How To Apply For UK Student Visa

International students accepted by a British educational institution must apply for a UK Student Visa before beginning their study.

Following Brexit, the old Tier 4 (General) Student Visa received a “rebranding,” mostly due to the fact that students from the EU and EEA would now be needed to apply for a visa if they wish to study in the UK.

Changes to UK Tier 4 Student Visa

As of October 4, 2020, the former Tier 4 (General) Student Visa has been replaced with the so-called “Student Route”. The Student Route is the UK’s new student visa, which will also be available to EEA nationals, who did not require a visa to study in the UK before to Brexit. According to the British government, the new Student Visa system allows an infinite number of students to get a visa.

Some of the main changes to the UK Student Visa that came into effect after 5 October 2020 are:

• It is divided into the Student Route (for adult students aged 18+) and Child Student Route (for students aged 4-17, which has replaced the Tier 4 Child Student Visa).
• EU/EEA nationals are also to apply for a visa if they will enter the country after January 1, 2021.
• You can now apply for a Student Visa up to six months before courses start, as opposed to three.
• Whether you are eligible for a visa depends on a Point-Based System. You need to collect 70 points.
• Those graduating from a British educational institution by and after Summer 2021 will be able to apply for the post-graduate visa, allowing them to work/look for work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Other requirements, including as English proficiency and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), are the same as for the Tier 4 Student Visa.

Do EU/EEA Students Need a UK Student Visa?

If you intend to enter the UK after January 1, 2021, you must apply for a Student Visa. If you are already in the UK before January 1, 2021, you must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?

EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationalities can apply for the new UK Student Visa if they score 70 points on the Point Based System. The system determines whether you meet the conditions to study in the UK, which include:

• Have you been accepted into an approved institution? The institution issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) as proof.
• Do you have the financial resources to fund your stay? In addition to the money required to pay for the course, you also need £1,265 per month if studying in London or £1,015 per month if studying outside London. If you have dependents, you need approximately £800 per month for each of them.
• Are you proficient in English? When applying for the visa, you need to pass an English Proficiency Test from an approved provider.
• B2 for Degree-level courses or above.
• B1 for below Degree-level courses.
• Does your course meet the set-out course requirements?.

UK Student Visa Course Requirements

You can get a Student Visa for the UK if you have been accepted into one of the following courses:

• A full-time, below degree-level course (more than 15 hours per week of study). Referred to as the RQF level 3, 4, or 5, this includes A levels (basically the last two years of high school), apprenticeships, or the first two years of a Bachelor degree.
• A full-time course leading to a degree level or above degree-level qualification. Includes RQF level 6, 7, and 8 (Bachelor, Postgraduate, Masters, or Doctorate degree).
• A part-time course at a degree level above RQF 7 (Postgraduate, Masters, or Doctorate degree).
• An approved program for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• An English language course (level B2 or above) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

If you live outside of the UK, you can apply for a UK Student Visa as early as six months before the start of your course. You must begin the online application on the UK Government website before visiting a Visa Application Centre in your country to submit your biometrics.

Once your education provider has offered you a place on the course, they will provide you a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. You must input this number when you register online. After applying online, you will be given instructions on how to continue based on your country of residence. Child Student Visa applicants will require the permission of a parent or guardian.

Can I Switch to a UK Student Visa?

If you are already in the UK, you can switch to a Student Visa if your existing visa does not include any of the following:

• Visit visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Domestic worker in a private household visa
• Leave outside the immigration rules

You can apply to switch to the UK Student Route up to three months before your studies start. You must be accepted into one of the recognized universities, and your existing visa must be valid.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

If you apply from outside the UK, you will typically receive a verdict on your Student Visa application within three weeks. If you apply from within the UK (switch to Student Visa), the decision on your application will take around 8 weeks.

UK Student Visa Fees and Costs

The fees for a UK Student Visa are:

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

You must pay a separate price for yourself and any family members that accompany you.

In addition to the visa fee, you must show that you have enough money to cover your stay:

• At least £1,265 per month if studying in London (for up to nine months).
• At least £1,015 per month if studying outside London (for up to nine months).

Documents Required for a UK Student Visa Application

When applying for a UK Student Visa, you need the following documents:

• Your valid passport.
• The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your school.
• Proof you have enough financial resources to support yourself and ant family members.
• An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if applicable.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Proof of English Language proficiency.
• Tuberculosis test results.
• For students under 18:
• Proof of parental consent
• Proof of your relationship to your parent or legal guardian
  Any additional documents required during the application process, like cover letter for student visa, etc.

How Long Is the UK Student Visa Valid?

The UK Student Visa is valid for the duration of your education. If you are an adult participating in a degree-level course, your visa can be valid for up to five years. If you are taking a course below the degree level, the visa will be valid for two years.

Can I Extend a UK Student Visa?

Yes, you can extend your UK Student Visa if you are accepted for a different course in the UK. The course must be at a higher level than the one you previously completed. You can also extend your Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. You may apply no earlier than three months before your new classes begin.

Can I Stay in the UK After My Studies?

Yes, starting in Summer 2021, international students in the UK who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Visa. The Graduate Visa permits you to stay in the UK for up to two years after graduation while working or looking for work. PhD grads may stay for up to three years.

If you find a suitable work within that time, you will be entitled to move to another immigration category, such as a UK Work Visa.

Can I Have Dependents With a UK Student Visa?

Yes, you can bring your dependent family members to the UK with you while you study. This includes:

• Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
• Your dependent children under the age of 18.

You and your family must demonstrate that each of you has adequate money to support your stay in the UK. In addition to your (the student’s) financial requirements, each family member must have the following finances.

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