Student Visa

The Student Visa is the main pathway for people looking to study in the UK, it allows the country to accept hundreds of thousands of newcomers every year based on their career ambitions.

Overview

Who Qualifies?

English speakers who are over 16 who want to study in the UK, Applicants can apply with their spouse/partner and dependent children.

How Long Can You Stay?

Up to 5 years. After this period you can apply for a work visa.

Processing Time?

After you have submitted your online application, proved your identity and provided the relevant documents, 90% of applicants are processed within 3 weeks.

Cost?

£363

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Eligibility

In order to qualify for this visa you must meet several minimum requirements.

  • At least 16 years old
  • Study an approved course with a licensed student sponsor ( e.g. university)
  • Evidence that you can support yourself and dependents financially
  • Speak, read, write and understand English to a minimum standard

Occupation

The Student visa allows you to work in any job, including self-employed or voluntary.

The maximum amount of hours you can work is 20 hours per week. Although, Students are allowed to work full time during vacation periods outlined by the school.

Language

You must prove that you can speak, read, write and understand English. To do this, you must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Firstly, if you are a citizen of any of the below nations you are exempt from SELT.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • the Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

Students are also exempt if you achieved a bachelors degree or higher in an English taught course.

Certification Provider

The International English Language Test (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to the UK.

Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.  

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

We suggest using TakeIELTS.net to practice with mock tests before you attempt IELTS.

Cost

You must have sufficient funds when applying for the Student Visa, the total minimum costs will vary depending on your circumstances.

Application & Course Fee

The application fee for the visa is £363.

The first academic year will need to be paid when applying for this visa, the minimum course fee for international students is at least £10,000 per term.

Healthcare

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK.

You have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even if you have your own private health insurance, the cost is £624 per year.

If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £624 each year, Therefore you will have to pay a total of £1248.

Sufficient Funds

You must prove you will have a minimum income of at least at least £1,023 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK, a student loan statement will suffice. If the course is in London, the minimum income is £1,334.

The financial requirement is that you show you have enough money for your living costs for yourself and dependants while you move to the UK.

You do not need to show funds it you have been living in the UK for 12 months or from the below list of countries.

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahrain
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Croatia
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • The Dominican Republic
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America

Documentation

You must bring relevant documentation that will require some preparation before arriving in the UK. Although, This will vary depending on your occupation, nationality and length of stay.

  • Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Proof of your knowledge of English
  • A valid passport for the entirety of the visa
  • Bank statement proving sufficient funds
  • Student loan statement
  • Evidence of qualifications

Criminal Record Certificate

If you are applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which, since the age of 18, you have been present for 12 months or more in the 10 years before the date of your application.

Identity

For most applicants you must prove your identity by booking an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your current country. The appointment will include collecting your fingerprints, facial photograph and signature. The UK government website has a list of addresses for each eligible country.

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