Your Ultimate Guide to UK Student Visa: Requirements and Application

Studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity, and obtaining a Student Visa is your key to unlock this educational adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of the UK Student Visa, ensuring you have all the information you need for a successful application.

Understanding the UK Student Visa

The UK Student Visa allows international students to pursue their studies in the United Kingdom, but securing one requires meeting specific criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer of study from an approved sponsoring institution.
• Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your sponsoring institution.
• Score at least 70 points on the points-based system.
• Possess the necessary academic qualifications for your chosen course.
• Genuinely intend to study in the UK.
• Demonstrate the financial ability to support yourself (and any accompanying family members/dependents) during your stay.

Meeting the 70-Point Requirement

While the points-based system may sound complex, it’s relatively straightforward. If you meet the primary eligibility criteria, you’ll automatically accumulate the required 70 points as follows:

• 50 points for receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
• 10 points for meeting the financial requirements.
• 10 points for demonstrating English language proficiency at the B2 level, as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Choosing the Right Course

Selecting an eligible course is crucial for your Student Visa application. Here are the types of courses that align with the Student Visa rules:

• Full-time courses leading to qualifications below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5), with a minimum of 15 hours of organized daytime study per week.
• Full-time courses leading to qualifications at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
• Full-time courses at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8) equivalent to UK higher education courses, delivered as part of an overseas program.
• Part-time courses leading to qualifications above degree level (RQF level 7 or above).
• Recognized foundation programs for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• English language courses at the B2 level, as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Financial Requirements

To study in the UK, you must demonstrate your financial capability. Here are the financial requirements you need to fulfill:

• £1,334 per month for up to 9 months for courses based in London.
• £1,023 per month for up to 9 months for courses based outside London.
• £2,668 per month for the Doctorate Extension Scheme if based in London.
• £2,046 per month for courses outside London if based there.

You must prove that you have maintained these funds for 28 consecutive days, with the end date falling within 31 days of your visa application.

English Language Proficiency

For UK study, you must showcase your English language skills. If you’re studying below degree level, you’ll need a B1 level, while those pursuing degree-level or higher courses require a B2 level. Most students fulfill this requirement by taking a SELT English language test, offered by approved providers.

Exemptions

Certain exemptions apply:

• If you’ve previously studied a course in English at the undergraduate or postgraduate level at an approved institution.
• If you’ve already demonstrated the required English level in another visa application.
• If you’re participating in a study abroad program as part of a US university degree course.
• If you’re a national of a majority English-speaking country (see the list of exempt countries below).

Required Documents for Student Visa

To ensure your Student Visa application is successful, you’ll need to submit a range of documents, including:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements (if applicable).
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate (if required).
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
• Written consent from your sponsor (if applicable).
• Additional information if you’re under 18, including parental consent and care arrangements.

Remember, if your documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be translated by an accredited translator, with both versions included in your portfolio.

Applying for a Student Visa

Applying for a Student Visa is an online process, available from both inside and outside the UK. Here’s a brief overview:

• Complete the online application form.
• Pay the application fee, which varies depending on your location.
• Expect a decision within approximately three weeks for applications outside the UK and around eight weeks for applications inside the UK.

Extending Your Student Visa

Student Visa extensions are possible under specific circumstances. Here’s what you need to consider:

• You must be on a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
• You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor.
• You must provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
• Your new course should be at a higher academic level than your current one.

For detailed information on Student Visa extensions and the application process, consult our experts.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

One exciting change in the student route is the introduction of the Graduate Visa, available to all international students who have graduated from an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Here’s a glimpse of what it offers:

• Allows graduates to work, search for work, and live in the UK for up to two years, and up to three years for PhD graduates.
• Available from the Summer of 2021, opening doors to an extended stay in the UK.

Appealing a Student Visa Refusal

If your Student Visa application is denied, follow these steps:

• Identify the reasons for the refusal outlined in your refusal letter.
• Decide whether to request an administrative review or reapply based on the letter’s information.
• If opting for a review, adhere to the submission deadline (typically 14 or 28 days).
• If reapplying, address the reasons for refusal.
• Send the form to the Home Office as per their instructions.
• Await a decision on the administrative review.

We strongly advise consulting an experienced immigration advisor if your Student Visa is refused to improve your chances of success.

Bringing Dependents

As of January 2024, international students can only bring dependents if they meet specific criteria, such as government sponsorship or enrollment in eligible postgraduate research programs. This restriction applies to students starting courses from January 1, 2024.

Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa allows eligible overseas children to study at UK educational institutions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Children aged 4 to 17 can apply.
• Requirements include an unconditional offer from an eligible independent school, financial support, and parental consent.
• Visa holders can stay in the UK for the duration of their course (up to six years) plus four months.

Parent of a Child Student Visa

If your child holds a Child Student Visa, you may be eligible for the Parent of a Child Student Visa under specific conditions. Ensure you meet the following criteria:

• Your child is aged 4 to 11.
• Your child attends a UK independent school.
• You’re the sole accompanying parent.
• You maintain your primary residence outside the UK.
• You plan to leave the UK when your visa expires.

Document Checklist

When applying for the Child Student Visa, prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Health certifications if required.
• Evidence of financial capability.
• Parental or guardian consent.
• Proof of payment for tuition, accommodation, etc.
• Certified translations if documents are not in English or Welsh.

Points Requirement

To be eligible for a Child Student Visa, the child must earn 50 points for study and 20 points for financial capability. Points are awarded based on criteria such as confirmation of acceptance, eligible course, and age.

Applying for a Child Student Visa

Follow these steps to apply for a Child Student Visa:

• Apply to the appropriate educational institute.
• Obtain an unconditional offer.
• Request your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number.
• Identify your nearest visa application center.
• Fulfill health requirements, including TB and COVID-19 tests.
• Compile the necessary supporting documents.
• Complete the application form.
• Pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge.
• Attend a biometrics appointment if required.
• Wait for a decision on your visa application.

To maximize your chances of approval, ensure you meet eligibility requirements and present all documents accurately.

Extending the Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa duration depends on the period of study and the child’s age. If studying beyond the maximum of three years, students aged 16 or 17 must reapply. International students aged 18 and older should apply under the Student Visa route for further studies.

Please note that time spent in the UK on a Student Visa or Child Student Visa usually does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).