How to Get UK Student Visa: 5 Steps Complete Guide

UK Student Visa | Overview

One of the most popular destinations for international students, the UK drastically changed its immigration policies in 2023. Now, the country provides top-quality education and allows international aspirants to stay back for 2 years after graduation and work! But before you get there, you need to know some things about the student visa UK and What is UK study visa process.

How to Apply for UK Student Visa

Here’s a general round-up of what you must consider before applying for your UK student visa.

1. Pick Your Course and University

The selection of universities and colleges in the UK is different from the rest of Europe.

You must pick the course or program you want to pursue before selecting the university.

Then, based on your program choice, you can search for the universities offering degrees in that particular discipline.

2. Applying Through UCAS

The University and College Admission Service (UCAS) is the portal through which you can apply to UK universities.

You have to write a personal statement to describe why you are opting for that particular course in roughly 500 words. This statement is crucial in ensuring that you stand out among candidates of similar grades and backgrounds.

Students can use a single personal statement to apply to five institutes at a time through the online portal UCAS. Currently, UCAS charges #20 and #25 for applications to single and multiple universities. If you are accepted by a university, UCAS will send you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) form that you will need at the time of UK study visa application

UK university applications for courses in January 2024 and September 2024 are officially open and being processed.

3.

3. Immigration Health Surcharge Payment

Once you receive your CAS, you must pay #150 for health coverage as an immigrant for the first year. Receiving this payment will also be required while applying for a UK student visa.

4. UK Study Visa Application

After sorting out all the UK student visa requirements, you are all set to go through with the application process.

If you are accepted to a full-degree program, you will require a Tier-4 (General) student visa. After this, you must pay UK student visa fees of #348 per person.

Read more: Spring intake 2024 | Spotlight on UK Universities with admissions

Important Note: Dates play a crucial role when applying for a UK student visa. For instance, you must submit the visa application at least three months before your classes commence. Similarly, make sure you apply within six months of receiving the CAS form.

5. Documents Required

You will need to bring the following documents during the visa interview.

• Tuberculosis screening certificate from a UKVI-approved TB Test Centre (applicable for some countries)
• Financial proof (for funding your studies)
• Receipt of immigration health surcharge payments form
• Academic certificates and transcripts mentioned in the CAS form
• English language proficiency test (IELTS) mentioned in the CAS form
• Current passport
• Two photographs (passport-size)
• Original birth certificate (with translation for non-English document)

New UK Student Visa Facts, Stay-back Options, and More

Like most students, your visa is the final factor that stands between you and your study abroad dreams. If you’re one of the students who wish to work in the UK after they finish their education, you’re in luck!

What is the new UK student visa like?

The new student visa is open to an unlimited number of international students, including those from Europe, coming to study after the Brexit transition period ends.

This follows the government’s commitment to introduce a points-based immigration system in 2021. It aims to extend equal opportunity to all foreign talent post-Brexit in the UK.

How can I qualify for a new UK visa?

Students who apply to the UK need 70 points for a visa to study at a UK university. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they-

• have been offered a place on a course.
• can speak, read, write and understand English.
• have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course.

The UK’s Post-study Work Visa

• Bachelor’s or master’s level graduates will be able to stay in the UK and work or look for work for two years.
• Ph.D. level graduates will be able to stay for three years.
• The visa fee is #700 + #624 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• While on this visa, you can switch to other visas such as Skilled Worker, Start-Up, Innovator, or Global Talent, among others (you can switch at any time before the expiry date of your Graduate Route Visa).
• Applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route.
• There will be no minimum salary requirements or caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs, and develop their careers as required.

We asked experts how this new policy helps students. Nadia Ibrahim, Career Coach & University Lecturer at the University of Cincinnati, USA, says,

“The launch of the new Graduate route shows that the government is continuing to deliver on its key manifesto promise to implement a points-based immigration system, which will attract talent and ensure that businesses can recruit the most highly qualified from across the globe to drive the economy forwards.”

Studying in the UK during COVID-19

When the COVID pandemic hit, UK universities tried their best to provide students with a safe, high-quality education.

The UK government also assisted in these initiatives. They extended the student visas of all international students whose visas expired by July 31st. They offered a one-month ‘grace period’ for them to find employment or return to their countries.

Even now, students who are applying to study in the UK are being offered lectures online as well as on-campus with all the safety measures in place.

Key Takeaways

• International students can stay back for two years after graduation and work.
• You can apply to UK universities through the University and College Admission Service (UCAS) portal.
• If accepted to a full-degree program, you will require a Tier-4 (General) student visa. 
• The visa fee is #700 + #624 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge.

What’s next?

Once you receive your student visa for the UK, all you have to do is pack your bags and get ready to fly!

If you have more questions and queries regarding UK student visa requirements, you can always contact our expert consultants at iSchoolConnect to receive a free consultation.

They can guide you every step of the way to fulfill your dream of studying in Great Britain.

Liked this blog? Read next: Top 10 job opportunities in the UK you should look out for

FAQs

Q1. How much bank balance do I need to show for a student visa to the UK?

Answer- UK expects you to show that you have enough funds to sustain yourself. The money you need generally depends on where you’ll be studying. Therefore, you will need either of the following options

• For pursuing courses in London – #1,334 per month (for up to 9 months). 
• For courses outside London- #1,023 per month (for up to 9 months).

Q2. What is the UK student visa processing time to get a UK student visa?

Answer – First, you must apply for the visa at least 3 months before your course starts. You will get the decision in 3 weeks from the UK embassy. 

Q3. What is the 28-day rule for the UK visa?

Answer – The 28-day rule implies that the money for tuition and living costs should be there in your bank for 28 consecutive days. In this period, it shouldn’t drop below the amount you need in the UK. Also, make sure your bank statement is no more than 31 days old when applying for the visa.