UK student permit guide | Everything you need to know

UK | The ultimate study destination

Students from all over the world are attracted to studying in the UK. They have all the reasons to do so. The UK is renowned for its incredible diversity, education, and exciting student cities, making it the perfect location for international students. In recent years, the UK has announced additional incentives to attract international students, such as visa changes and friendlier immigration policies. By 2030, the UK hopes to have recruited 600,000 international students annually. International university students comprised 22% of the student population in 2019/2020. Keep reading to learn more about the UK student permit guide.

Why study in the United Kingdom?

Here’s why you should study in the United Kingdom-

Best universities for education

The universities in the UK are one of the most prestigious in the world. In fact, as per the QS World University Rankings 2021, eight universities from the UK are among the top 50 in the world.

Diversity at its peak

Approximately 9.5 million people, or 14% of the United Kingdom population, were born abroad. It means that international students who relocate to the UK may have the opportunity to learn about various cultures and make friends from all over the world.

Support for international students

There is a lot of help available. You can do it online at your university or through your local government. Every university has an office set up to address the needs and wants of international students and answer questions about tuition, housing, and academic support. You can also contact their office before applying.

Job opportunities

The government announced in March that applications for the Graduate route would be open soon, which expects to attract even more students to study in the UK. International bachelor’s and master’s students can apply for an additional two years after graduation beginning in July, while international doctoral students can stay up to three years. 

Who is eligible to apply for a UK student visa?

EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals with 70 points on the Point Based System can apply for the new UK student visa. The system determines whether you meet the requirements for studying in the United Kingdom, such as-

Accepted into a recognized educational institution

As proof, the institution from the UK issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). 

Financial means 

You must be financially capable of paying for your stay. In addition to the course fee, you will need £1,265 per month if you study in London and £1,015 per month outside of London. If you have dependents, you will need around £800 per month for each one.

Fluency in English

When applying for a visa, you must clear the English proficiency test from an approved provider.

• B2 for courses at the Bachelor’s level or higher.
• B1 is for courses that are not at the degree level.

UK student visa course requirements

You can obtain a student visa for the United Kingdom if you get acceptance for one of the following courses-

• A full-time, non-degree course (needs more than 15 hours per week of study). It includes A levels (mainly the last two years of high school), apprenticeships, or the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
• A full-time program leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher. Levels 6, 7, and 8 of the RQF are included (bachelor, postgraduate, master, or doctorate).
• A part-time degree course at a level higher than RQF 7 (postgraduate, master, or doctorate).
• An approved postgraduate medical or dental program.
• A Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, English language course (level B2 or higher).

How can you apply for a UK student visa?

If you live outside the UK, you can apply for a UK student visa as early as six months before your course begins. Before submitting your biometrics at a Visa Application Center in your country, you must start the online application on the UK Government website.

The education provider will send you a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once they have offered you a place on the course. You must enter this number during your online registration. Depending on your country of residence, you will receive instructions on how to proceed after you apply online. Child student visa applicants must have permission from a parent or guardian.

UK student visa processing time

If you apply from outside the United Kingdom, you will receive a decision on your student visa application in about three weeks. If you apply from within the UK (switch to student visa), it will take approximately eight weeks to receive a decision.

UK student visa fees

The current fee for a student visa is £363 (US$418) if you apply from outside the UK or £490 (US$564) if you apply from within the UK. You must also pay a healthcare surcharge annually to use the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. It comes at an extra cost of £470 (US$540).

In addition to the visa fee, you must prove that you have enough money for your stay-

• If you are studying in London, you should budget at least £1,265 per month (for up to nine months).
• If you are studying outside of London, you must pay at least £1,015 per month (up to nine months).

Documents

The following documents are necessary when applying for a UK student visa

• Your current passport.
• Your school’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• Proof that you are financially sound to support yourself and any family members.
• If applicable, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• Certificate of criminal record
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Test results for tuberculosis

Students under the age of 18

• Proof of parental approval
• Evidence of your parental or legal guardian relationship
• Any other documents that may be necessary during the application process.

For how long is the UK student visa valid?

The UK student visa is valid for the course you have enrolled in. They can grant the visa for up to five years if you are an adult with admission to a degree-level course. You will get a two-year visa if you study for less than a degree.

Can you extend your UK student visa?

If you are accepted into a different course in the UK, you can extend your UK student visa. The course you are taking must be of a higher level than the one you have already completed. You can also extend if you have a Tier 4 (General) student visa. You must apply at least three months prior to the start of your new classes.

Key takeaways 

• The UK is one of the best places to pursue higher education. The country has top universities, diversity, international student support, and great job opportunities.
• You must prove your financial stability to get a UK student visa.
• You must submit all required documents to apply for a UK student visa, including transcripts, passports, proof of approval, and more. The UK student permit guide will prove helpful in getting your documents sorted.

Did you find this blog helpful? Please share your views and perspectives in the comments below. Please contact us for more information on the UK student permit guide 2023 by clicking here. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1.  What is 28 days rule for a UK student visa?

Answer- You must show that you have extra funds for each family member you bring. You must have these funds for at least 28 days in a row. The 28-day period must end within 31 days of the date you apply for your UK visa.

Q2. Is there an interview for a UK student visa?

Answer- You may need to attend an interview with the UKVI caseworker as part of your student visa application. They usually take interviews at your local Visa Application Centre via video link to the UK. UKVI will use your interview to determine whether or not you are a genuine student.

Q3. Can you settle in the UK after studying?

Answer- The Graduate Route in the United Kingdom welcomes international students to apply to stay in the United Kingdom and work or look for work after graduation. International students who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to remain in the United Kingdom for up to two years after completing their studies.