Many people (students) across the world dream of studying in the United Kingdom. The UK has some really good universities, e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and many more with a great education system. Apart from the academic programs, it gives students an innovative environment that helps them to think critically/creatively (making them ready for the changing global world).
To start this educational journey, a lot of planning and preparation especially getting the student visa. Madhavi’s British Academy has expert UK Student Visa Consultants in Ahmedabad who have shared information on getting a UK Student Visa. Read this blog as it will help you answer all the questions you might have, e.g., “How to Get a Student Visa for the UK?”, its types, eligibility and more.
Who Needs a Student Visa for the UK?
Usually, students who want to complete their education in the UK for more than six months need a UK student visa. One thing should be kept in mind, this is only for those students who are not from the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA). And if you want to study for <6 months, then you can get a short-term UK Study visa V(it is easier to get).
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Get a Student Visa for the UK?
Are you ready to get your UK Student Visa and study from your dream place? There are just 3 things you will need to get it, here is a list of what they are :
Secure a place on a course offered by a UK institution that sponsors international students. It will result in a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document.
You must prove your English proficiency through a test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. It is one of the most important requirements or documents mentioned in the Process for a UK Student Visa Application.
You must have sufficient funds/money to cover your living expenses (around £1,334 per month in London, £1,023 elsewhere) for up to nine months along with your course fees. You can show this through bank statements or sponsor letters.
What are the Different Types of UK Student Visas?
Before you start your application and understand How to Get a Student Visa for the UK, it is crucial to know the different types of UK student visas available :
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa :
This is the most common visa for students who are over 16 years old who have been offered a place on a course.
Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa :
This is for children between 4 and 17 years old who have been offered a place at an independent school.
Short-term Study Visa :
It is for students who wish to take a short course in the UK, such as an English language course or a training course lasting up to 6 months, or up to 11 months for English language courses.
What is the Cost of the UK Student Visa?
The cost of a tier 4 (General) student visa and a tier 4 (child) student visa is the same i.e., £348 and the cost of a short-term student visa is £97 for 6 months and £186 for 11 months. You can consult the experts to know more about the Cost needed to Get a Student Visa for the UK.
What are the Documents Required for the UK Student Visa?
If you want to get a Student Visa for the UK then you will need a passport (recent), proof of money to live there, a passport-size photo (coloured image), a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a Tuberculosis screening (it is compulsory for students who are from South Asian countries).
What are the Steps to Get a Student Visa for the UK?
There is a 95-97 % chance that your Student Visa will get accepted by the university you have applied to, here are simple 6 Steps on How to Get a Student Visa for the UK :
Step 1 :
Apply to the universities/institutions you want to complete your study from. After this, the university will review your application and will send you an unconditional offer letter. This letter means you have been selected for the program(s) you applied to.
Step 2 :
After you have accepted the offer letter, the university will now give you a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). To get this document, you will have to pay a small of around £25. This document verifies your admission to a UK government-approved program.
Step 3 :
You can start your online visa application after getting CAS. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts) it gives you flexibility. Do not forget to make sure that your passport is valid and have £490 ready to pay for your application fee to get the Student Visa for the UK.
Step 4 :
You will need to pay a healthcare fee called the Immigration Health Surcharge (HIS); in case your course is longer than six months. It helps to cover your access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK. The cost of HIS changes depending on how long you stay there. It is roughly £776/year (they are adjusted for shorter duration).
Step 5 :
Some universities in the UK require you to show your English Language Proficiency. Check the university you have applied to whether they need specific English language test scores (like IELTS or TOEFL) or not as a part of their application process to get a Student Visa for the UK.
Step 6 :
Do not wait till the last minute, make sure that you have all the documents that are required to get there with you, complete your application process and submit it before your travel date to the UK.
Starting your journey in the UK is an exciting step, Madhavi's British Academy is here to make the whole process smooth and relaxed for you. With years of experience as the top UK Student Visa Consultants, your dream of studying in the UK is just a call away. Contact us today, and we will help you in every step of How to Get a Student Visa for the UK!
