Student visa requirements for the UK 2022 - Apply now!

Applying for a UK student visa? Here’s help

The UK Government provides an opportunity for all Bangladesh students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the UK.

You can apply for a student visa six months before the start of your course at the earliest and you’ll receive the decision on your application within three working weeks considering normal circumstances.

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We recommend you plan your arrival depending upon the duration of the course because If your course is for six months or less, then you can arrive in the UK up to 1 week before, but if your course is for more than six months, then you can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before.

To be eligible for a student visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed sponsor/ Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS
• Valid English-language proficiency score
• Financial proofs i.e., exhibiting enough money to support yourself and pay for your course

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Here’s an overview of the types of study visas and their application requirements:

*For detailed information, please visit the Gov.UK website

To be eligible for a student visa, you must:

• Have confirmation acceptance of studies from a valid UK institution
• Acceptable English Language proficiency test scores such as IELTS
• You would need approx. £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London (also known as maintenance funds)

Documents required for the student visa

When applying for your student visa, you will generally need:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation
• Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS
• Passport-sized colour photograph
• Tuberculosis screening (mandatory for South Asian countries)
• Assessment documentation
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required)
• Currently, you also need your COVID-19 test report 72 hours prior to your flight

Additional documents may also be needed if you are:

• Not a citizen of the country you are applying from
• Under 18 years of age
• Have family (dependents)

*Please note tspeak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated. Each translated document must be dated, and include the translator's name and signature and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

Applying for your visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the British Government’s official Gov.UK website. You can apply up to 6 months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

How can IDP help with your visa applications?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in the UK, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed of the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest application forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate, and courier your documents.

UK student visa: Dos and don’ts

Visa fee

Visa fee depends upon the visa that you will apply for:

*Please always check the official website for the latest fee, or check with your IDP expert

Mode of payment

• Online mode i.e., MasterCard or Visa card
• Through demand draft to be submitted at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank
• Through Cash payment at the visa application centre or the selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank

English language requirements

Generally, universities in the UK require a minimum band of 6 in IELTS, however, pathway and foundation courses also accept 5.5 overall. Some institutions in the UK also offer IELTS waivers considering students’ scores in English in the 12th standard.

Biometric residence permit

As part of your application, you must also obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) from the UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with the UKVI for having your fingerprints scanned, and a digital photo taken of your face.

Tips for your UK visa

1. Try not to postpone your visa appointment until the last minute as it takes at least 3 working weeks to receive a student visa.

2. Start your visa process six months in advance

3. You must have the certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS) from your university before the visa application process.

4. Check if the institute is licensed before applying for it.

If you need any more information regarding your UK student visa, our international education experts will be more than happy to guide you through the process. Walk into your nearest IDP office or fill up the enquiry form and we’ll get in touch with you.

Help me study in the UK

Updated on December 27, 2022