All international students who want to study in the UK are required to get a student visa (Tier 4). This type of visa is only available to full-time university students pursuing a degree in the UK, and not short-term or language courses.
Anyone who is planning to study in UK is required to have a visa in order to stay in the country for an extended period of time. Immigration requirements for UK (and the United Kingdom as a whole) are determined by your nationality and the country(ies) that you have citizenship in. This part of the guide will focus on giving you a general idea of the guidelines for getting a visa for study in UK.
How to apply for a student visa in UK?
The application for a student visa in UK can be carried online, by post or in person. Note that you can apply online only from outside of the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (except North Korea). Those who are residing in UK at the time of application must apply in person or by post.
What documents do I need?
Always have in mind that visa restrictions and requirements in the UK change regularly. Therefore, you must always check the official visa policy guidelines before initiating an application.
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Currently, your student visa application requirements in UK change based on your citizenship and the type of visa you’re applying for. Depending on your purpose of visit in the UK whether it is for health issues, studying, familiar union and so forth, you need to seek a proper visa and particular visa requirements.
If you want to find out what are the requirements for different UK visa types, check visaguide.world.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Student Visa
When can I apply?
You can apply for your student visa in UK 3 months before your course starts. Once you submit a university application you’ll receive (or you can request it) a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This document will entitle you as an admitted student in UK and therefore you’re eligible to seek a visa. Use the CAS number to support your student visa application form.
Can I work while studying in UK?
Yes, you can. Under current legal regulations in the UK you are allowed to find a part-time job while studying. As a government-sponsored international student who attends a course for 6 months or longer, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, make sure your university is listed on the list of recognized higher education providers in the UK. At this link is the full list of these recognized bodies.
Can I bring my relatives in UK with my student visa?
You can, but there are some restrictions and exemptions applied you must be aware of. As a government-sponsored student, you can bring in UK your dependants if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate course longer than 6 months or in a postgraduate course longer than 12 months at a recognized university.
First, you need to know what is regarded as a dependant. Your spouse/wife and children are considered as your Tier 4 dependants. Other relatives are not.
Next, your dependant must prove good financial resources in order to be given the right to come in UK as your dependant. The amount of money required in this case can be held by you or by your dependant.
Your dependant can work in UK under these circumstances
- You’re attending an undergraduate degree course longer than 6 months or a postgraduate degree course longer than 12 months.
- A newly introduced rule in the UK states that those dependants who submit an immigration application on or after 06 July 2018 will be allowed to work even if your course is longer 9 months or longer.
How much does it cost to get a student visa in UK?
Naturally, applying for a UK student visa carries a certain fee which may depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re willing to get. Furthermore, the student visa fee scheme changes from time to time so you must always check the official sources.
If you apply from outside the UK for a Tier 4 Student visa you will need to pay £335. If you’re applying from within the UK the following prices may apply to you
- Standard service – £457
- Priority service – £916
- Premium service – £1047
Note: A charge for your membership at the Immigration Health Service is included.
At this link, the UK’s governmental site shows the exact cost of applying for a visa in UK, including student visas. Just select your country from where you’re applying, the type of visa you want to get and the purpose of your visit in UK and there it is.
How to get a work visa after studies in UK
If you’re thinking to remain in the UK for a certain period after getting your degree there are various options for you. As long as your student visa is valid you’re allowed to find a full-time job and work in the UK. After your visa expires, you must contact the Home Office if you want to extend its validity.
However, there are some restrictions, you must be aware of. These are the types of job you’re not allowed to seek
- A permanent full-time job
- Self-employed or Freelancer
- A doctor in Training, Coach, sportsperson or entertainer (except in a certified Foundation Program)
Below are given some of the ways you can extend the duration of your staying in UK by seeking a proper visa.
Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme – Students that are at the final stage of completing their PhD in UK and are thinking to find a job or establish a business can seek an extension for up to 12 months. To get this visa a sponsorship from your university is required.
Tier 2 (General) – The most common route to immigrate and work in the UK is by taking a Tier 2 (General) visa. You can only seek this visa if there’s a Tier 2 licensed employer who’s offering you a job. This type of visa is valid for up to 5 years.
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur – If you have an idea to set a business in UK, you can get a Tier 1 visa. You don’t need a sponsorship for this visa, but an approval from the University or UK Trade and Investment is required. Its validity lasts for 12 months and after that, you can ask for another extension of 12 months.
UK Ancestry – If your grandparent was born in UK and you want to work in UK you can get such a visa. Its validity lasts for 5 years.
As the current rules state, your University must inform the Home Office if it’s aware that you’re not respecting the conditions and terms of your Tier 4 visa.
The European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss Citizens:
If you have a passport from one of the countries below, then you do not need a visa in order to study in the UK. This also includes those who have dual nationalities (two or more) who use an EEA/EU/Swiss Passport in order to get into the country.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
If you would like more information about studying in UK as an EEA, EU, or Swiss National, check out the UK Council for International Student Affairs FAQ page for EEA, EU, and Swiss national students.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
If you are looking to come to UK to study abroad, you will need a visa. There are two categories of nationalities that the UK Border Control has, and you will have to determine which you fall under before you can know how to apply. Your visa application will also be based on what you’re studying and how long you plan to stay in UK.
Visa Nationals:
Visa nationals are those who are citizens of the countries that are included in this list (which can also be found on the UKBA website).
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Burma
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- People’s Republic of China (unless they hold a passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or Macao Special Administrative Region)
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Korea (North)
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Territories
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Republic of South Sudan
- Republic of Sudan
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome e Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Taiwan (unless they hold a Taiwan passport which includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
- Venezuela (unless they hold a Venezuelan passport which contains biometric information held in an electronic chip)
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
If the country you are a citizen of is on this list, here is what you have to do in order to study in UK.
- You have to obtain your visa prior to arriving in UK.
- If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- If you are not working and you are staying for less than 6 months, then you may get either a student visitor visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Non-visa Nationals:
If your country of citizenship is not on either one of the above lists (visa national or EU/EEA/Swiss), then you are considered a non-visa national. Here is what you must do in order to study in UK.
- You have to obtain your visa prior to arriving in UK.
- If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more, or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa.
- If you are in the country for less than 6 months, and are not working, then you can apply for entry to the UK as a student visitor.
Applying to be a student overseas can be a lot of work, but the agency at your college or university (or the one you are attending in UK) can assist you with everything that you may need.
If you want to check and make sure if you need a visa, check out the UK Visa Guide webpage. All the information that you will need can be found there.
Usefulinformation for the UK residents applying for a Schengen Visa from the UK
- https://www.schengenvisainfo.com– Schengen Visa Requirements for the UK residents
FAQs
What are the new UK rules for Tier 4 visa student? ›
- A valid passport or any other documentation for travel.
- Proof of funds to cater to your living costs during your course.
- Funds need to be maintained for 28 days (tuition fees + living cost)
- CAS reference number – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- Documents used for obtaining the CAS.
You do not need a visa to study in the UK for courses up to 6 months, as long as you are studying at an accredited institution. This includes English language courses. You can apply for a Short-term study visa if you're studying on an English language course which lasts up to 11 months.
What are the requirements for UK study? ›Typical requirements are: Academic: at least 3 years of higher education or equivalent. English language: UKVI IELTS 4.5 to 5.5 or accepted equivalent.
How can I get 70 points for UK student visa? ›- Hold an offer from an approved sponsor such as a UK university.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
Money to support yourself ('financial requirement')
How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
Overview of financial requirement
The financial requirement is that you show you have enough money to support yourself while studying in the UK. Usually you'll need to show a set amount of money for each month of your course, for up to 9 months.
Hence, the majority of the students applying to the UK are not required to appear for the UK Visa Interview. However, in case there is a discrepancy in your online UK visa application or your documents are not in order, you will be required to attend the UK Visa Interview.
How long does it take for UK visa to be approved 2022? ›You should get a decision within 12 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or when you submit your online documents after completing the ID Check app.
Which documents are required for UK study visa? ›...
This must include their consent for:
- your visa application.
- your living and care arrangements in the UK.
- your travel to the UK.
The success rate of uk student visa in 2020 was 95.77%, and the UK student visa rejection rate was only 3.78%.
What is the difference between Tier 4 and student visa? ›
The Student route is similar to Tier 4 but includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting study on or after 1 January 2021 who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How long can I stay in the UK after my Tier 4 visa expires? ›You will become an 'overstayer' if you are in the UK the day after your visa expires without having submitted a valid application for further leave or having obtained other valid immigration permission.
How long can a Tier 4 stay outside UK? ›If you are not attending up to your programme end date, the University is required to remove sponsorship and notify the UKVI. From that day you can not re-enter the UK on your tier 4 visa. If you are in the UK you will be given 60 days to leave the country.
What are the responsibilities as a Student on a Tier 4 visa? ›Your Tier 4/Student visa allows you limited working rights in the UK. Please see our guidance for further information about this. As a Tier 4/Student visa holder, you must not work more than the maximum number of hours allowed by your visa. You must not work beyond your allowed working hours or do any prohibited work.
How many hours can you work on a Tier 4 Student visa? ›Most undergraduate and taught postgraduate students on Student/ Tier 4 visas are restricted to a maximum of 20 hours per week work during term-time.