Study Visa for the UK
Do you want to study in the UK? Studying at prestigious schools and universities in the UK is a dream that many aspiring immigrants pursue through education. UK visa requirements and general immigration criteria are managed by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. You can check the UK study visa requirements and follow the process through the UK immigration website.
Swiss and EU/EEA citizens do not currently need a visa to study in the UK, but all other international students must obtain a Child (4Tier) student visa or a General (4Tier) student visa to study in the UK. If you want to learn more about UK study visas and study conditions in the UK, don’t miss the rest of this article.
Types of UK Study Visas
If you are enrolled in a short-term course and are over 18 years of age, you may be eligible for a short-term UK study visa. This visa is valid for most short-term courses up to six months and can be extended to 11 months for English language courses.
However, if you are planning to study for a longer period, you must apply for a Child (4Tier) student visa between the ages of 4 and 17 to study at a school in the UK. However, people over the age of 17 must apply for a General (4Tier) student visa.
Types of UK Study Visas
If you are enrolled in a short-term course and are over 18 years of age, you may be eligible for a short-term UK study visa. This visa is valid for most short-term courses up to six months and can be extended to 11 months for English language courses.
However, if you are planning to study for a longer period, you must apply for a Child (4Tier) student visa between the ages of 4 and 17 to study at a school in the UK. However, people over the age of 17 must apply for a General (4Tier) student visa.
UK Study Visa Requirements and Documents
You must first receive a letter of acceptance from your chosen school, college or university in the UK. Then you need to see what the conditions are for the study program offered by the institution. You can apply for a visa up to three months before the start date of your course. Check the average visa processing time for your country and make sure you have plenty of time. UK study visas are granted on a points-based system. To meet all the UK study visa requirements, you must provide the following:
- A valid passport
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your school.
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family members in the UK (if you have any dependents).
- An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate if applicable.
- A criminal record certificate.
- Proof of English language proficiency. Proof of English language proficiency by passing one of the approved English language tests (SELT). However, if you are from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed your language qualification in an English-speaking country, you do not need to provide this evidence.
- TB test results If you are a non-EU, EEA or Swiss student studying a sensitive subject, you may also need an ATAS certificate. Proof of financial support can be provided with a bank statement or a letter from your sponsor showing that you can cover your tuition, accommodation and other expenses. You must prove that you have £1,015 per month for living expenses to study in the UK outside of London, and £1,265 if you are studying in London. You may also be asked to provide documentation of your educational background and may need to attend a biometric interview. Biometrics include a digital scan of your fingerprints, and depending on your country of origin, you may also be asked to have certain medical vaccinations or TB tests. If you are 16 or 17 years old and are applying for a 4 Tier (General) student visa, you must have the written consent of your parents or guardians. Of course, you can even live and travel independently of them. You must apply online for a 4 Tier (General) student visa and submit your application no more than three months before the start of your course.
For students under 18:
- Parental consent document
- Proof of your relationship with your parents or legal guardian
- Any additional documents required during the application process
UK Study Visa Fees
The current fee for a 4Tier General student visa is £348 (approximately $440 US). You will also need to pay £150 per year (£190 US) to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay