Details about UK Student Visa Application

The United Kingdom is a host to one of the oldest education systems in the world, making it a highly recognized world over. Top-rated universities in the UK have the presence of notable alumni coupled with specialization fields and modern teaching techniques that make it a highly sought after country. Immense importance is placed on independent learning which imbibes in students’ relevant skills appreciated by several employers.

Types of UK student visa, If you’re studying a short course and are over 18 years old, you may be eligible for the short-term study visa. This is valid up to six months for most short courses and can be extended for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses.

If you’re studying a longer course, you’ll need to make sure your chosen institution holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License. You can either apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa (if you’re aged 4-17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK) or a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and over.

UK Student Visa Requirements

Your course provider may be willing to help you to apply for a UK student visa once you have been offered a place on a course; ask to find out if this is the case. You can apply for the visa up to three months in advance of the start date of your course. Check the average visa processing times for your country, and be sure to allow plenty of time.

UK student visas are awarded on a points-based system.

In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements, you’ll need to provide:

Details of your passport

A recent photograph

An unconditional offer of a place on a course offered by a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, evidenced by a 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ (CAS) form from your course provider (worth 30 points).

Proof of adequate English language skills demonstrated bypassing one of the secure English language tests (SELT). You will not need to provide this if you’re from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country. Proof you have financial support throughout your stay in the UK (worth 10 points).

If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss student studying a sensitive subject, you may also need an ATAS certificate.

Proof of financial support can take the form of bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor, showing you can cover your tuition fees, accommodation and living costs. You must prove that you have £1,015 (US$1,300) per month for living costs if studying in the UK outside of London, and £1,265 (US$1,600) a month for living costs if studying in London.

You may also be required to produce documents showing your academic qualifications, and to attend an interview or biometric test, which includes a digital scan of your fingerprints. Depending on your country of origin, you may also be required to have certain medical vaccinations or undertake a tuberculosis test.

If you’re 16 or 17 years old and applying for the Tier 4 (General) student visa, you must have written consent from your parents/guardians that you can live and travel independently.

You must apply online for the Tier 4 (General) Student visa, ensuring you’ve read the full guidance here. You can apply up to three months before the start of your course.

How long does the Application Process take?

The application process from outside the UK normally takes around 15 working days (3 weeks) from the date you attend your appointment at the visa application centre.

Some countries offer a priority application service which takes 5 working days, and/or a super-priority service which takes 1 day.

Tier 4 visa application process outside the UK.

The four steps to making a Tier 4 visa application outside the UK, what happens next and what to do if your visa is refused.

How do I make the Application?

Immigration Guidance: Applying for a Tier 4 visa outside of the UK

Step 1: Collect documents you will need to support your application

Step 2: Complete a Tier 4 application online

Step 3: Attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre

Step 4: Post your documents