. If you have a passport from a country on the non-visa national list you can visit the UK and study for up to 6 months without a visa.
But Brexit has created a lot of confusion, especially among international students who want to study or are already studying for a degree in the UK. To find out whether you need a visa to study, check here on gov.UK.

Study in the UK for students in the EU / European Economic Area, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein

.  If you arrive in the UK before 31st December 2020, you do not need a visa.
.  If you arrive in the UK on or after 1st January 2021, you might need a visa.
.  If you start studying before 31st December 2020 and want to continue studying after 1st January 2021, you will need to apply for a settlement scheme before 30th June 2021.
.  Citizens from Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein might benefit from the same rules, but they should always check what visa regulations apply to them.
.  Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Study in the UK for Non-EU/EEA students

Depending on the length of their studies, non-EU/EEA students need to apply either for a Short-Term Study Visa or a Student Visa. To study in the UK, you must be 16 or over. You must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, have sufficient money to support yourself and pay for your course tuition fees (the amount will vary depending on your circumstances) and your monthly living costs, be able to speak, read, write and understand English, and have consent from your parents if you are 16 or 17.
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

Your Course for study in the UK

You must receive an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they have offered you a place on the course. You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.
You can do one of the following courses:
• a full-time course leading to a qualification that is below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with at least 15 hours a week of organized daytime study;
• a full-time course leading to a qualification that is degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8);
• a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that is equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas;
• a part-time course leading to a qualification that is above degree level (RQF level 7 or above);
• a recognized foundation program for postgraduate doctors or dentists;
• an English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
You may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you are studying or researching sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above.
You can also apply for this visa if you are:
• taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer;
• applying to extend your stay on the Doctorate Extension Scheme – you must currently have permission to be in the UK on a student visa (or a Tier 4 (General) student visa) and your course must lead to a PhD

for study in the UK Postgraduate doctors and dentists

You can apply for this visa if you are sponsored to do a recognized foundation program and you have:
• finished a recognized UK degree in medicine or dentistry;
• received that degree from a registered student sponsor;
• spent your final year and at least 1 other year of studies leading to that degree in the UK

Once they have been offered a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You must enter this reference number on your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

When to Apply for study in the UK

It depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
If you are applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
If you are applying from inside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

Documents Required for Applying for a UK Study Visa

When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:
• a current passport or other valid travel documentation;
• a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
You may also need to provide:
• proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – this will vary depending on your circumstances;
• a valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it;
• proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you are under 18;
• proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you are under 18;
• your tuberculosis test results (for citizens of certain countries);
• written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center. You will be told if you need to do this when you apply.

If you are under 18
If you are under 18 you will need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) that you can live and travel independently. This must include their consent for:
• your visa application;
• your living and care arrangements in the UK;
• your travel to the UK
You will also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government-issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

How to Apply for study in the UK

International students must submit their applications online via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
If you are applying outside the UK, you will need to prove your identity as part of your application. How you do this depends on where you are from and what type of passport you have.
You will either:
• give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application center;
• use the UK Immigration: ID Check the app to scan your identity document – you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account
You will be told what you need to do when you apply.
Once you have started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Reinstatement of the two-year post-study work visa

The UK government has announced the reinstatement of the two-year post-study work visa for international students. The new immigration rules will benefit those international students who are planning to pursue their higher studies in the UK starting from 2020-21. Currently, international students pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees can stay back only for a period of 4 months. Only international students studying in 27 universities can stay back for 6 months which is part of the pilot scheme.

UK Student Visa Process: How to Apply

There are several steps to applying for a UK Student Visa. UK Study Visa applications are processed within 3 weeks of the completed application being lodged.
Step 1 – The first step is to check if you qualify for the student visa or not. You need to show that you have:
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS);
• Enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs in the UK.

Step 2 – Get your documents ready

Step 3 – Apply online

You will need to register and create an account on the official UK Visa website.
When you have completed your online application form, you will need to print and sign your completed form. You must use the online appointment calendar to book an appointment at the visa application center. When you have completed your online application, you will receive an email message containing your application number.

Step 4 – Pay your application fee. There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee:
• Payment at Standard Chartered Bank – You can pay your fee at some branches of the Standard Chartered Bank. The bank will issue a demand draft in favor of the British High Commission.
• Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank – You can pay your fee by getting a demand draft issued by a nationalized or a foreign bank. Bank charges for this service will vary. The demand draft must be in favor of the British High Commission.
• Payment at the visa application center – You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application center when you submit your visa application.
• Pay online – You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.

Step 5 – Visit the visa application center on the appointed date.
You must book and attend an appointment at the visa application center to submit your application and facial photograph and fingerprints.

How long it take to get a decision
You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You will get a letter or an email with the result of your application. It will explain what you need to do next.
If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application center, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application center offers faster decisions and other services.

If you are applying inside the UK, you may be able to apply to:

• extend your Student visa;
• switch to a Student visa from another type of visa

After you apply
You will be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example, because:
• your supporting documents need to be verified;
• you need to attend an interview;
• of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
If you need to change something in your application after you have sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision
If your application is successful, you will get either:
• a biometric residence permit (BRP)- if you gave your biometric information at a visa application center;
• a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online – if you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app

How Long You Can Stay

It depends on the length of your course and what study you have already completed.
If you are 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Staying longer in the UK
You may be able to:
• extend your visa if you are eligible, for example, to continue your studies in the UK;
• switch to a Student visa from another visa if you are already in the UK

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive in the UK before your course starts. This can be either:
• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less;
• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months

English Language Requirements

Please note that different universities have different requirements, so make sure you check what form of English language evidence you will need with your university.
To apply for a UK student visa, you must prove your knowledge of the English language. You will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

What you are studying Level

Degree level or above Equivalent to CEFR level B2
Below degree level CEFR level B1

If you are studying at a degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of Canada; you are applying to come to the UK for a study abroad program as part of a university degree course in the USA, or you proved your level of English in a previous visa application.

Financial Requirements
Proof of financial support can take the form of bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor, showing you can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.

Visa fee
It costs:
• £348 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK;
• £475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you. You can pay online using either a MasterCard or Visa card, through demand draft or Cash at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.

Other fees
You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this money for your visa application.
The amount of money you need depends on where you will be studying. You will need either:
• £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London;
• £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you are applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme, and you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you need to prove you have a total of £2,668 for courses in London, or a total of £2,046 for courses outside London.
If you are boarding at a residential independent school, you will need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.
London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 days must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.
You will need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.
Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them in addition to the money you must have to support yourself. They must have either:
• £845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London;
• £680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

You do not need to prove the financial requirement if:
• You have had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your Student visa application – you must currently be in the UK;
• You are applying as a student union sabbatical officer;
• You are applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognized foundation program

Healthcare surcharge for study in the UK

You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) upon application, but only if you intend to live in the UK for longer than 6 months. Students receive a 25 percent discount on the usual cost of this surcharge – so the rate for student visa holders is £470 per year.

Your Partner and Children

You may be able to bring your partner and children (dependents). Your partner must be your husband, wife, civil, or unmarried partner. Your child must be under 18, including if they were born in the UK during your stay.
You will need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply; for example, a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner, as well as a birth certificate for your child.
To apply for your dependents to come to the UK, you must be one of the following:
• a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer;
• a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months;
• a Doctorate Extension Scheme student

What You Can and Cannot Do
Many international students in the UK take a part-time job, work placement, or internship alongside their studies. You may be able to work as a student union sabbatical officer while studying in the UK. The hours and type of work you do depend on the type of visa and your sponsoring university or college, what you are studying, and whether you are working in or out of term-time.
Find out more about the hours and types of work you can do here.
You cannot claim public funds (benefits) and pensions, work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, be self-employed, or study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).

Types of UK Student Visa

There are also other types of study visas in the UK as follows:
Child Student Visa
Students aged between 4 and 17 can apply for a Child Student Visa if they want to study at an independent school in the UK, providing they have the consent of a parent or guardian to study in the UK. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
If you are under 16, your course can last up to 6 years plus 4 months afterward. If you are 16 or 17, it can last up to 3 years plus 4 months afterward. You can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course starts.
It costs:
• £348 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK;
• £475 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK
You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Standard Visitor Visa

You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor:
• for tourism, for example on a holiday or to see your family and friends;
• for certain business activities, for example, attending a meeting;
• to do a short course of study;
• to take part in research or an exchange program as an academic;
• for medical reasons, for example, to receive private medical treatment
You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and what you plan to do in the UK.
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months (£95 fee).
You might be able to stay for longer if:
• you are coming to the UK for private medical treatment – up to 11 months (£190 fee);
• you are an academic and meet the eligibility requirements – you, your spouse or partner, and your children may be able to stay for up to 12 months (£190 fee)
You can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5, or 10 years if you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
If you are under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.
If you need a visa, you must apply online before you come to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
A Standard Visitor visa costs £95.
The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:
• 2 years – £361;
• 5 years – £655;
• 10 years – £822

Study English in the UK (Short-term Student Route or previously Short-term Study Visa)

If you are over 18, you can apply online for a Short-term study visa to study the English language in the UK. This visa is for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months. You can stay in the UK for the length of your course plus an extra 30 days as long as your stay is no longer than 11 months. This visa cannot be extended, and you will be unable to switch to another visa category. For anything longer than 11 months, you will need to apply for a student visa.
You also cannot work with a Short-term visa, including carrying out work experience or work placements.
It costs £186 for a Short-term study visa. You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your online application. It usually costs £470.
This is so you can use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

On 5 October 2020, ‘Tier 4 student leave’ became ‘Student’ and ‘Child student’ permission. This change makes no difference to your work rights. ‘Student’ includes Tier 4 (General) and ‘Child student’ includes Tier 4 (Child). Short-term students are not included.