All international students who want to study in the UK are required to get a student visa (Tier 4). This type of visa is only available to full-time university students pursuing a degree in the UK, and not short-term or language courses.
Anyone who is planning to study in UK is required to have a visa in order to stay in the country for an extended period of time. Immigration requirements for UK (and the United Kingdom as a whole) are determined by your nationality and the country(ies) that you have citizenship in. This part of the guide will focus on giving you a general idea of the guidelines for getting a visa for study in UK.
How to apply for a student visa in UK?
The application for a student visa in UK can be carried online, by post or in person. Note that you can apply online only from outside of the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (except North Korea). Those who are residing in UK at the time of application must apply in person or by post.
What documents do I need?
Always have in mind that visa restrictions and requirements in the UK change regularly. Therefore, you must always check the official visa policy guidelines before initiating an application.
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Currently, your student visa application requirements in UK change based on your citizenship and the type of visa you’re applying for. Depending on your purpose of visit in the UK whether it is for health issues, studying, familiar union and so forth, you need to seek a proper visa and particular visa requirements.
If you want to find out what are the requirements for different UK visa types, check visaguide.world.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Student Visa
When can I apply?
You can apply for your student visa in UK 3 months before your course starts. Once you submit a university application you’ll receive (or you can request it) a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This document will entitle you as an admitted student in UK and therefore you’re eligible to seek a visa. Use the CAS number to support your student visa application form.
Can I work while studying in UK?
Yes, you can. Under current legal regulations in the UK you are allowed to find a part-time job while studying. As a government-sponsored international student who attends a course for 6 months or longer, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, make sure your university is listed on the list of recognized higher education providers in the UK. At this link is the full list of these recognized bodies.
Can I bring my relatives in UK with my student visa?
You can, but there are some restrictions and exemptions applied you must be aware of. As a government-sponsored student, you can bring in UK your dependants if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate course longer than 6 months or in a postgraduate course longer than 12 months at a recognized university.
First, you need to know what is regarded as a dependant. Your spouse/wife and children are considered as your Tier 4 dependants. Other relatives are not.
Next, your dependant must prove good financial resources in order to be given the right to come in UK as your dependant. The amount of money required in this case can be held by you or by your dependant.
Your dependant can work in UK under these circumstances
- You’re attending an undergraduate degree course longer than 6 months or a postgraduate degree course longer than 12 months.
- A newly introduced rule in the UK states that those dependants who submit an immigration application on or after 06 July 2018 will be allowed to work even if your course is longer 9 months or longer.
How much does it cost to get a student visa in UK?
Naturally, applying for a UK student visa carries a certain fee which may depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re willing to get. Furthermore, the student visa fee scheme changes from time to time so you must always check the official sources.
If you apply from outside the UK for a Tier 4 Student visa you will need to pay £335. If you’re applying from within the UK the following prices may apply to you
- Standard service – £457
- Priority service – £916
- Premium service – £1047
Note: A charge for your membership at the Immigration Health Service is included.
At this link, the UK’s governmental site shows the exact cost of applying for a visa in UK, including student visas. Just select your country from where you’re applying, the type of visa you want to get and the purpose of your visit in UK and there it is.
How to get a work visa after studies in UK
If you’re thinking to remain in the UK for a certain period after getting your degree there are various options for you. As long as your student visa is valid you’re allowed to find a full-time job and work in the UK. After your visa expires, you must contact the Home Office if you want to extend its validity.
However, there are some restrictions, you must be aware of. These are the types of job you’re not allowed to seek
- A permanent full-time job
- Self-employed or Freelancer
- A doctor in Training, Coach, sportsperson or entertainer (except in a certified Foundation Program)
Below are given some of the ways you can extend the duration of your staying in UK by seeking a proper visa.
Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme – Students that are at the final stage of completing their PhD in UK and are thinking to find a job or establish a business can seek an extension for up to 12 months. To get this visa a sponsorship from your university is required.
Tier 2 (General) – The most common route to immigrate and work in the UK is by taking a Tier 2 (General) visa. You can only seek this visa if there’s a Tier 2 licensed employer who’s offering you a job. This type of visa is valid for up to 5 years.
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur – If you have an idea to set a business in UK, you can get a Tier 1 visa. You don’t need a sponsorship for this visa, but an approval from the University or UK Trade and Investment is required. Its validity lasts for 12 months and after that, you can ask for another extension of 12 months.
UK Ancestry – If your grandparent was born in UK and you want to work in UK you can get such a visa. Its validity lasts for 5 years.
As the current rules state, your University must inform the Home Office if it’s aware that you’re not respecting the conditions and terms of your Tier 4 visa.
The European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss Citizens:
If you have a passport from one of the countries below, then you do not need a visa in order to study in the UK. This also includes those who have dual nationalities (two or more) who use an EEA/EU/Swiss Passport in order to get into the country.
- 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
If you would like more information about studying in UK as an EEA, EU, or Swiss National, check out the UK Council for International Student Affairs FAQ page for EEA, EU, and Swiss national students.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
If you are looking to come to UK to study abroad, you will need a visa. There are two categories of nationalities that the UK Border Control has, and you will have to determine which you fall under before you can know how to apply. Your visa application will also be based on what you’re studying and how long you plan to stay in UK.
Visa Nationals:
Visa nationals are those who are citizens of the countries that are included in this list (which can also be found on the UKBA website).
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Burma
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- People’s Republic of China (unless they hold a passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or Macao Special Administrative Region)
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Korea (North)
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Territories
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Republic of South Sudan
- Republic of Sudan
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome e Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Taiwan (unless they hold a Taiwan passport which includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela (unless they hold a Venezuelan passport which contains biometric information held in an electronic chip)
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
If the country you are a citizen of is on this list, here is what you have to do in order to study in UK.
- You have to obtain your visa prior to arriving in UK.
- If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- If you are not working and you are staying for less than 6 months, then you may get either a student visitor visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Non-visa Nationals:
If your country of citizenship is not on either one of the above lists (visa national or EU/EEA/Swiss), then you are considered a non-visa national. Here is what you must do in order to study in UK.
- You have to obtain your visa prior to arriving in UK.
- If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more, or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- If you are in the country for less than 6 months, and are not working, then you can apply for entry to the UK as a student visitor.
Applying to be a student overseas can be a lot of work, but the agency at your college or university (or the one you are attending in UK) can assist you with everything that you may need.
If you want to check and make sure if you need a visa, check out the UK Visa Guide webpage. All the information that you will need can be found there.
Usefulinformation for the UK residents applying for a Schengen Visa from the UK
- https://www.schengenvisainfo.com– Schengen Visa Requirements for the UK residents
FAQs
Do I need a student visa to study in the UK 2022? ›
You do not need a visa to study in the UK for courses up to 6 months, as long as you are studying at an accredited institution. This includes English language courses. You can apply for a Short-term study visa if you're studying on an English language course which lasts up to 11 months.
What is the success rate of UK student visa 2022? ›Sponsored study visa UK: approval & refusal rate, year ending March 2022. UK sponsored study visa grant rate is overall 98% for all nationals applied from outside the UK for entry clearance in 2022 – top countries that were granted most visas for UK.
How do I calculate my 28 day bank statement? ›The bank statement(s) or evidence you use to show funds have been held for 28 days must be from the 31 days before you submit your application. The 28 days is calculated by counting back from the date of the closing balance on the most recent financial evidence.
How can I get 70 points for UK student visa? ›- Hold an offer from an approved sponsor such as a UK university.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
The success rate of uk student visa in 2020 was 95.77%, and the UK student visa rejection rate was only 3.78%.
How long does it take for UK visa to be approved 2022? ›You should get a decision within 12 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or when you submit your online documents after completing the ID Check app.
Do UK student visa get rejected? ›The most common reason for a student visa application being refused is due to insufficient funds or incorrect financial evidence. Some examples are: Not showing the required money for 28 continuous days and/or.
Why do UK student visa get rejected? ›The UK student visa can be denied due to many reasons such as Incomplete application form, Poor academic records, Insufficient funds, Incomplete paperwork, Lack of interview skills, Criminal record found against the visa seeker, etc.
How much bank balance is required for UK student visa? ›Money to support yourself ('financial requirement')
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Working restrictions: A Tier 4, Student Visa allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period.
Is interview compulsory for UK student visa? ›
Hence, the majority of the students applying to the UK are not required to appear for the UK Visa Interview. However, in case there is a discrepancy in your online UK visa application or your documents are not in order, you will be required to attend the UK Visa Interview.
Does embassy check bank statement? ›The Embassy does not check bank statement in case of every applicant. It is done on random basis or in case of doubt.
Is 3 months bank statement enough for UK visa? ›You'll need to provide evidence that you can support yourself and any dependants for example using bank statements or payslips (usually for the last 3 months).
Will I get an email if my UK visa is approved? ›You will receive a communication from UK Visas and Immigration regarding whether your visa has been approved or denied, typically in the form of a letter, a text message, and/or email. If you are outside of the UK, you will receive a sticker (called a “vignette”) that allows you to travel to the UK.
Is there age limit to study in UK? ›You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and you: have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
Who can help me get a student visa? ›You must apply for your international student visa through your nearest US embassy or consulate (ideally, in the city or region in which you live). You can search for US embassies and consulates online through the US Department of State.
Does CAS letter guarantee UK visa? ›Getting a CAS number does not guarantee visa issuance. The university reserves the right to not issue a CAS if there is not adequate time left for the processing of the CAS letter. The CAS letter may not be issued if the student cannot furnish proof of sufficient funds.
How can I avoid UK visa refusal? ›If you have been refused a visa to any country for any reason, include it in your application with as much details as possible to avoid the 10-year ban. A visa refusal to another country will not automatically lead to a refusal of a UK visa, but a case worker will pay extra attention to your application and documents.
Is UK student visa easy to get? ›The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, getting a student visa to study in the UK can be quite challenging and time-consuming. To make it easier for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK, there are new provisions that will come into effect from 2022.
Why do student visas get rejected? ›Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
How long does it take to get a response after Biometrics UK 2022? ›
If you apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) to replace conditions (or wet ink stamp) in your passport or UK travel document, you should usually get decision: within 8 weeks of applying online if it's a visa. within 6 months of applying online if it's for settlement (also called 'indefinite leave to remain')
How do you know if your UK visa application was successful? ›If your application is successful
You'll be given either: a sticker (called a vignette) that goes in your passport - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre. access to view your immigration status information online - if you used the smartphone app to prove your identity.
Your application for a Standard Visitor visa should be made no earlier than 3 months before you intend to enter the UK, and it will generally take no more than 3 weeks for the visa application to be processed and a decision made after your appointment.
How will you respond when your visa is approved? ›I am thankful to you and your team and looking ahead for further processing of my petition. To be very true with you now i am not at all worried as I know I have you. Thank you once again , God bless you.
What happens if your student visa gets denied? ›If your student visa was denied due to a lack of important documentation or information needed by the visa officer, your application will be reviewed again. You will be given a letter that contains a list of the documents that are needed to continue with the process.
What questions are asked in UK visa interview? ›- Could you please tell your name and date of birth?
- Where will you be studying?
- When does the course start?
- Why did you choose this university?
- Why did you choose this course?
- Why did you choose the UK as your study destination?
- Where will you be staying?
A two-year study gap is accepted for an aspiring international student to study in the UK. But it doesn't mean you can't apply to UK universities when your gap is more than that. If your gap is 3 years, you can apply for a bachelor's degree at some UK universities.
What is proof of funds for student visa? ›While there are generally no specific documents that prove this, there are some commonly used documents that help support proof of funds including: Original tax returns from the last three years (Form 16) Three years of bank records and/or fixed deposit statements of your sponsor (which can also be your parent)
How much money do I need in my bank account to apply for a UK visa? ›You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.
How do I keep my bank statement for visa? ›This amount must be in your personal bank account for a period of a minimum of 28 days. You can also show a loan letter from the bank in your name of the same amount. The bank statement for visa or loan letter must be on the bank letterhead, signed and stamped by the competent authority of the bank.
Is Tier 4 Same as Student visa? ›
The Student route is similar to Tier 4 but includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting study on or after 1 January 2021 who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How many hours can you work on a Tier 4 Student visa? ›Most undergraduate and taught postgraduate students on Student/ Tier 4 visas are restricted to a maximum of 20 hours per week work during term-time.
What happens if I work over 20 hours on a Student visa UK? ›Visa restrictions on working
If you are studying full-time at degree level, during term-time you may not work more than 20 hours per week. If you work more than 20 hours in any one week you will be breaching your visa and this could prevent you from obtaining a new visa in the future or completing your studies.
Applicants applying under the Tier 4 category, other than in a country identified as low risk in the Immigration Rules, should expect to attend a short interview when you attend the Visa Application Centre to submit your application and biometrics.
How can I introduce myself in student visa interview? ›Start by stating your full name, where you live, and your professional aspirations. Next, you can mention your immediate family, where they live, your permanent residence, your current residence, as well as your place of birth.
What should I wear for a UK student visa interview? ›UK Visa Interview Dress Code
Dress formal or business casual to look professional. Take proper care of your personal hygiene as the lack of it may hinder your chances of passing the interview. You should be present for the interview 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and you: have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances. can speak, read, write and understand English.
Do you need a visa to study in the UK for less than 6 months? ›U.S. citizens studying in England for a single semester (less than 6 months) will enter on the "Visitor Route" and will not need to apply for a visa before departure.
How long does it take for UK visa to be approved 2022? ›You should get a decision within 12 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or when you submit your online documents after completing the ID Check app.
What is the difference between Tier 4 and student visa? ›The Student route is similar to Tier 4 but includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting study on or after 1 January 2021 who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How much bank balance is required for UK student visa? ›
Money to support yourself ('financial requirement')
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
You'll need: details of the identity document you use to sign in to your UKVI account (your passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit) your date of birth. access to the mobile number or email address you use to sign in to your UKVI account - you'll be sent a code for logging in.
How much percentage is required for UK study visa? ›The student should have attained 18 years of age. For Humanities, 12th-grade marks should be a minimum of 65%. For Science and Commerce, 12th-grade marks should be 70 to 80% or above. Students who have scored under 60% are eligible to pursue Foundation and Diploma Programs.
Which English test is required for UK Student visa? ›You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove your knowledge of English by: passing a Secure English Language Test ( SELT ) from an approved provider.
Is UK Student visa easy to get? ›You must meet the CEFR level B2 of language proficiency if you're studying at a degree level or higher. There is, however, an exception for students coming from certain countries. They may not require furnishing proof of English proficiency provided they have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree.
Which university has lowest fees in UK? ›| University | Ave. undergrad fees (£) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bucks New University | 9,500 |
| 2 | Leeds Beckett University | 9,700 |
| 3 | University of Bedfordshire | 9,750 |
| =4 | Royal Agricultural University | 10,000 |
How will you know if your visa is approved? You will receive a communication from UK Visas and Immigration regarding whether your visa has been approved or denied, typically in the form of a letter, a text message, and/or email.
How long does it take to get a response after Biometrics UK 2022? ›If you apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) to replace conditions (or wet ink stamp) in your passport or UK travel document, you should usually get decision: within 8 weeks of applying online if it's a visa. within 6 months of applying online if it's for settlement (also called 'indefinite leave to remain')
How do you know if your UK visa application was successful? ›If your application is successful
You'll be given either: a sticker (called a vignette) that goes in your passport - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre. access to view your immigration status information online - if you used the smartphone app to prove your identity.
- English courses (General English, IELTS preparation, Cambridge, etc.).
- Vocational courses (Business, Marketing, Tourism, Sport & Fitness, Hospitality, etc.).
- University courses (Bachelor's Degree. Master and PhD).
What is the age limit for UK student visa? ›
Ans. Yes, there is no upper age limit to applying for a student visa. You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and have been offered a place on a course.
How many countries can I travel with UK student visa? ›A UK Visa Allows for Visa-Free Travel to Over 30 Countries Across the Globe.