Three things make international students choose the UK: a well-established education system, a multicultural environment, and many academic and career opportunities. It’s a recipe for a successful and unique student experience. Should you decide to study in the UK, you need to find out whether you need a student visa.
This article covers the required documents, fees, and steps on how to apply for a UK student visa.
Steps on Applying for a UK Student Visa
Step 1. Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK Institution
International students must first secure an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor under the Student or Child Student routes. The school you are accepted to will provide you with a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS is needed before you can apply for a UK student visa.
You can apply for a UK Student visa from outside the UK up to six months before your course starts. If you are applying from inside the UK, you can apply up to three months before your course starts. A CAS is valid for six months from the date it is assigned, so make sure you use it within that period. To help you get started, check the courses you can study for all levels at gov.uk.
Step 2. Determine the Type of Visa you Need
Check if you need a UK visa and what type is required. The type of UK student visa depends on your nationality, age, course, and length of stay. For example, you may need a Student visa if you are 16 or over and plan to study a further or higher education course, a Child Student visa if you are between 4 and 17 and will study at an independent school, or a Short-term study visa if you are taking an English language course in the UK that lasts longer than 6 months and no more than 11 months. For many courses of up to 6 months, you may not need a student visa, but you should still check the latest rules for your nationality.
A Student visa allows you to study and work as a student union sabbatical officer. You may also be able to work, but the number of hours depends on what you study and whether the work is during term time or vacation. However, you cannot be self-employed, claim public funds or pensions, work in certain jobs such as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, or study at an academy or local authority-funded school.
Step 3. Complete the Student Visa application Form Online and Prepare Documents
If you are applying for a Student visa, you must apply online. As part of the application, you will need to prove your identity. Depending on where you are from and what type of passport you have, you will either use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document and create or sign in to a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, or you will have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center. After submitting your application, you will usually get a decision within three weeks if you apply from outside the UK or within eight weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
You can apply from outside the UK up to six months before your course starts, or from inside the UK up to three months before your course starts. If you apply from inside the UK, you must apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. In some cases, UKVI may need you to submit more supporting documents or attend an interview before approving your application.
Step 4. Wait for a Decision on Your Application
If your UK Student visa application is approved, you will usually get an eVisa. An eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status. Your decision email or letter will explain how to access your eVisa, and you will need to create or use a UKVI account.
- eVisa and UKVI account – You need a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You should link the travel document you will use to come to the UK to your UKVI account.
- digital immigration status – You can view and prove your immigration status online, get a share code, and update personal information such as your passport details and email address.
Step 5. Get your BRP
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) were physical cards used to prove immigration status. All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas. If you were previously issued a BRP and still have permission to stay in the UK, you should create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.
If your decision email or letter says that you will receive a BRP because of your specific circumstances, follow the instructions in that decision notice. Otherwise, you should use your eVisa and UKVI account to prove your immigration status.
You should also make sure that the passport or travel document you use to travel to the UK is linked to your UKVI account. This helps you prove your immigration status when you travel and when you need to share your status in the UK.
Documents Needed for UK Student Visa Applications
A UK Student visa is for international students who are 16 or over, have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course, can speak, read, write, and understand English, and have parental consent if they are 16 or 17. If you are from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you generally need to check whether you need a visa to study in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme is free, but the deadline for most people was June 30, 2021, and it generally applies only in limited situations, such as when you already have pre-settled status or meet other eligibility rules. If you need a UK Student visa, the following documents are generally required:
- a current passport or other valid travel document
- a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
- proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, if required for your circumstances
- proof of English language ability, if required
- proof that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at the required CEFR level: B2 for degree-level study or above, and B1 for study below degree level
- proof of parental or legal guardian consent and proof of relationship if you are under 18 years old
- tuberculosis test results, if you are required to take a TB test
- a valid ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality require it
- written consent from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for the United Kingdom
How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?
If you are applying for a Student visa from outside the UK, or if you are in the UK and wish to extend or switch to a Student visa, it costs £558. You will usually get a decision within three weeks if you apply from outside the UK and within eight weeks if you apply from inside the UK. If eligible family members apply with you, you must pay the visa fee for each person.
With our comprehensive guide at your fingertips and the right preparation, the keys to your United Kingdom higher education are within reach. So, take the next step, prepare your documents, and get on with the application process. Don’t just dream; secure your student visa and begin your journey in the UK.
We hope this article on how to apply for a United Kingdom student visa was helpful. For more information on studies in the UK, visit the Study in the UK and Programs in Europe for International Students.
