are you planning to study in the uK?
here is everything you need to know about securing a uk student visa!
summary
1. The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is for students aged 16 or over with proof of admission into a UK educational institution.
2. Some vital documents include: A copy of passport & photograph, proof of funds, confirmation letter, assessment documentations, and proof of English language proficiency.
3. Students can apply for a Visa 3 to 6 months prior to the commencement of their course.
4. Students must arrive in the UK one week / one month before their course commences, depending on their course duration.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
To be eligible, you must:
1. Be aged 16 and above with proof of admission into an educational institution in the United Kingdom.
2. Present evidence of consent from your parents (for students aged 16-17).
3. Be proficient in English, which includes speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension.
4. Have sufficient funds to pay for your course and living expenses.
Exemptions
Students (or family member) from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Ireland, Iceland or Liechtenstein are exempted for the Visa and EU Settlement Scheme.
Other international students may apply for the free EU Settlement Scheme if they or their family member started living in the country before 1 January 2021. (Deadline: 30 June 2021). Any conditions otherwise will require a Student Visa.
What You Need
01.
A valid and current passport, with other travel documentation
02.
Financial proof that you are able to pay for your course and support your living expenses throughout your study duration.
03.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Please provide the reference number and documents utilized to gain your CAS.
04.
Passport-sized photograph (colored).
05.
Assessment documentation.
06.
Tuberculosis screening, if required.
07.
Your clearance certificate for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), if required.
Note: Please provide your documents in English. The translated documents should contain dates, the translator’s name and signature, and confirmation of translation accuracy.
When To Apply
International students / from outside the UK:
- You can apply for your Visa between 3 and 6 months before the commencement of your course. You will usually receive the result of your application within 3 weeks.
Online Visa Application
- All students* must apply online via the British Government’s official Gov.UK website.
- You can start applying 3 months prior to your travel date. Please be reminded that your application date is the date when you pay the fee.
- *Students applying from North Korea can use a hard copy form.
Fees
- If you’re applying from outside the UK: £348
- Visa extension or change from inside: £475
Extended Stay
- You may be eligible to extend your Visa if you are still continuing your studies in the UK.
Duration of Stay
- If you are aged 18 and above with a degree-level course, you can stay for up to 5 years.
- For any programs below degree-level, you can stay for up to 2 years.
English Language Requirements
-
You must present evidence of English proficiency and comprehension when applying for a Visa. A certificate of an English language test is usually required, with at least a pass.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have a minimum requirement for your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, depending on your program level. However, your university may have a different level of English language requirements. Please contact your school for more information.
You are likely to be interviewed by a UKVI officer during the application process. If you fail to maintain a basic conversation, you will be refused entry, regardless of your English test results.
Biometric Residence Permit
- Please schedule an appointment with UKVI to obtain your biometric residence permit (BRP). They will take a digital photo of your face and scan your fingerprints.
Your Arrival
- You must arrive in the UK one week prior to your course commencement (for course duration that is less than 6 months).
- You must arrive in the UK one month prior to your course commencement (for course duration that is more than 6 months).
