Student Visa in the UK: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Filipino Students
Topics covered
- 5 min
- Published: 29 July 2025
- Updated: 1 August 2025
Introduction
Many Filipino students dream of studying abroad. Some are already living the dream, while others are still working hard to make it real. The driving force for those students is their pursuit of quality education and career opportunities.
Students should be vigilant when choosing legitimate educational consultants, according to the International Education Consultants of the Philippines. Fortunately, IDP Philippines is a global leader in student placement services that has successfully sent thousands of students to their dream universities across Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, Ireland, and New Zealand each year.
The United Kingdom, in particular, captivates the hearts of international students with its monarchy and rich history. With its prestigious universities (like Oxford University and Cambridge University), the UK offers world-class education, shorter course durations, and a diverse student environment that’s hard to resist.
Before you can experience the sweet British University air, one crucial step that stands in your way is securing a student visa in the UK. While the task can be daunting, you have IDP to guide you every step of the way. Because your dream deserves to be real, it deserves a well-thought-out plan.
Here’s what you need to know before applying for your student visa in the UK:
Application Process
You can already start your application as young as 16 years old. But, if you’re between 16 and 17, you’re more eligible for the child student visa, which has its own different set of requirements.
If you're already 18 (and probably have already finished your senior high school), you can start your application by completing the online application. And depending on your location and passport type, you might be asked to complete these:
Submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application center
Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity documents
Create or log into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
You can check out this requirement list for a clearer catalog of the student visa requirements for the UK.
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Duration, Fees, and Other Important Infomration
How long before you get your visa
If you’re applying outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is six months before the start of the course. Your visa covers the full duration of your course, plus a short period before and after to allow for your arrival and departure.
The typical processing time for a UK student visa is around 3 weeks. If you're in a rush, you can opt for a priority service, which shortens the wait time significantly for an additional fee of £500.
What are the Expected Fees?
The current visa application fees are:
£490 if applying from outside the UK
£490 to extend or switch to a student visa within the UK
You must also pay for the additional visa fee for the person accompanying you to the UK.
Aside from the visa fee, you’re also required to pay a healthcare surcharge to access the UK’s National Health Service. This amount varies depending on your visa duration, so make sure to check the exact cost when applying.
The UK Home Office has released an estimate of your living expenses depending on where you’ll be studying.
£1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
£1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside of London
The UK also allows international students to work. Part-time work can help cover daily expenses and give you valuable international work experience, but you have to make sure that your school allows it.
Next Step? To the UK!
Getting a student visa in the UK is a huge hurdle, but it shouldn’t overwhelm you. With proper guidance, a strong plan, and expert support from IDP, you can be sure that someone is by your side to help you. Don’t be shy and reach out to us, and let’s turn that dream into a reality with a well-drawn plan. Book a consultation today!
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