UK Student Visa: Step-by-step Guide On How To Apply

For international students interested in studying in the UK, one of the legal documents needed before travelling is a visa. This document allows international or foreign citizens to enter, stay, work, study, or travel into a country. However, considering the different types of visas available, why do students prioritize student visas? Is it easier to get compared to other types of visas? Fortunately, this article has provided answers to all your questions about student visas, particularly for UK students. Providing a detailed walkthrough and understanding of how the UK student visa works and how to apply for it. 

Understanding UK Student Visa

Like other types of visas, a student visa is a type of visa issued by a country’s government to individuals who wish to study in that country. In other words, a student visa is a country-issued permit that allows international students or foreigners to study in a particular country. 

Depending on the chosen country, there are different and specific requirements and conditions that should be met before applying for a student visa. This means that each country has different requirements and procedures to apply. Fortunately, in this guide, our focus is on international students who want to study in the UK. As we proceed, we will unveil a detailed guide on how to apply for a student UK visa. But before that, it is worth noting that different types of student visas are available to international students. Here is a compiled list of the types of student visas available in the UK:

Types of UK Student Visas

1. Student Visa: Also known as Sales Tier-4 General, this type of visa is ideal for students pursuing full-time higher education courses in the UK. Covering both graduate and postgraduate levels, this visa is tailored for individuals who are up to the age of 16 or older. Eligibility criteria include:
   • Acceptance document from a licensed institution in the UK
   • Minimum monthly funds of £1,023 for at least nine months
   • Proficiency in the English language:
2. Child Student Visa: Also known as Tier-4 Child, this type of student visa is for students who want to study at an international school in the UK. This visa is only for students who are up to 4 years old and not above 17 years old. This means that a child’s student visa permits individuals to study at an international school in the UK, provided their age falls between 4 and 17. Eligibility criteria include:
   • Consent from parent or guardian
   • Acceptance document from a licensed independent school in the UK
   • Sufficient funds to cover their fees and living costs
3. Short-Term Study Visa: Just as the name implies, a short-term study visa is a type of UK student visa that allows individuals to study and stay in the country for a short period of time. Particularly, this type of visa is for individuals pursuing short-term course degrees or doing research. This visa is granted to individuals, allowing them to stay and study in the UK for at least six months. Depending on the course, a short-term study visa further extends to a period of 11 months. Eligibility criteria include:
   • You must be at least 16 years of age
   • Have a placement offer at an accredited institution
   • You must be able to support yourself financially without working

UK Student Visa Application: Step-by-step Guide To Apply

Choose a Visa Type:

There are currently different types of UK student visas, each with its own speciality, purpose and requirements. Therefore, before you apply for UK student visas, the first thing to do is to choose one among the varieties that suits your purpose. Please refer to the previous section of this article to understand the different types of UK student visas available.  

Gathering Documents:

Upon choosing a student visa type, the next step to applying for a UK student visa is gathering the necessary documents. Different types of student visas come with different requirements, conditions, and documents. Therefore, ensure that you have the right documents for the visa before initiating an application. Nevertheless, the important documents required for applying for a student visa, as provided by the UK government, include:

• Valid and current passport
• Confirmation of acceptance for study (CAS)
• Proof of financial support
• A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATLAS) certificate
• Parental or guardian consent (students under 18)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate or result
• Written consent of financial sponsor (if sponsored)

Other required documents may include:

• English language evidence such as IELTS or TOEFL
• Biometric Information
• Uk cover letter
• Academic qualifications

Submitting Application:

Once your documents are complete and available, proceed to initiate your application. To initiate an application, simply visit any certified UK visa application centre (you can apply online) and submit your document for processing. 

It’s worth noting that the processing of student visas takes a lot of time, especially when the information provided in documents does not match. Generally, it takes up to 3–8 weeks to receive a decision on the application. However, the speed of decision depends greatly on whether you are within or outside the UK.

Nevertheless, it’s we advise you to apply for a student visa some months before resuming or starting your course. For applicants applying outside the UK, consider applying 6 months before the course commences. On the other hand, applicants applying within the UK can initiate an application 3 months before the study commences.

Cost Breakdown & Financial Requirements

The cost of UK visas varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the application route. However, on gov.uk, the application fee for a student visa is slated for £490 for students outside the UK. 

In addition, the cost of extending or switching to a Student visa inside the UK is also slated to be £490. This means that when you want to change from, let’s say, a child student visa to a general student visa, it will cost you £490, regardless of your current study permit.

Can I Work With a Student Visa In The UK?

Yes, you can work in the UK with a student visa, however, you are limited to taking certain jobs. As an international student in the UK with only a study permit, you can partake in most jobs aside from being self-employed, taking a permanent full-time job, being a professional sportsperson or sports coach, a doctor and so on.

However, those who would like to stay in the UK will be able to apply for other visas after your courses are completed. This permit will grant you the opportunity to work in the UK without limitations.

Here is a list of possible jobs you can do in the UK with a student Visa:

• Retail Assistant
• Waiter/Waitress
• Barista
• Bartender
• Office Assistant
• Customer service representative
• Tutor
• Library assistant
• Cleaner
• Delivery driver
• Sales assistant
• Event Staff
• Childcare assistant
• Warehouse operative
• Fitness instructor
• And Many More!

UK student Visa ~ What’s Next After Application?

Beyond visa application, there are other vital things you have to acknowledge before moving to the UK. Among these is securing student accommodation that you will pack into when you arrive in the UK. To help you seamlessly secure accommodation, we compiled a detailed guide on how to secure student accommodation as an international student in the UK. Ensure you check it out!

In Conclusion

Obtaining a visa is one of the crucial steps in your journey to study in the UK as an international student. It’s crucial because it allows you to enter, stay, work, and study in the country. This article has proven to be a treasure trove, providing you with a detailed breakdown of the different types of visas available, the application process, and other vital information. By following this guide, you’ll seamlessly pursue your educational goals in the UK.