Student visa
A student visa is an immigration route for foreign nationals who wish to study in the UK. This visa allows a student to pursue an academic course at accredited institutions. The main benefit of this visa is the opportunity to receive a high-quality education while living in the UK.
How to apply
Applying for a UK student visa involves several steps:
Choose a Course: Select a course and a licensed student sponsor (a university or college that is approved by the UK government).
Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Obtain a CAS from your chosen institution.
Prepare Your Documents: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, financial statements, and academic qualifications.
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the student visa application form online at gov.uk website and pay the application fee.
Biometric Information: Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application center in the country of your residence.
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applicants might need to attend an interview.
UK Student Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a UK student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
70-Points Requirement
The UK student visa is based on a points-based system, where you need to accumulate 70 points:
50 Points: Issued for having a valid CAS from your institution (licensed sponsor).
10 Points: Meeting the financial requirement.
10 Points: Proving your English language proficiency.
Financial requirement
When applying for a UK student visa, you should demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and also the course fees.
As per Student and Child Student guidance, the applicant must show evidence of having these funds for a continuous 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the application date.
Living Costs:
If the student is studying in London, they need to show £1,334 per month.
If the student is studying outside of London, they need to show £1,023 per month.
Course Fees:
Applicants need to show funds to cover the course fees for either one academic year or the entire course if it is less than a year long.
Example Calculation
For instance, the example from the guidance below shows how the financial requirement would be calculated if a student is studying a 9-month course in London.
Living Costs: £1,334 x 9 months = £12,006
Course Fees: Assuming the course fee for one academic year is £15,000.
Total Financial Requirement:
Living Costs: £12,006
Course Fees: £15,000
Total: £27,006
Therefore, the applicant must have £27,006 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application date.
English Language Requirements
You need to demonstrate your English language proficiency, typically through standardised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved tests, unless you are from an English-speaking country or have completed a degree taught in English. The level of your English language proficiency depends on the requirements of your study programme.
Student visa required documents
The required documents for a UK student visa application include:
A current passport or other valid travel document.
A CAS from your course provider.
Proof of funds (e.g., bank statements) to support yourself and pay for your course.
Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18.
Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18.
Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.
Academic qualifications and proof of English language proficiency.
UK Student Visa Application
Applying for a UK student visa involves meeting the Home Office requirements. First, you must select a course from a licensed education provider and get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from them. Also, You need to demonstrate your eligibility by providing evidence of sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living expenses, ensuring you can support yourself during your studies without the need to access public benefits. Additionally, you must prove your English language proficiency through an approved test unless exempt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my student visa application is refused?
Administrative Review: If you believe there was an error in the decision, you can apply for an administrative review. This must be done within 28 days of receiving the refusal notice.
Reapply: Address the reasons for refusal, organise your documents, and submit a new application. Ensure you provide all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria.
What should I do after finishing my studies on a student visa?
- Graduate Route: You can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work at any skill level.
- Further Study: If you wish to pursue further studies, you can apply to extend your student visa or switch to another student visa if you are progressing to a new course.
- Skilled Worker Visa: If you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa.
Is it possible to change from a visitor visa to another visa in the UK?
- You are a government-sponsored student enrolled in a course lasting more than 6 months.
- You are a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that is at least 9 months long.
For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the course must be:
- A PhD or other doctoral program (RQF level 8).
- A research-based higher degree.
You must show you have enough financial resources to support your dependents. Please note that for each you must provide required documents, including proof of relationship and financial support.
