Student Visa requirements for UK

The UK Student Visa

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In order to be able to stay in the UK as an international student, you must have a student visa.  To some extent getting a student visa in the UK is easier than in different countries. UK visa requirements and general immigration criteria are managed by UK Visas and Immigration, which has an easy-to-navigate site to help you determine whether you need a UK student visa. While Swiss nationals and those from the EU/EEA states do not currently need a visa to study in the UK, all other international students are likely to need one. 

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Student visa in the UK is called Tier4 Student visa, which was rebranded as the Student Visa at the end of 2020 and in June 2021, the Graduate Visa was also introduced, allowing international student graduates to look for work in the UK for up to 2 years after graduation. To be eligible for a Student Visa in the UK, you must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, and have at least 70 points on the points-based immigration system. 

 

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Types of UK student visa

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Short Term Course - 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.

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Standard Visitor - You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.

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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: -  

 

Child student visa - You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK. You must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school

• Be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course

• Have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK - you’ll need to prove this when you apply

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Student Visa - 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

 

Student Visa (Family Member) - Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK. You must be one of the following:

• A full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer

• A new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months

• A Doctorate Extension Scheme student\

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UK student visa requirements

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 by passing 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.

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UK student visa fees

The current fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is £348 (~US$440), with an additional £348 fee per person for any dependents. The Short Term Study Visa costs £97 (~US$120) for the six month option and £186 (~US$240) for the 11 month visa.