UK Student visa requirements

The United Kingdom (UK) is known for its top-tier education, home to prestigious universities and institutions. Studying there means many academic choices and a lively student community. The history, culture, and nature are wonderful, with links to big industries. To begin, apply for a UK student visa from India and must meet all the UK student visa requirements.

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If you plan to study in the UK for more than 6 months, there are 3 types of UK Study Visas to know:

Short-term Study Visa: For English language courses up to 11 months.
Student Visa: For higher education, replacing the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
Child Student Visa: For kids aged 4 to 17 attending independent schools, replacing the Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa.

Plan your UK arrival based on your course length: up to 1 week before for courses under 6 months, and up to 1 month before for courses over 6 months.

Eligibility for UK Student visa requirements

For a UK Student visa requirements, you need to:

Have an offer for a full-time academic course from an authorized sponsor
Have enough money to support yourself during the course, For up to nine months, you would require approximately 1,22,675.56 INR for courses in London and 94,079.34 INR for courses outside of London (also known as maintenance funds).
Know English well (speaking, reading, writing, understanding), IELTS minimum band requirements for universities in the UK are typically 6, while foundation and route programmes will also accept 5.5 overall.
If you’re 16 or 17, you need parental consent.

Permit to reside using biometrics

You must additionally get a biometric residence permit (BRP) from the UKVI as part of your application. You have to schedule a time with the UKVI to have your fingerprints taken and have a digital photo of your face taken.

Documents required for a UK student visa

You will typically require the following when applying for your visa but you have to know about UK Student visa requirements as it is one of the major component.

A current passport or other acceptable form of identification.
Evidence that you have enough money to cover your course-related fees and your living expenses.
Reference for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and supporting documents CAS.
Sized passport-sized color photos.
If necessary, screening for tuberculosis (mandatory for South Asian countries)
Certificate of clearance for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

You might also require further documents if you are:

You’re not a citizen of the applying country.
You’re under 18 years old.
You have family (dependents).

For non-English supporting documents, translation is necessary. Each translation should include the date, translator’s name, signature, and confirmation of accuracy.

Post-Study Work Options:

International students with a valid Tier 4 UK visa can remain in the UK after studies with a job offer of at least GBP 20,800 annually.
Transition from Tier 4 to Tier 2 General Visa is possible, valid for five years.
Post-study work experience aids in applying for permanent residence in the UK.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You need to follow each and every step to get a visa. After knowing about all the UK Student visa requirements, you need to apply for a UK student visa.

Step 1: First, check if you qualify by having:

A confirmed place at your chosen school, university, or college (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS)
Enough money to cover course fees and living costs

Step 2: Gather your documents.

Step 3: Apply Online. You must register and create an account on the official website in order to apply for a UK visa.. Complete the application form, print, and sign it. Book an appointment at the visa application center using the online appointment calendar.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Before paying the fees, review the UK Student visa requirements.

Payment at Standard Chartered Bank: Pay your fee at specific bank branches. The bank issues a demand draft for “The British High Commission.”
Online Payment: Visa/MasterCard credit or debit cards are accepted for paying the visa application fee.

Step 5: Attend your visa application center appointment to submit your application, photograph, and fingerprints.

For the biometrics interview, it is necessary to personally visit the VFS Global’s Visa Application Centre located in Delhi:

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Mezzanine Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg,
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place,
New Delhi 110001,
India

To find the complete list of visa application centers

UK Student Visa Processing Time & fees

For those applying for a UK Study Visa, the processing time varies based on location:

If applying from outside the UK: It takes around 3 weeks to receive a decision on your application.
If applying from within the UK (switching to Student Visa): It takes approximately 8 weeks for a decision.

The UK Student Visa fees are as follows:

£348 if applying from outside the UK.
£475 if applying to extend or switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK.

How can I check the status of my UK student visa application?

After submitting your UK student visa application, it usually takes about 2-3 weeks for processing. It’s important to ensure that your application is complete and all required information has been provided to avoid any issues.

You can track the status of your visa application online using the reference number given during your appointment. Look out for your email and SMS notifications for updates. If you face delays beyond the expected processing time, you can reach out to the application center for assistance.

Avoiding UK Student Visa Rejection: Tips to Follow

Your Tier 4 student visa might be rejected due to these main reasons:

Missing Documents: Consult guidelines, prepare original documents, or provide an explanation letter if originals are unavailable.
Financial Requirements: Show that you have adequate funds (around 1,334 GBP/month) for your entire course duration.
Document Format: Submit documents correctly formatted; translated papers need translator details.
Genuine Student Interview: When asked, talk clearly about your course choice and plans.

FAQ’s

Can I make several uses of my CAS?

A CAS number cannot be used more than once because each visa application has a distinct CAS number. The CAS numbers are valid for six months after there assignment. In the event that your visa application is denied, you should get in touch with the relevant authorities to find out why. You have to take into consideration all UK Student visa requirements.

How long would it take for my visa to be issued?

Within three weeks of submitting your application at the visa application center, you ought to hear the outcome of it.

Can I work in UK with a student visa?

Absolutely, students on a Tier 4 UK student visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time. During scheduled breaks, like holidays, full-time work is allowed. It's important to adhere to these regulations, as working beyond the allowed hours could lead to a violation of visa rules and potentially result in the cancellation of your study permit.

How much bank balance is required to obtain UK student visa?

In order to apply for a student visa to study in the UK, Indian students should make certain they possess a minimum balance of 12 to 15 lakhs INR. This is essential as it is required to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the first year's course fees and accommodation expenses.

What examinations are necessary for studying in the UK?

International students are typically required to clear one or more exams before being eligible for admission to most universities in the UK. These exams encompass standardized assessments for college and graduate admissions such as SAT, GMAT, and GRE. Additionally, English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are also part of the requirements.

UK Student Visa Requirements

UK student visa requirements