Student Visa

The UK Study Visa (Student Visa) allows international students to study at a recognized educational institution in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re pursuing a degree at a university, a short-term course, or an English language program, the UK Student Visa offers a pathway to access world-class education. The visa is typically granted for the duration of your study program and may allow work opportunities during your course.

Key Features of the UK Study Visa

  • Full-Time Study: The visa allows you to study at an approved UK institution, including universities, colleges, and schools.
  • Work While Studying: You may be able to work part-time during your studies and full-time during holidays, depending on your course and institution.
  • Duration of Stay: The visa is valid for the duration of your course, with the option to extend or switch to other visa categories after graduation.
  • Pathway to Post-Study Work: Graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your studies

Types of UK Study Visas

There are several types of study visas depending on the length of your course and age:

  1. Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa)

The Student Visa is for international students aged 16 or older who have been accepted into a full-time degree course, diploma, or professional qualification at an accredited institution. It is the most common type of UK study visa for higher education.

  • Eligibility: Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a recognized educational institution.
  • Work Rights: You may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time during holidays, depending on the course and institution.

  1. Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa is for students aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.

  • Eligibility: Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an approved school.
  • Parental Consent: Minors must have permission from their parents or guardians to apply for this visa.

  1. Short-Term Study Visa

The Short-Term Study Visa is for individuals who are taking a short course, such as an English language program or a short academic course in the UK. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 or 11 months, depending on your course length.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Study Visa

To apply for a UK Study Visa (Student Visa), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You must have an unconditional offer of admission from an accredited educational institution in the UK. The institution will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is required for your visa application.

  1. Financial Requirements

You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your tuition fees. This typically involves showing:

  • Tuition Fees: Proof that you can pay your first year’s tuition fees or the full course fee for short-term programs.
  • Living Expenses: Proof of sufficient funds to cover living costs for the first 9 months (the required amount varies depending on your study location):
    • London: At least GBP 1,334 per month.
    • Outside London: At least GBP 1,023 per month.

  1. English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum required score depends on the course and institution.

  1. Parental Consent (for under 18s)

If you are under 18, you must have written consent from your parents or legal guardians to study in the UK.

  1. Tuberculosis Test (if applicable)

You may need to provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you are coming from a country where a TB test is required.

Required Documents for the UK Study Visa

When applying for a UK Study Visa (Student Visa), you will need to submit the following documents:

  1. Valid Passport:

    Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

  2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

    A CAS from your UK institution that includes your course details, study duration, and your unique CAS reference number.

  3. Proof of Financial Support:

    Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or evidence of financial support showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs.

  4. English Language Test Results:

    Test results from an approved English proficiency exam (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) or proof that you meet the language requirements through prior education.

  5. Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt:

    Proof of payment for the Student Visa application fee (GBP 363 for applications made outside the UK).

  6. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt:

    Proof of payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS fee is approximately GBP 470 per year of your stay.

  7. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (if applicable):

    A certificate confirming you are free from tuberculosis if you are from a country where TB testing is required.

  8. Parental Consent (for under 18s):

    A letter from your parents or legal guardians granting permission for you to study in the UK, along with proof of their relationship to you.

Application Process for the UK Study Visa

The process of applying for a UK Study Visa involves several steps:

  1. Receive Your CAS

Apply and receive an unconditional offer from a UK educational institution. Once accepted, the school will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need to apply for your visa.

  1. Submit Your Online Application

Complete the Student Visa application online on the UK government website. Be sure to fill out the details accurately, as they will be cross-checked with your CAS and other documents.

  1. Pay the Visa Fee and IHS

Pay the visa application fee (GBP 363 for applications made outside the UK) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

  1. Upload Required Documents

Submit your passport, CAS, financial documents, English language test results, and other supporting documents through the online portal.

  1. Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center near you, where your fingerprints and photo will be taken as part of the application.

  1. Wait for Visa Decision

Visa processing times vary but typically take between 3 to 4 weeks. You will be notified when your visa is approved, and your passport will be stamped with the visa.

UK Student Visa Fees

The fees associated with obtaining a UK Study Visa include:

  • Visa Application Fee: GBP 363 for applications made outside the UK.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Approximately GBP 470 per year of your stay.
  • Biometric Appointment Fee: Included in the visa application fee, but additional services (such as priority processing) may cost extra.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Once you complete your studies, you may be eligible to stay in the UK to work or look for work under the Graduate Visa:

Graduate Visa: This visa allows graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) after completing their studies. You can switch to this visa category from a Student Visa and work in any job without restrictions.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert guidance and support for your UK Study Visa application. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess your educational background, financial situation, and offer of admission to ensure you meet the visa requirements.
  • Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, including your CAS, proof of funds, and English language test results.
  • Application Submission: We help you submit a complete and accurate visa application to avoid delays or rejections.
  • Visa Interview Preparation: If required, we guide you through the visa interview process and ensure you are prepared to answer questions about your study plans.

Begin Your Educational Journey in the UK

The UK Study Visa (Student Visa) offers you the opportunity to study at prestigious universities and institutions in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, postgraduate research, or a vocational program, A Square Migration Services is here to help you navigate the visa process and ensure your academic goals are achieved.

Contact us today to start your UK Study Visa application and begin your educational journey in the UK!