The United Kingdom (UK) attracts students from all over the world and one of the requirements to study there is to get a Student Visa for study. With this visa, you will be able to live and study during the entire duration of your course of study.
For the visa to be obtained, there are a set of general guidelines in place but first, you want to confirm if you are eligible for a Visa to study. All you just need to do is to select the option applicable to you. In the end, you will know if you need a student visa based on the answer you provided.
If your study period is less than 6 months, you will not need a student visa but a Standard Visitor visa which will be enough to see you through the expected months you are to use.
What is a UK Standard Visa
A UK standard visitor is usually provided for those who will be traveling to the UK for a short period. As a Standard Visitor, you can travel to the UK for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), and other permitted activities. Normally, you can stay up to 6 months, and in some cases, you may apply to stay longer, like for medical treatment.
Types of Student Visas for International Students
1. Child Student visa
The Child Student visa is for students between the age of 4 and 17 years old who intend to study in the UK. Aside from getting an unconditional offer, the student must also have the content of their parent or guardian to study in the United Kingdom. Financial capacity is also very important.
The cost for applying for a Child Student visa is £363. You will also be able to extend or switch to a Child student visa for just £470.
2. Short-term study visa
A short-term study visa is for students who will be studying English Language courses for 6 to 11 months in the United Kingdom. The amount paid for Short term study visa is just £200. £470 will also be charged which will enable you to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
3. Student visa
The student Visa is for students who are 16 years or over and have received an offer to study in the UK. As part of the requirements, the candidate must be able to prove they are well-funded for the program and can speak, read, write, and understand English. For students who are 16 to 17 years old, they will need consent from their parents or legal guardian to get this Visa. Student visas can last up to 5 years depending on the duration of your course.
Payment details for Students visa in the UK
- An application fee of £363 for a Student visa from outside the UK,
- Additional cost of £470 for National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
How to obtain a Student Visa for UK
Be of eligible age
Although there are different student visa types, however, for the most common ones which undergraduate and postgraduate students often apply for, you should be at least 16 years of age.
Apply for admission into your chosen school
One of the most important requirements is to get an unconditional offer from a UK-based college or university in the UK. Every year, schools in the UK take a large number of students who are coming to study there. There are also loads of scholarship programs available for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.
If accepted, you will be provided an acceptance letter otherwise known as a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) which you can use to process your student visa.
Begin your Student Visa (otherwise known as Tier 4 Student Visa) Application
Remember, there are 3 types of Student visas available which we have already explained but we will concentrate on the most popular one, the general student visa. You can begin your application by visiting the UK Government website — https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply. To apply, you’ll have to pay an application fee of £363 to get a UK student visa.
Students from European countries, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland have the option to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app on their phone to complete the identity stage. As for the European countries’ students, they also need to pay the exact fee unless they have a settled status.
The following documents will be required when applying for a Student visa application:
- Current passport or valid travel documentation.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
- Valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it.
- Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
- Tuberculosis test results.
- Written consent from your financial sponsor if you received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.
The first two requirements are very important while the next ones will depend on some factors.
Applicants should understand that they can also apply at the UK embassy in their home country. During this phase, an eligible passport-sized photo and fingerprint capture may be required. Once completed, endeavor to get a printout.
Note: You can apply for a visa as early as 6 months before your course start date. Feedback would be provided to you within 3 weeks of applying.
Also, if you are under 18 years old, you will need to provide consent from your parent or guardian. This consent must be for your visa, travel to the UK, and living arrangements. A birth certificate that displays the name of your parents will also be needed. In the absence of that, a government-issued document that displays their names can be used.
Can a student on a student visa work in the UK?
Yes, you will be able to work up to 20 hours per week during your academic session and full-time during breaks like Christmas and Easter. Before proceeding with work, check or make enquiries in your school if there is any work you should not do or the number of hours you are allowed to work.
If you are an EU student and intend to work part-time, this could pose a problem with getting a refund on your Immigration Health Surcharge payment.
