UK Student Visa Guide 2023: Study Visa Requirements, Fees, Process, Rules for International Students

Many of the colleges and universities in the UK are well regarded in worldwide university rankings, making it the most popular destination for international students. With some of the greatest programs in business, engineering, law, management, art, and design, the UK is one of the leaders in higher education globally. Every year, more than 600,000 foreign students enroll in academic programs to study in UK , ranging from undergraduate degrees to doctorates.

The UK Government offers Indian students the possibility to study in their country. However, they must get a student visa before doing so. The kind of visa one requires is based on the age and nature of study they aim to do in the UK.

It is advised that you apply for a student visa six months before your program of study if you plan to study abroad . Usually, a decision regarding your application will be taken within three working weeks if there are no issues. You should plan your trip following the length of the course. If your course lasts six months or less, you should arrive in the UK at most one week before the commencement of the course. On the other hand, if your course is for more than six months, you should come to the UK by a month before the start of the course. For more details, it is best to get advice from study abroad consultants as they can answer all your queries. 

Types of UK Student Visa

The four categories of UK study visas offered based on the length of the course/program are Short-term study visas, Child student visa (Tier 4), Standard Visitor Visa, and General study visa (Tier 4).

UK Student Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a student visa, you must: 
 

• Receive an offer of enrollment in a program from an accredited sponsor, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number, and the paperwork to get CAS.

• Valid English-language proficiency score, and a student must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• A student must have enough funds to cover their own expenses for the duration of the course.

How much does a UK Student Visa Cost?

Students applying outside the UK must pay £363 (about Rs. 36,429) for the UK Student Visa, formerly the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. Depending on how long you stay, there is also a healthcare surcharge that you must pay. Below is a list of acceptable payment options.

• Online using a MasterCard or Visa card.

• By demand draft at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank. 

• Cash is accepted at the visa application center and at certain Standard Chartered Bank branches.

Students should be aware that there is a £490 charge to switch to a UK Student Visa from within the UK.

Currently, the UK charges £363 (about 440 USD) for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, plus an additional £680 per person/per month for any dependents.

Let's look at the prices for the various types of student visas available in the UK:

UK Student Visa Requirements

When applying for a student visa, more paperwork is needed than what is required for a tourist visa. Mandatory documents and evidence of your financial and educational background must be provided. Before visiting the consulate for the visa interview, it's important to review the UK Student Visa checklist.

Before applying, you should have the following documents:

• A completed application for a student visa.

• You must demonstrate your parent's or guardian's approval if you are under the age of 18.

• An official and unconditional offer of a place on a program of study will be made to you in the form of an acceptance letter (CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which your approved education provider will send. Before you apply, the visa letter must have been issued six months earlier. Within six months of getting their CAS, students must apply for a study visa for the UK.

• A visa letter does not assure acceptance of your application. The applicant must adhere to any additional immigration laws and any category requirements.

• Provide Proof of funds. You must have enough money to pay your living expenses for up to nine months and your first year's tuition (1 academic year).  You must prove you've had the money for at least 28 days. The conclusion of the 28-day window cannot be earlier than one month before the application deadline.

• The confirmation receipt for visa fee payment.

• If your nationality and course require one, get an ATAS certificate.

• Payslips

• Original mark sheets and certificates.

• Scorecards of exams like TOEFL , GMAT , IELTS , etc.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a UK Student Visa

Step 1: Financial Evidence

The first step in the visa application process is to provide evidence of your financial ability to support yourself during your studies in the UK. This includes proof of funds for tuition fees and living expenses. The required funds may vary depending on your chosen institution and location. Typically, you must show bank statements or other financial documents demonstrating that you have enough funds to cover your expenses for at least 28 days.

Step 2: Check UK Student Visa Requirements

Understanding the specific requirements for a UK student visa is crucial. These specifications could include:

• Valid passport

• Consent from parents or legal guardians (for students under 18)

• English language proficiency test scores

• Original academic transcripts 

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS letter) from the chosen institution.

Step 3: Accept the Offer letter and Pay the Fees

You must formally accept the offer from your desired university or college before submitting an application for a student visa. Additionally, some institutions could ask for a deposit to cover your course fees. It's crucial to pay for this separately from the visa expenses.

Step 4: Check CAS Letter

A key component of your student visa application is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter. It includes crucial details regarding your course, tuition costs, and other issues. Ensure all the details on the CAS letter are true and correspond to your academic and personal data.

Step 5: Complete the UK Student Visa Application

Once you have acquired the necessary documents, you may submit your online application for a student visa to the UK. You must pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) and the visa fees as part of the application procedure.

Step 6: Collect a Biometric Residence Permit 

After filing your visa application, you will receive a decision letter and an entry vignette in your passport. You have ten days from your arrival in the UK to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Your eligibility to remain and pursue your education in the UK is confirmed by the BRP, a crucial immigration document.

Financial Requirements for UK Student Visas

Meeting the financial requirements is one of the key components of the UK student visa application. These requirements consist of:

• Sufficient money to pay your first year's cost of tuition

• Enough money to cover living costs, which vary based on location

• Additional funding for eligible accompanying family members

Students from some nations might not be required to provide financial documentation along with their visa application. Nevertheless, it is still advised to have the required money on hand if needed down the road.

English Language Proficiency

International students must prove their English language proficiency to enroll in courses in the UK. The particular criteria could change depending on the institution and the study level. In most cases, you'll have to show proof that you passed an approved English language test with a particular score, such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Depending on the degree of study, a higher competency level is anticipated for postgraduate programs, increasing the needed score.

Check out more about IELTS Exam 

Post-Study Work Opportunities

For international students, the UK government has created new post-study work opportunities. Ph.D. holders can now live and work in the UK for three years following graduation. Holders of master's degrees may also profit from a lengthy post-study employment term, which may last up to four years. These adjustments are made to increase the allure of studying in the UK and to draw in and keep talent from elsewhere.

What is the processing time to get a UK student visa?

If you apply for a UK student visa from outside the country, it will take roughly 3 weeks to hear back. If you submit your application from within the UK (convert to a student visa), the decision will take roughly 8 weeks.

What is the validity of a UK student visa?

The length of your visa is determined by how long your studies last, by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and by the UK student visa new regulations in 2023. 

How long can you stay in the UK once your student visa expires?

International students are welcome to apply to work while studying there or to hunt for employment after graduating through the UK's Graduate Route. For up to two years after completing their studies, international students with a bachelor's or master's degree from the UK may apply to stay in the country. Graduates with a Ph.D. may seek a three-year extension. 

Conclusion

Although obtaining a UK student visa may appear complicated, it can be an achievable and enjoyable experience with careful planning and awareness of the procedures. This article thoroughly summarizes the prerequisites, costs, steps, and regulations for acquiring a UK student visa. You can confidently start your academic adventure in the UK if you follow the detailed procedure and complete all the requirements with the help of the best study abroad consultants. 

The Edmissions team is here to provide you with help throughout the college application process. Before you submit your application to your desired college or university, it is recommended that you get in touch with a Edmissions specialist by registering on the website edmissions.com .

To learn more about application processing, contact our Edmissions specialists at [email protected] . 

 For a quick overview related to study abroad, click here