The Ultimate Guide To Your UK Student Visa

Information Category	Details
Types of Student Visas	Short-term study visa, Student visa, Child student visa
Short-term Study Visa	For courses under 11 months; not extendable; no work allowed
Student Visa	For full-time courses (undergraduate/postgraduate); extendable; work allowed
Financial Requirements	Tuition fees for the first year; Living expenses (£1,023/month or £1,334/month in London); Additional expenses for family members (£680/month per person)
Application Steps	Financial evidence, UK visa requirements, Course acceptance and fee payment, CAS letter check, Online application, Document finalization and biometrics, BRP collection
Application Fees	£363 for student visa; £97 for short courses (6 months), £186 (11 months); Healthcare surcharge: £470/year
Processing Time	Up to 3 weeks
Important Links	UK Government – Student Visa

How does one obtain a student visa to study in the UK?

Studying in the UK requires a visa for every foreign student, with the exception of those hailing from Ireland. Depending on the type of student visa, individuals are granted specific rights and privileges that govern their time spent studying in the United Kingdom.

Student Visas: What Are They?

Visit Visa for a Limited Time

You are eligible for a short-term study visa if your course of study will not exceed eleven months. No extensions or work-study are permitted with this visa. Visas are not required for students from the European Economic Area (EEA), the United States (US), Canada, or Australia for visits lasting less than six months.

Visa for Students

A student visa is necessary to enroll in full-time programs, including those leading to bachelor’s or master’s degrees. You can stay for the whole course, even extend it, and work on the side with this visa. You can apply for a graduate visa after finishing the course, which will allow you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years.

Applying for a Student Visa to the United Kingdom: 7 Easy Steps

1. Proof of Funds

You will need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover all of your living expenses, including tuition. Please provide bank statements that cover a minimum of 28 days. Here are the necessary funds:

• Tuition Fees for the first year.
• Expenses for the first nine months amounting to £1,023/month, or £1,334/month in London.
• Premiums for eligible family members amounting to £680 per person per month for living expenses.

2. Review the Needs for a Student Visa to the United Kingdom

In addition to an up-to-date passport, you’ll need the following documents:

• If necessary, an ATAS certificate that is currently valid.
• As a minor, you must have your parents’ permission.
• Testing results for tuberculosis (in specific nations).
• Official translations of documents not in English.

3. Confirm Your Offer and Make Payment for the Course

Make a deposit equal to or more than the tuition amount due and formally accept the course offer from your chosen university. The visa application fees do not include these payments.

4. Review the CAS Letter

Validate that all details, including personal and course information, on the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter are accurate. Tuition, deposits, and English language requirements are all included in the CAS letter.

5. Apply for a Student Visa to the United Kingdom

After gathering the required documents, including the CAS letter, begin the online application process. The current cost of a visa is £363 per person, plus an extra £470 per year for healthcare.

6. Complete Biometrics and Documents

The “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or a visa application center will ask for biometric information. In order to verify the student status of some applicants, a credibility interview may be conducted.

7. Get Your Decision Letter and Entry Vignette

You will be able to enter the United Kingdom within a 30-or 90-day window before the start of the course after receiving your decision letter and passport with an entry vignette, which can take up to three weeks to process.

8. Get Your Residents Permit (BRP) by Biometrics

Within ten days of your arrival in the UK, you must collect your BRP. Your visa decision letter, entry vignette, and passport must be brought with you. The UK Immigration ID Check app makes it easy to access your digital immigration status.

UK Student Visa Application Checklist

• A passport that is valid.
• Minors must have their parents’ or legal guardians’ permission along with evidence of a relationship.
• Letter of acceptance from the university along with the CAS number.
• Verification of monetary resources to cover educational costs and living expenditures.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a student visa for the United Kingdom?

A student visa to the United Kingdom can take up to three weeks to process.

Is a student visa sufficient to work?

A student visa does allow you to work while you study, but a short-term study visa does not.

Does a student visa to the United Kingdom cost anything?

For students enrolled in full-time programs, the visa fee is £363; for those enrolled in shorter programs, the fee is £97 or £186. Another requirement is a healthcare surcharge of £470 per annum.