Student Visa – UK: A Complete Guide

Government, Visas and Immigration, Visa2 weeks ago29 Views

Student Visa UK guide with UK flag, passport, and university icons

Student Visa UK – What You Need to Know

A Student visa UK allows international students aged 16 and over to study at a licensed institution in the United Kingdom. To qualify, you need an offer from a UK university, proof of financial support, and English language proficiency. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

If you’re 16 or 17 and wish to study at an independent school, you may need a Child Student visa instead.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK Student Visa

To apply for a Student visa UK, you must:

✔ Have an unconditional offer from a UK institution (licensed student sponsor).
✔ Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and pay tuition fees.
✔ Meet the required English language proficiency level.
✔ Obtain parental consent if you’re under 18.

When to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

📌 From outside the UK: Apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Decision time: 3 weeks.
📌 From inside the UK: Apply up to 3 months before your course starts. Decision time: 8 weeks.

Make sure your new course starts within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

How Long Can You Stay in the UK?

Your stay depends on your course length and prior study history in the UK:

🎓 Degree-level courses: Up to 5 years
📚 Below degree-level courses: Up to 2 years

You may extend your visa or switch to a Graduate visa to stay for at least 2 more years after completing your studies.

UK Student Visa Fees & Healthcare Surcharge

💰 Visa Fees:
✔ £490 (applying from outside the UK)
✔ £490 (extending or switching inside the UK)

💊 Healthcare Surcharge:
✔ Varies depending on visa duration.

Each dependent joining you must also pay the visa fee.

Work Rights on a Student Visa

✅ You can:
✔ Study at a UK institution
✔ Work in specific roles, such as a student union sabbatical officer
✔ Work part-time during term-time and full-time during holidays (depending on your course and university rules)

🚫 You cannot:
✖ Claim public benefits (Universal Credit, pensions)
✖ Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
✖ Be self-employed
✖ Study at a local authority-funded school

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

Step 1: Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your UK university will provide a CAS number once you accept their offer.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

📌 Valid passport
📌 CAS from your university
📌 Financial proof to cover tuition and living expenses
📌 English language test results (if required)
📌 ATAS certificate (for certain courses)
📌 Parental consent (if under 18)
📌 Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Step 3: Apply Online

Submit your Student visa application through the UK government website.

📌 If applying from outside the UK:
✔ Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app OR
✔ Visit a visa application centre for biometrics (photo & fingerprints)

📌 If applying from inside the UK:
✔ Apply to extend or switch your visa.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

✔ Standard processing: 3 weeks (outside the UK), 8 weeks (inside the UK).
✔ Priority service available for faster processing.

UK Student Visa Financial Requirements

You must prove you can pay for your course and living expenses.

💰 Tuition Fees – As stated on your CAS (usually for 1 academic year).

💰 Living Expenses:
✔ London: £1,483/month (up to 9 months)
✔ Outside London: £1,136/month (up to 9 months)

📌 Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

Who Does NOT Need to Show Proof of Funds?

✔ If you’ve had a UK visa for at least 12 months before applying.
✔ If you’re from a low-risk country (e.g., USA, Australia, EU nations).

English Language Requirements for a UK Student Visa

You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English at:

✔ Degree level or above: CEFR Level B2
✔ Below degree level: CEFR Level B1

Accepted proof:
✔ Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
✔ GCSE/A-level in English (from a UK school).
✔ Degree taught in English (if studied abroad, UK NARIC verification needed).

Who is Exempt from English Tests?

✔ Nationals of English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia).
✔ If you’ve previously met the requirement in a UK visa application.

Bringing Your Family on a UK Student Visa

Your spouse/partner and children can join you in the UK only if you are:

✔ Studying a postgraduate course lasting 9 months or more.
✔ Sponsored by the UK government.

If your postgraduate level course starts on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either:

a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
a research-based higher degree

Dependents need separate visa applications and proof of financial support.

Read This: Student Dependent Visa UK – Check Your Eligibility

After You Apply – What Happens Next?

📌 If successful, you’ll receive an eVisa (your online immigration record).
📌 If further checks are needed, UKVI may:
✔ Ask for additional documents
✔ Invite you for an interview
✔ Delay your decision due to personal circumstances (e.g., criminal record)