UK Student Visa

Your Gateway to World-Class Education in the UK

Studying in the United Kingdom opens doors to prestigious universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a globally recognised education. If you want to study in the UK, you may need a UK Student visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General visa). This visa allows you to live and study in the UK at an approved institution, giving you access to world-class education, vibrant student life, and career opportunities.

What is a UK Student Visa?

A UK Student visa allows international students aged 16 and over to study at approved UK institutions for courses longer than six months. This visa category replaced the previous Tier 4 visa system and provides a streamlined pathway for genuine students to pursue their educational goals in the UK.

UK Student Visa Requirements: What's Changed

Starting January 2025, significant updates to financial requirements mean students must demonstrate higher maintenance funds:

• Students in London: £1,483 per month (increased from £1,334)
• Students outside London: £1,136 per month (increased from £1,023)
• Maximum duration: Up to 9 months of course fees and living costs

UK Student Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a UK Student visa, you must:

• Receive an unconditional offer from a UK university, college, or school that is a licensed Student sponsor.
• Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your education provider.
• Show proof of sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and living costs.
• Meet the English language requirement through an approved test, qualification, or exemption
• Be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18).

Step-by-Step Student Visa Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your University Offer

Apply to your chosen UK institution and receive an unconditional offer. Your university will then issue a CAS number, which is essential for your visa application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather all required documents, ensuring your financial evidence meets the 28-day rule — funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before application.

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Submit your visa application through the official UK Visas and Immigration website. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Health Surcharge

• Visa application fee: £524 for applicants, whether applying from inside or outside the UK.

• Immigration Health Surcharge: Varies by course length.

Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment

Book and attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre.

Financial Evidence: Meeting the Requirements

The UK Government requires you to show that you have enough money to support yourself. You must demonstrate:

• Tuition fees for your first year (or full course if shorter).
• Living expenses for up to 9 months:
  • £1,483 per month if your course is in London.
  • £1,136 per month if outside London.

Example: If you are studying in London for a one-year course, you’ll need:

£1,483 x 9 months = £13,347 for living costs, plus your tuition fees.

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply, and the end date of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application date.

English Language Requirement

You must prove your English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening unless you are:

• From an exempt majority-English-speaking country.
• Have completed a qualification taught in English that’s recognised by UK NARIC/ECCTIS.

Most applicants take an IELTS for UKVI or another approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Essential Documents for Your Application

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your sponsoring institution
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Academic qualifications and transcripts
• Financial evidence showing maintenance funds
  • Bank statements showing consistent balance
  • Official financial sponsorship letters
  • Student loans confirmation
  • Scholarship award letters
• Tuberculosis test results (if required for your country)
• ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it

Processing Times and Decisions

• Outside the UK – Usually 3 weeks.
• Inside the UK (switching or extending) – Usually 8 weeks.
• Priority and Super Priority services may be available for faster decisions.

eVisa System: Digital Immigration Status

From January 2025, the UK has transitioned to digital immigration status. If you are planning to come to the UK from January 2025 onwards, it is essential to create your UKVI account before this date to access your eVisa.

Student Visa Conditions and Restrictions

Work Rights

Student visa holders can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays, subject to specific restrictions based on their course level and institution type.

Academic Requirements

You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance as required by your sponsoring institution.

Visa Extension and Switching

You can apply to:

• Extend your visa if continuing studies or starting a new course at a higher level.
• Switch to a Student visa from certain other visas while in the UK.

After Your Studies – Graduate Visa Route

When you complete your degree, you may qualify for a Graduate visa, allowing you to stay in the UK to work or look for work:

• 2 years after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• 3 years after a PhD or doctoral qualification.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Financial Evidence: Ensure your funds meet current requirements and follow the 28-day rule.
2. Incorrect CAS Information: Double-check all details match between your CAS and application.
3. Missing Documents: Submit complete documentation to avoid delays.
4. Late Application: Apply early to allow processing time before course start dates.

Why Choose the UK for Your Studies?

Academic Excellence

The UK hosts four of the world's top 10 universities and offers internationally recognised qualifications valued by employers globally.

Cultural Diversity

Experience a multicultural environment with students from over 200 countries, enhancing your global perspective.

Career Opportunities

Access to internships, work placements, and post-study work opportunities through the Graduate visa route.

Rich History and Modern Innovation

Study in a country that balances centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge research and innovation.

Expert Tips for a Successful Application

Financial Planning

• Open a dedicated account for your student funds several months before applying.
• Consider exchange rate fluctuations when calculating required amounts.
• Obtain official bank letters confirming account history and balances.

Documentation Strategy

• Scan all documents in high resolution.
• Translate non-English documents by certified translators.
• Keep multiple copies of all submitted documents.

Timeline Management

• Begin preparation at least 3-4 months before intended course start.
• Account for potential delays in document collection.
• Consider peak processing periods when planning submission.

UK Student Visa Dependants Rules

The UK Student visa allows certain eligible students to bring their family members with them while they study in the UK. However, under the updated UK Government rules effective from January 2024, the eligibility to bring dependants has been significantly restricted.

Major Changes - Restricted Eligibility

From January 2024, most international students are no longer allowed to bring their spouse or children unless they are:

• Studying a full-time postgraduate research course (for example, a research-based PhD or research-based Master’s degree).
• Bachelor’s degree students who are on a government-sponsored programme lasting at least 6 months.

Who Can Bring Dependants

Eligible Students:

• Students studying postgraduate research courses (e.g., research-based PhDs and research-based master's programmes).
• Bachelor students who are on a government-sponsored programme of at least 6 months.

Ineligible Students:

• Undergraduate students (except government-sponsored programmes)
• Taught master's students
• Pre-sessional course students
• Most other course types

Who Qualifies as a Dependant

Under UK Student visa rules, the only people who can be your dependants are:

• Your partner – This includes:
  • A married spouse or civil partner.
  • An unmarried partner in a relationship similar to marriage (you must provide evidence that the relationship is genuine and subsisting).
• Your child – This includes:
  • Children under the age of 18 at the time of application.
  • If your child turns 18 while in the UK, they must have applied as your dependant before their 18th birthday to continue staying.

Other family members such as parents, siblings, grandparents, or cousins cannot be included as dependants on your Student visa.

Financial Requirements for Dependants

Each dependant must show they have enough money for their living costs in addition to the funds required for the main applicant.

Maintenance amounts:

• Studying in London: £845 per month (for up to 9 months)
• Studying outside London: £680 per month (for up to 9 months)

Important rules:

• Funds can be held either by the dependant or the Student visa holder
• Money must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application
• If applying together as a family, you must show proof of both your own maintenance funds and those of your dependants

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if my visa application is refused?v

  • You may have options to appeal, request administrative review, or reapply with additional evidence, depending on the refusal reasons.  

• Can I travel outside the UK on my Student visa?v

  • Yes, you can travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa validity period, provided your visa remains valid and you maintain your studies.