Applying for your student visa 

Applying for your student visa is a key step in making your dream of studying abroad a reality. This blog is tailored for students from the UAE and walks you through the full UK student visa process—clearly, step by step—so you can apply with confidence. 

Start your visa application.

Follow this step-by-step guide to applying for your student visa: 

1. Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer 
Begin by applying to a UK university and securing an unconditional offer of admission. This is the foundation of your visa application. 

2. Get your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) 
Once accepted, your university will issue a CAS, a unique reference number proving your admission. You’ll need this for your visa. 

3. Begin the application process 
Start your UK student visa application on the official UK government website or get the help of your IDP expert counsellor for FREE. Read all the instructions carefully before proceeding. 

4. Calculate your fee and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 
You’ll need to pay the visa application fee and the IHS to access the UK’s healthcare system. Fees can vary, so check the latest information. 

5. Prove your English language knowledge (if required) 
Emirati students may need to take an approved English test, such as IELTS, or provide evidence of previous English studies, depending on the university’s requirements. 

6. Complete the online visa application form and have it accepted before you arrive in the UK 
Ensure your application is filled in accurately, submitted early, and includes all supporting documents. 

7. Book an appointment 
Book an appointment with your IDP counsellor for FREE in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to follow the right steps for booking your visa appointment.  

Required documents for Student Route Visa The UK student visa requirements are as follows: 

  • Reference number and supporting documentation for the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study) application 

  • A valid passport or other travel documentation 

  • Proof that you have enough money to pay for your living expenses while studying there 

  • Academic technology approval scheme clearance certificate (if required) 

  • Tuberculosis screening (if required) 

  • Passport-sized colour photograph 

  • Assessment documentation 

UK student visa process timing & tracking  

After attending your appointment at a visa application centre, you should receive a decision on your visa within three weeks. You can also follow the status of your UK student visa application, whether you applied online or on paper.  

Types of student visas in the UK  

The UK offers 3 types of student visas to Emirati students. Explore each type, who it is for, and when to apply:  

  • Student route (General) visa: Students aged 16 and above who have been accepted into a course at a UK-accredited educational institution can apply to enter the UK up to 3 months before their course begins.  

  • Student route (Child) visa: Students aged between 4 and 17 who have been accepted to study at a UK-accredited educational institution with a licensed student route sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school, can apply for entry up to 3 months before their course begins. 

 If the course duration is 6 months or less, students may arrive in the UK up to one week before the start date. For courses longer than 6 months, they may arrive up to one month in advance.  

  • Short-term study visa: Students who have been offered a place on a short-term course, such as a training program or an English language course, can apply for a visa up to three months before their intended travel to the UK. The exact timing of your arrival will depend on your planned travel dates and the start date of your course. 

Why apply for a UK student visa?  

UK degrees are internationally recognised. Emirati students benefit from diverse cultural experiences, advanced research opportunities, and strong career prospects.  Discover more about studying in the UK. (Button)   

List of top 10 UK universities  

Here are the top 10 public UK universities, as ranked in the prestigious QS World University Rankings:  

University Name 

QS World Ranking 

Imperial College London 

2 

University of Oxford 

3 

University of Cambridge 

5 

University College London (UCL) 

9 

The University of Edinburgh 

27 

The University of Manchester 

=34 

King's College London 

=40 

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 

=50 

University of Bristol 

54 

The University of Warwick 

=69 

 Study intakes in the UK 

UK universities have three main intakes: September (mainly undergraduate), January, and May (mainly postgraduate), with September offering the widest course selection. 

Top 10 in-demand courses to study in the UK 

UK universities offer leading courses in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, Medicine, Law, Finance, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Psychology, and Public Health. 

Get in touch with your counsellor today for FREE. (Button) 

FAQS 

How do I prove my immigration status? Do I need an eVisa? 

BRPs are being replaced by eVisas, which are secure online records of your immigration status. You can prove your status using either your current BRP or your digital eVisa from UKVI. 

Can I work in the UK on a student visa? 

Yes, most international students can work part-time during term (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays. 

Can I bring dependents with me on my student visa? 

Only postgraduate students on a Masters by Research or PhD course are eligible to bring dependents under current UK immigration rules. 

Can I stay in the UK after I graduate? 

Yes, under the Graduate Route, you can currently stay in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your degree. However, a recent UK government white paper has proposed reducing this to 18 months. 

What are the requirements for a student visa in the UK? 

You need a valid CAS, proof of funds, English language proficiency (if required), and a valid passport to apply for the UK student visa. 

How long is a student visa valid for in the UK? 

Your visa is valid for the duration of your course plus a short extension, typically up to 4 months after the course ends. 

How much does a UK student visa cost? 

The current fee is £490, plus an annual Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for most students. 

Is it hard to get a UK student visa? 

No, if you meet all the requirements and provide accurate documents. 

What are the conditions for the UK Student Route Visa? 

You must study at your sponsor institution, attend classes, and notify UKVI of changes to your circumstances; limited work is permitted.