How to Get UK Student Visa: UK Student Visa Requirements
Applying for a Student Visa in the UK – Requirements and Procedures: If you intend to pursue long-term studies in the UK, securing a visa is essential. Your nationality and citizenship status dictate the immigration protocols you must adhere to for the UK.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in obtaining a student visa for studying in the United Kingdom.
For international students aiming to study in London from outside the EU, acquiring a visa is mandatory. Explore this informative resource to gain insights into the entire visa application process.
How Do I Apply for a Student Visa in the Uk?
The application for a UK student visa can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Only applicants from outside the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man can apply online (except North Korea). Applicants must be in the UK at the time of application and must apply in person or by mail.
What Documents Do I Require?
Please be aware that the requirements for obtaining a student visa in the UK undergo regular updates. Therefore, it is advisable to review the current visa policy guidelines before commencing your application process. Below are the typical documents required for a UK student visa application:
- Application submission form.
- Valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) provided by the educational institution, usually sent electronically to the applicant. This reference number must be included in the visa application.
- Proof of adequate financial resources to support oneself during the stay.
- If financial support is provided by a parent or guardian, proof of relationship such as birth or adoption certificates is required.
- Evidence of English proficiency unless English language proficiency is listed in the CAS or if the applicant is from an English-speaking country or has completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate research studies.
- Tuberculosis test results with a validity period of six months for studies exceeding six months for some students.
- Official translations of documents not in English.
- Parental permission for applicants under 18 years of age, along with proof of relationship to a parent or guardian.
UK VISA REQUIREMENTS: While nationals of Switzerland and EU/EEA countries are currently exempt from requiring a visa to study in the UK, other international students (non-EU/EEA) are likely to need one. Understanding the UK Student Visa Requirements is crucial. Key requirements for obtaining a visa, whether through scholarship or self-sponsorship, include:
- Passport details.
- Recent photograph.
- Unconditional offer of a course place from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, evidenced by a CAS form (30 points).
- Demonstrated English language proficiency through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless exempted.
- Proof of financial support for the duration of stay (10 points), which can be in the form of bank statements or sponsorship letters showing the ability to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Academic credentials documentation may also be required.
- Attendance at an interview or biometric test involving fingerprint scanning.
- Medical vaccinations or tuberculosis testing may be necessary based on the applicant’s country of origin.
- Written parental/guardian consent for independent living and travel if the applicant is 16 or 17 years old applying for a Tier 4 (General) UK student visa.
- Online application for the Tier 4 (General) student visa, available up to three months before the course start date.
- Payment of a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year for access to the National Health Service (NHS) during the stay.
While the above UK Visa Requirements cover essential aspects, they are not exhaustive. Understanding who needs a student visa in the UK is crucial, especially considering recent changes post-Brexit:
- EU/EEA members such as Switzerland and Lichtenstein previously didn’t require a student visa for studying in the UK before Brexit.
- Following Brexit, all countries, including Switzerland and Lichtenstein, now require a visa for studying in the UK for courses lasting more than six months starting January 1
- Exceptions include individuals who obtained settled or pre-settled status before January under the EU Settlement Scheme or citizens of Ireland who don’t require a student visa.
If you are from one of the countries below, you need a visa to study in the UK:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Brunei
- Burma
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- The Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- The Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Elsalvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Korea (North)
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macao
- North Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestinian Territories
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Republic of South Sudan
- Republic of Sudan
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome e Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- United States
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela (unless they hold a Venezuelan passport that contains biometric information held in an electronic chip)
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Please be aware that the requirements for obtaining a student visa in the UK undergo regular updates. Therefore, it is advisable to review the current visa policy guidelines before commencing your application process. Below are the typical documents required for a UK student visa application:
- Application submission form.
- Valid passport.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) provided by the educational institution, usually sent electronically to the applicant. This reference number must be included in the visa application.
- Proof of adequate financial resources to support oneself during the stay.
- If financial support is provided by a parent or guardian, proof of relationship such as birth or adoption certificates is required.
- Evidence of English proficiency unless English language proficiency is listed in the CAS or if the applicant is from an English-speaking country or has completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate research studies.
- Tuberculosis test results with a validity period of six months for studies exceeding six months for some students.
- Official translations of documents not in English.
- Parental permission for applicants under 18 years of age, along with proof of relationship to a parent or guardian.
UK VISA REQUIREMENTS: While nationals of Switzerland and EU/EEA countries are currently exempt from requiring a visa to study in the UK, other international students (non-EU/EEA) are likely to need one. Understanding the UK Student Visa Requirements is crucial. Key requirements for obtaining a visa, whether through scholarship or self-sponsorship, include:
- Passport details.
- Recent photograph.
- Unconditional offer of a course place from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, evidenced by a CAS form (30 points).
- Demonstrated English language proficiency through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless exempted.
- Proof of financial support for the duration of stay (10 points), which can be in the form of bank statements or sponsorship letters showing the ability to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Academic credentials documentation may also be required.
- Attendance at an interview or biometric test involving fingerprint scanning.
- Medical vaccinations or tuberculosis testing may be necessary based on the applicant’s country of origin.
- Written parental/guardian consent for independent living and travel if the applicant is 16 or 17 years old applying for a Tier 4 (General) UK student visa.
- Online application for the Tier 4 (General) student visa, available up to three months before the course start date.
- Payment of a healthcare surcharge of £150 per year for access to the National Health Service (NHS) during the stay.
While the above UK Visa Requirements cover essential aspects, they are not exhaustive. Understanding who needs a student visa in the UK is crucial, especially considering recent changes post-Brexit:
- EU/EEA members such as Switzerland and Lichtenstein previously didn’t require a student visa for studying in the UK before Brexit.
- Following Brexit, all countries, including Switzerland and Lichtenstein, now require a visa for studying in the UK for courses lasting more than six months starting January 1.
- Exceptions include individuals who obtained settled or pre-settled status before January under the EU Settlement Scheme or citizens of Ireland who don’t require a student visa.
As a result, if you need to study and work in the UK, you must apply for a tier 4 student visa rather than a short-term study visa. It should be noted that the above UK Student Visa Requirements 2023 apply when applying for a short-term study visa.
Due to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016, there may be alterations in the funding and visa status applicable to EU students mentioned in this guide. We will provide updates as soon as we receive further information.
The Brexit referendum has introduced uncertainties regarding visa regulations. However, the UK government has affirmed that there will be no modifications to the rights and status of EU citizens until 2021.
As for the current fee for a tier 4 (general) student visa, it stands at £348 (US$440), with an additional £348 fee per dependent. These fees are subject to change at any time.
Obtaining a visa may not be as challenging as it once was. So, why not take the first step now and pursue your dream of studying abroad?
