UK Student Visa Types: Eligibility, Documents & Fee

As an aspiring international student wishing to study in the UK, obtaining a UK study visa is necessary. It facilitates your legal residence for studying, gets you access to healthcare, and provides you with opportunities for post-study work. So, without waiting any further, let’s go through the blog and learn about the types of UK visa, the student visa fees, UK student visa for international students, documents required in the application, visa processing time, and lastly, learn about the recent changes made by the British government in the UK study visa.

Types of UK Study Visa

UK study visas can be bifurcated into three major categories:

1. Student Visa
2. Child Student Visa
3. Short-term Study Visa

It is important to understand the distinctions as an international student. The below points comprise a detailed explanation of the functionality of each visa

Also Read: Top 7 universities in the UK in 2024

UK Student Visa

The Student Visa is the first type of UK Student Visa that the UK government authorizes for students or scholars of 16 years and above. Below are the Eligibility Requirements, Documents Required and Fees for a Student Visa

Student Visa UK Requirements

• You should be at least 16 years old while applying for a UK student visa.
• You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• You must have enough money to pay for your course and fend for yourself in the UK.
• You must be able to prove that you intend to leave the UK after your studies are completed.
• If you are 16 or 17 of age, you must have consent from your parents or your guardian to study in the UK.

Documents Required for Student Visa

• You must hold a current passport or other valid travel documents.
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
• You may need to provide an ATAS(Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate if your course and nationality require it. 
• To determine your health, a test result of your tuberculosis.
• You need to provide written consent from your financial sponsor for your application if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

Also Read: Cost of living in the UK | 5 expenses you must know about!

How Long Can You Stay

• The longevity of your stay is contingent on the course duration and which type of course you have chosen. You can stay for up to 5 years If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level in the UK.
• You can stay for up to 2 years if the course is below degree level in the UK.

Find Out More Information
A detailed 5-step guide to get the UK student visa!	Things to keep in mind while working on a student visa in the UK

Student Visa Fees for Scholars Applying from Inside and Outside the UK

Cost of Applying for a Student Visa for Scholars Outside the UK	Extend/Switch to a Student Visa From Inside the UK
£490	£490

(*Note- If you are a dependent, you may be able to bring your partner and children).

Child Student Visa

A child student visa is the second visa type for international students who are under 18 years of age and want to study at an independent school in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for Child Student Visa

• If must be between 4 and 17 years of age while applying for the visa. 
• You must hold an unconditional offer of a place at an independent school.
• You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for the course fee at the UK.
• To study in the UK, you must have consent from your parents or your guardian.
• You must prove that you have a permanent residence in your home country.

 Documents Required for Child Student Visa

• You have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school.
• You should show access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course.
• You need to provide proof of consent from your parents or guardian to study in the UK.
• It’s usually recommended to apply for a Student Visa instead if you are 18.

When to apply

If you are applying for a Child Student Visa from outside the UK, you should: 

• Apply at least 6 months before the beginning of your course. It takes 3 weeks usually to get a decision on visa acceptance. 

If you are applying from inside the UK you should

• Apply at least 3 months before the start of your course
• You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring

How long you can stay 

Age(when you apply)	How long you can stay
Under 16	Plus 4 months afterward, if your Course length is up to 6 years
16 or 17	Plus 4 months afterward, if your course length is up to 3 years

Child Student visa Fees for Scholars Applying from Inside and Outside the UK

Cost to Apply for a Child Student Visa From Outside the UK	Extend/Switch to a Child Student Visa From Inside the UK
£490	£490

Short-term Study Visa

This Short-term study visa is for pursuant of English language courses that last longer than 6 months and up to 11 months. You can apply for this visa if you want to study the English language in the UK. 

Eligibility Requirements for Short-term Study Visa

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have enough money without working or receiving public funds.
• You must be able to pay for your journey.
• You must have a CAS letter from your university to support your application.
• You may be required to provide proof a English language proficiency.

Documents Required

• You must hold a current passport or other valid travel documents.
• You need to submit evidence that proves that you can support yourself during your trip.
• You also need to show the details of what are your travel plans and where to intend to stay.
• You must submit evidence that you have paid your course fee or have enough money to pay for them.

How long you can stay

You can stay for an extra 30 days after your course ends as long as your stay is not longer than 11 months in the UK. 

Short-term Study Visa Fee

Cost for a Short-term Study Visa

£200

What you cannot do

If you are on a Short-term Study Visa you cannot do the following stated things:

• You cannot study other courses or change your course while in the UK.
• You cannot study at a state-funded school.
• You cannot work or carry out any business or cannot enroll yourself in any paid or unpaid work like part-time jobs.
• You cannot extend your visa.
• You cannot bring your family members (‘dependants’) with you on this visa.
• You cannot apply for the benefits like public funds or the State Pension.

UK Study Visa Processing Time

Students applying for a UK Student Visa are desisted from booking tickets and making travel plans before visa authorization.

When your processing time starts

Your UK visa processing starts once:

• You submit your documents and you verify your identity  and application online using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
  (Note* The officials will tell you if you can use this)
• You attend your appointment at a visa application center (VAC) to provide your photograph and a fingerprint (biometric information)
• You’ll receive a letter or email letting you know that a decision has been made regarding your application.
• You should only visit a visa application center once you have been contacted to do so.
• When your visa application might take longer than usual 

Your visa application may take longer due to the following reasons:

• The information in your application requires further consideration or is not accurate.
• You may need to give more evidence. For example, evidence of funds.
• Your supporting documents need to be verified.
• You need to attend an interview.
• The officials may require further information on your personal circumstances(for example if you have criminal charges).

If your application takes longer, you will be contacted within the current processing times.

• Current processing times

Based on the current volume of applications, listed below are the processing times of different student visas:

Category	Processing Time
Student Visa	3 weeks
Child Student Visa	3 weeks
Short Term Visa	3 weeks

What is a Post-study Work Visa?

​The Post Study Work Visa in the UK, also known by other names like Graduate Route visa, allows international students to remain in the country for a specified duration after completing their studies.​ A Post-Study Work Visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK. 

Eligibility

• You are currently residing in the UK.
• The visa that you currently hold is a Student visa Tier 4(General) student visa.
• You have studied for your Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate degree, or other eligible course in the UK.
• The university or college from which you studied has told the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course of study.

How Long You Can Stay

• A Post-Study Work Visa lasts for 2 years.
• It will last for 3 years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
• Your visa will be valid from the day your application is approved.

Documents Required

The following are the documents required while applying for a Post-Study Work Visa:

• You will need to provide a valid passport or other travel document that shows your nationality and identity.
• If you were given a biometric residence permit(BRP), for your Student visa or Tier 4(General) student visa.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa.

Fees

Need to Pay an Application Fee	Healthcare Surcharge for Each Year
£822	£1,035

Recommended read: The India Young Professional Scheme | UK Study Visa for Indian Graduates

Recent Updates to the UK Study Visa by the British Government

From January 2025, the British Government implemented new rules for UK study visas for international students. The new rule asserts that international students enrolled in postgraduate research programs won’t be able to bring their dependents and family members to the country.  However, this does not apply to Master of Research(MRes) and Doctorate programs. 

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education India, British Council cited “The majority of UK postgraduate programmers are relatively short-term, typically lasting around a year. Therefore, the impact of this change is comparatively limited compared to study durations in other major international education destinations. Consequently, it does not significantly alter the overall educational experience or opportunities available in the UK.” This policy tweak does not make any kind of alterations or amendments in alternative visa routes such as the Graduate Route, Young Professionals Scheme, visit visas, or Skilled Work visas to keep all types of visa options available for students. However, it has also been specified that the UK government has still not allowed undergraduate students to bring dependents.

The changes in the UK study visa impact only a minority portion of international students and programs, with built-in exemptions for specific student categories.

The UK remains to be an attractive destination driven by its High-Quality Education, Top Ranking Universities, and best Research Facilities for international students. In 2023, 457,673 sponsored study visas were granted to main applicants, 70% higher than in 2019 but 5% fewer than in 2022.

Related Blogs:

• Here are the UK universities that accept january intake!.
• Spring intake 2024 | Spotlight on UK Universities with admissions

Tips to Excel in UK Study Visa Interviews

To excel in UK study visa interviews, you need to prepare thoroughly, understand the requirements, and present yourself confidently. Key strategies include the following: 

• Practice Common Interview Questions

Practice answering popular interview questions with friends and family; this will be a good start to building up your confidence. The questions can include your reasoning for choosing the UK, your course, and financial backing.

• Understand Your Course and Institution 

It is imperative to know your course details and the institution you will be attending. You should know the benefits of doing the course from the university which you decided.

• Prepare Documentation in Advance

Before the interview, ensure that all the necessary documents are ready and organized. This will save you from the last-minute rush. 

• Enhance Your Language Skills

Practice speaking and listening, being proficient in English is essential for the interview. Regular practice will help you ensure your answers are clear and understandable.

• Dress Professionally

To create a positive first impression, you should dress neatly and professionally. It will be recommended to wear business casual attire which will reflect your seriousness about the visa process.

• Be Honest and Consistent

Be honest about your academic intentions during the interview and provide consistent responses to questions. If you do not know the answer to the question it is better to admit it than to exaggerate about it.  

Commonly Asked Questions in UK Study Visa Interviews

The following are some commonly asked questions in the UK Study Visa Interviews:

Questions	Recommendations
Why did you choose the UK for your higher studies?	Mention your reasons and aim and how it aligns with your decision to study in the UK
Why did you select this college/university?	Talk about the reasons why you selected this university and what are the benefits for you that you choose it
Who is going to cover your expenses in the UK?	Elucidate upon your funding source. It can be an educational loan, your savings, or your parent’s support
Are you traveling alone or with someone you know?	If you are traveling with someone, mention them while answering this question
Have you visited the UK before?	If you have traveled in the UK before mention the reason for visiting cab travel or a family visit
What do your parents do?	Explain your parent’s job profile. Tell them about your father and mother’s profession

Summary

The UK remains a highly sought-after destination for international students, offering a range of study visas to accommodate different educational levels and needs. This blog provides an overview of the various UK study visas, including the Student Visa, Child Student Visa, and Short-term Study Visa, along with their respective eligibility requirements, fees, and permitted duration of stay. It also covers the visa application process, including key details about processing times and possible delays.

This blog also addresses recent changes to the UK study visa rules, particularly the new restriction on bringing dependents for postgraduate students, with exemptions for certain programs like Master of Research (MRes) and Doctorates. Despite the changes, the British Council assures that the overall impact on international students is minimal, and alternative visa routes remain available. With its world-renowned universities and cutting-edge research opportunities, the UK continues to be a top destination for students worldwide.

Also Read: UK Student Visa Policy Changes | Impact on international students

FAQs

1. What is the cost of a short-term study visa in the UK?

The cost of applying for a short-term study visa is  £200.

2. Is a study visa mandatory for opting for a short-term course in the UK?

Yes, you need to apply for a short-term study visa. It lasts for 6 months and up to 11 months for English language courses. 

3. What is the processing time for a UK student visa?

For the students who are applying from outside the UK, the processing time is 3 weeks. However, it may take longer if the number of applications is higher.