The UK Government provides an opportunity to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need dependson your age and the type of course you wish to pursue. Here’s an overview of UK Visa application requirements.
UK Student visa eligibility:
• You must have an unconditional offer of an educational institute on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. You must apply online for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Have sufficient money to support yourself and pay for your course
• Be able to speak, read, write and understand English
Note: If are over 18 years old and you are studying a short course, you may be eligible for the short-term study visa. This is valid up to six months for most short courses. You can extend your visa for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses.
In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements, you will need to provide:
UK student visas depend on a points-based rating system. • Current passport
• Passport size photograph
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS
• Proof of adequate English language skills (demonstrate skills by passing one of the secure English language tests). You do not have the need to provide this if you are from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
• Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
• Assessment documentation
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required)
When to apply
You can apply for your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your course. It’s a good idea to start preparing for your visa application early to make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready. Important: You should not book your biometrics appointment before receiving your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the School. We also advise that you don’t arrange your flights to London until you have your visa.
English language requirements
You must provide evidence of your knowledge of the English language when you apply for your visa. This usually means passing a secure English language test. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have minimum English language requirements for reading, writing, listening and speaking according to your level of study. Your university or school (sponsor) may have different English language requirements. There is a chance you may be interviewed by a UKVI officer as part of the visa application process. If you cannot hold a simple conversation without an interpreter, you may be refused entry to the UK, regardless of your English language results.
Biometric residence permit
As part of your application, you must also obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) from UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with UKVI to have your fingers and thumbs scanned and a digital photo taken of your face.
Applying for your visa online
You must apply for your student visa application online using the British Government’s official Gov. UK website (unless you are applying from North Korea, in which case you can use a hardcopy form).
You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
Processing Time:
Be sure to allow extra time for your visa application. Immediately after you have been accepted to and enrolled in the University of your Choice, you can already start your application for the British Tier 4 (General) student visa. You should apply at least 3 months before your university degree program starts. After you have applied, you can expect that you will wait about 15 to 20 days for the decision.
Receiving your visa
After the Entry Clearance Officer has finished assessing your visa application, your passport will be returned with a decision letter. If your application is successful, your passport will contain a vignette (sticker). This vignette is valid for 30 days and you must enter the UK during this period. Make sure that you check the following information is correct on the vignette: • Valid from date (up to one month before the CAS start date)
• Valid until date (30 days from the 'valid from' date)
• Type = TIER 4 (GENERAL) STUDENT
• Your name, passport number and date of birth
• The sponsor licence number (you can find this on your CAS Statement) If any of the above is incorrect, please contact your visa application centre immediately.
The decision letter will give the type of visa you have been issued and details of the post office where you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival in the UK. Make sure that you keep this letter safe, as you cannot collect your BRP without it. For courses lasting 6 months or more, you can normally travel to the UK up to a month before your course start date. Do not travel before the start date on your visa as you will not be allowed to enter the UK.
Get complete UK visa information here.
Useful links:
Read about UK Visa information
Tips to get UK visa
Common Reasons for UK Visa Rejection
