Whenever the thought of studying abroad hits our mind, The UK is one of the most preferred countries many international students would like to opt for. Subsequently, the term ‘study visa’ is the primary word that follows that thought.
Since the UK is a long-standing reputed country with many prestigious universities and academic institutions with a world-class education system, it can provide a remarkable learning experience to any international student. Additionally, going through the structured student visa process is essential if you decide to pursue your studies in the UK. Because the visa allows you to stay and study in the UK depending on the duration of your course or degree. Many IELTS coaching classes are available to help those candidates who are unaware of the UK student visa application process.
There are many things you need to keep in mind while you are applying for the UK student visa process. Let’s start with knowing the types of UK Student Visa.
Types of UK Student Visa
There are many types of UK Student Visas that you should consider before applying for your UK student visa process. The Student visa types are decided based on the level and duration of your course.
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
- Student Route Visa
- Short-term Study Visa
- Child Student Visa
- Student Visitor Visa
This visa type covers students who hold the line 16 years or over and wish to pursue their further studies at a UK educational institution. It is suitable for students who want to opt for courses that last more than 6 months. It needs to be considered that a Tier-4 (General) visa has been replaced by a Student Route Visa.
This visa type has replaced the Tier-4 Student Visa. Students can study in the UK at accredited institutions if they are 16 or older. Both undergraduate and graduate courses are embraced by this visa.
Utilizing this visa, students can study short courses or English language courses in the UK for 6 to 11 months, depending on the course and locality.
Children around the ages of 4 to 17 who want to attend an independent school in the UK are eligible to apply for this visa.
This visa is intended for short-term students pursuing their studies in English language programs or other short-term training in the UK.
Which Documents are Required for a UK Student Visa?
Before the commencement of your course, you have three months to submit your student visa application. You should have information about UK student visa processing time for your country and ensure enough time to complete your study visa process. A point-based system is implemented to issue UK student visas. Getting guidance from IELTS Coaching can help you throughout the Visa procedure along with all required formalities. To fulfill all the requirements, you will need to be prepared with:
Details of your current passport and other valid
travel documentation
Evidence of having sufficient funds that meet all
your cost of living throughout your course duration
A “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies” (CAS) form
from your course provider attesting to the unconditional offer of place on a course
made by a licensed sponsor (worth 30 points)
Coloured Passport-Sized Photos
Tuberculosis Testing (Mandatory for countries of
South Asia)
Evidence of Sufficient English Language Skills as
indicated by passing one of the secure English Language tests (SELT). IELTS is one
of the popular English efficiency tests that measures the English proficiency of
candidates who want to pursue their UK studies.
An ‘ATAS’ certificate can also be needed if you’re a
non-EU/EEA/Swiss Student pursuing a sensitive subject,
You might have to submit other additional documents if you are :
Not residing in the nation from which you are
submitting your application
Age below 18 years
Have family (Dependents)
Proof of certain medical Vaccinations or Tests
Do You Need guidance to get your UK Study Visa?
Madhvi’s British academy can guide you on the full UK Student Visa Process if you are an IDP candidate and have an offer letter from one of our collaborated universities in the UK through the help of full-proof IELTS coaching. We ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest visa requirements and conditions, and we will guide you in the preparation of proper documentation for your submission.
To make sure you get access to the updated application forms and guidance, our team of experts will lead you to the official websites and authorized immigration representatives. You can also get assistance with document certification, translation, and courier services to minimize the trouble.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Register with General Practitioner | Excessive Visa Consumption |
| Own a Bank Account | Run your own business |
| Acquire a part-time job opportunity | Change your course |
| Organize your college transportation | Skip Classes |
UK Student Visa Fees
The fee structure includes:
£490 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK
or if you want to change or extend to a student visa from within the UK.
You might be required to pay a healthcare surcharge
annually to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. This features
£470 (around US $594) to the annual fee.
The amount of payment depends on your visa duration.
UK Student Visa Process Step By Step
Typically, there are multiple steps involved in acquiring a student visa for the UK. Let’s take a look at the entire UK student Visa process step by Step
- Apply and Receive Offer
- Assemble Documents
- Complete Online Application
- Biometric Appointment
- Fees Payment
- Attend Interview (If necessary)
- Wait for Processing
- Receive Decision
- Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
The first step of the visa application process is to apply and be accepted by a recognized UK educational institution that is licensed to provide sponsorship for overseas students. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will be sent to you by the university once you’ve been accepted
Assemble all the required documents to make your visa application process easygoing. This step involves your passport, passport-sized photographs, academic transcripts, evidence of financial support, evidence of English language Proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores), and the CAS statement are specifically among them.
Go to the official visa application website of the UK government and fill out the online application. Usually, you can get it done through the official website of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Your bio-metric data such as photographs and fingerprints) must be submitted at a Visa Application Center (VAC) by scheduling an appointment, which you must arrange after completing the online application.
Depending on your stay duration in the UK, you have to pay your visa application fee and healthcare surcharge if required.
You can be expected to attend an interview as a part of the visa application process, subject to your country of residency and specific circumstances.
Once you are done with your submission and certain interview interactions, you have to be patient throughout uk student visa processing time after the application process. Processing time may vary based on the time of the year and the country from which you are applying.
You will get the result of your visa application approval or denial through the mail once the decision has been made. You can see the vignette (sticker) in your passport if your visa is granted.
You get 10 days from the time of your arrival in the UK to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from an approved post office. Throughout your UK visit journey, this permit will be considered your official immigration document. To avoid getting into trouble with the visa process, you can get assistance from any recognized IELTS Coaching Classes which will guide you from the top to bottom counselling to kickstart your UK study journey.
So, before applying, ensure that you fulfil all the conditions for qualifying for a student visa and carefully follow all the instructions provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Furthermore, immigration laws and requirements are subject to change, so, it is recommended to look up the official UK government website or interact with an immigration advisor.
