How to Successfully Obtain a UK Student Visa

The United Kingdom offers world-class education. It has several globally acclaimed and high-ranking academic institutions with various courses, including specialized undergraduate degrees that can help refine your professional and personal skills. Additionally, UK degrees are recognized globally. Therefore, the UK ranks high among the preferred educational destinations.

If you’re an overseas student wanting to study in the UK, you should understand how to get a UK student visa. This article discusses applying for and obtaining a UK student visa.

Table of Contents

What Is a UK Student Visa and the Types of Visa Available

Typically, you’ll need a student visa if you’re an international student aged 16 or above and want to pursue a higher education course in the UK. You can easily apply for your student visa through the Student Route. The types of student visas include:

Short-term Study Visa: International students studying a short course in the UK. This visa enables students to study and reside in the UK for six months. If you’re doing an English language course, a short-term study visa will allow you to stay for 11 months.
Tier 4 Student Visa: For overseas students wanting to pursue a full-time degree-level course at a college, university, or any other eligible academic institution in the UK.

Determine When to Apply for a UK Student Visa

The ideal time to apply for your UK student visa depends on whether you’re applying while residing in the UK or from outside. If you’re applying from outside the UK, you can only apply six months or less before your course start date. You typically get your visa decision within three weeks.

If you’re applying from inside the UK, you can only apply within three months of your course start date. Additionally, you must apply before your current visa expires. You’ll get your visa decision within eight weeks. If your visa is about to expire, your new course should commence within 28 days of your present visa expiry date.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria of a UK Study Visa

Persons applying for a student visa in the UK must be:

Aged 16 or above
Have been offered admission in an educational course by a licensed student sponsor
Have adequate funds to pay your living expenses and course fees (the amount depends on your course, university, and other circumstances)
Can understand, speak, read, and write English
Students aged below 18 need proof of approval from their parents while applying

What Is the Average Cost and Added Expenses of a UK Student Visa?

The current cost of getting a UK student visa is £363 if you’re applying from outside of the UK or £490 to extend or convert another visa into a Student visa from within the UK. You must also pay a healthcare surcharge of approximately £470 annually to access the National Health Service (NHS). European students holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) get a refund on the surcharge if they’re eligible.

Where Should You Apply for a UK Student Visa

Students applying from outside the UK should usually provide adequate identity proof as a part of their application at a visa application centre. This’ll include your photograph, biometric information and fingerprints. Otherwise, you can create/sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.

You can also save your visa application and complete it later at your convenience. You can apply from within the UK if you are converting another visa to a student visa or want to extend your student visa.

Checklist of Required Documents To Apply For A UK Student Visa

You’ll need the following documents to apply for a UK student visa:

Current passport/ valid travel document
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document from your school or academic institution
Proof of sufficient funds for course fees and living expenses
An ATAS certificate, if needed
Parental/ legal guardian consent proof and relationship proof for students below 18
Your TB test results
Consent proof from your financial sponsor, if needed
The type of English language proof required by your university.

For further information on the UK student visa process, browse through the UK government website or the Student Route page. You can also contact a counsellor to help you understand your visa eligibility and learn more about getting an education in the UK.Want to know more about how to apply for a UK student visa? Contact our experts at Imperial Overseas Education Consultants. We can offer professional counselling services and help you seamlessly get through your student visa application process.