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The complete guide to the UK student visa
Applying for a UK student visa? Here’s your complete guide to the UK student visa application requirements, fees, and process.
Have you already decided to study in the UK? Honestly, the UK is the perfect choice to study, live, or even work while studying, but you will likely require a UK student visa before packing your bags. The type of visa you will need will be determined by your age and the level of education you want to pursue. Find out everything you need to know about the UK student visa types and its requirements below.
Types of Student Visa in the UK
The UK offers 3 types of student visas to international students. Explore each type, who is it for, when to apply, etc.
Student visa type | Who it’s for | What is the perfect time to apply? | What is the arrival date in the UK? |
|---|---|---|---|
Student route (General) visa | Students over the age of 16 who are accepted to attend a course at a UK-accredited educational institution. | 3 months prior to the beginning of your course. | If your course lasts six months or less, you may arrive up to one week in advance. If your course is longer than six months, you may arrive up to one month in advance. |
Student route (Child) visa | Students between the ages of 4 and 17 who are accepted to attend a course at a UK-accredited educational institution with a legitimate student route sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school. | 3 months prior to the beginning of your course. | If your course lasts six months or less, you may arrive up to one week in advance. If your course is longer than six months, you may arrive up to one month in advance. |
Short-term study visa | Students who were offered a spot on a short-term course, such as a training program or an English language course. | 3 months before your departure to the UK. | It depends on your travel dates. |
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a student route visa:
Hold an unconditional offer to enrol in a course from a licensed/legitimate student route sponsor.
Have financial evidence that you can fund yourself and pay for your course fees.
Understand, speak, read, and write English.
For additional information, go to the Gov.UK website.
Apply for the UK Visa Online
You must apply for your UK student visa application online through the official website of the British Government (Gov.UK) website (unless you are applying from North Korea, in which case you can use a hardcopy form). It's worth mentioning that you can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK, and your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
Documents Required 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
There may be other documents required for the UK student visa if you are:
Not holding the citizenship of the country from which you are applying.
Responsible for any dependents
Under 18 years of age
Note: All your supporting documents must be translated into English. Each translated document must carry the name and signature of the translator, as well as the date it was translated and confirmed as an accurate translation of the original document.
English Language Requirements
When applying for a UK student visa, you must present proof of your command of the English language. This usually entails passing a reliable English language test, such as the IELTS test.
Your skills in writing, reading, speaking, and listening in English are evaluated by UKVI and vary by academic level. What's more, your chosen educational institution's (sponsor's) English language requirements may differ.
As part of the visa application process, a UKVI officer may interview you. If you can't have a simple conversation without the help of an interpreter, you may not be allowed to enter the UK, no matter how good your English results are.
Biometric Residence Permit
A biometric residence permit from UKVI is required as part of the application process. You'll need to schedule an appointment at UKVI in order to have your fingerprints and a digital photo of your face taken.
UK Student Visa Fees
The cost of the UK student visa is £363 if you apply from outside the UK, and it will cost £490 to renew or change your visa, if you want to extend your stay in the UK.
UK Student Visa Process Timing & Tracking
After attending your appointment at a visa application centre or using the ID Check app, 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.