In the world , UK is considered the most prestigious and famous country for higher education.
UK Study Visa Guide
In United kingdom (UK) there are lots of oldest colleges and universities which date back to almost the 12th century so coming from such solid inheritance. Education in the UK has set up a benchmark in all over the world. In case of higher education, UK has maintained high standard as four universities of UK are ranked in the top 10 universities in all over the world. For study abroad aspirants, it has a dream to get UK study visa. For international students, The UK has been always a top priority for students and aspirants from all over the world come every year.
Main reasons why internationals students choose UK for studies:
- Top Quality Education
- Short duration course
- Modern educational approaches
- Opportunity to learn new culture and tradition
- Work opportunities
- Best educational experience
The UK study visa process is entirely different from other countries as it has its own requirements and students acceptance of visa id entirely dependent upon maintenance of finances, selected program, personal interview sessions, fulfilling rules and regulations set by UKVI.
Table of content
- UK study visa types
- UK student visa ( Point- based)
- Cost of study in the UK
- Cost of living in the UK
- Intakes
- Work while studying in the UK
- Eligibility requirement for UK study visa
- Documents required for admission and visa
- How to apply the UK study visa
- Processing time
- The UK student visa: priority service
- UK study visa: Validity and Extension
- How can Asta Achievers(www.astaachiever.com) assist you in your UK study visa application?
UK study visa types
Three types of UK student visa:
- Short term study visa: it is for those students who are over 16 years and enrolling in a short program or course of 6- month in a UK education institution. Moreover, aspirants enrolling in an 11 month English language course are also included in short term course. The visa duration would be 6 months and 11 months receptively.
- Tier 4 student visa(general): it is for candidates that are over 16 years of age and are planning to enroll in a program or course that is longer than 6 months in an education institution. In tier 4 student visa (general), the visa duration would be same as the course duration and one month extra visa would be given.
- Tier 4 student visa (child): it is for aspirants who are aged between 4 to 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK. The visa duration would be nearly 6 years and 4 months extra will be given after completion of the program.
UK student visa (Point- based):
It is Mandatory for applicants to meet all the requirement of the immigration rules and at least have 40 points to be eligible for a UK study visa.
| Factors | Point |
|---|---|
| Candidates should have a valid confirmation of acceptance for their program | 30 points |
| Aspirants should have enough funds to cover living expenses and program fee | 10 points |
Cost of study in the UK:
| Study program | Approximately fee( in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Foundation Programmes | 3000 -4000 GBP (per year) |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | 10000-15000 GBP (per year) |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree | 10000-20000 GBP (per year) |
| Doctoral Degree | 15000-30000 GBP ( Per year) |
Cost of living in the UK
| Expenses | Approximately cost in GBP (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Bills (Gas/water/electric) | 50-70 |
| Accommodation (including bills) | 600-800 |
| Housekeeping and food | 180-220 |
| TV licence | 12-15 |
| Phone bills | 20-40 |
| Shoes and clothing | 20-30 |
| Stationery and books | 30-50 |
| Travel and transport | 80-100 |
| Socialising | 70-100 |
| Leisure and sports | 20-30 |
| Others | 50-80 |
Intakes
There are three intakes in UK and majority of colleges/ educational institution/ Colleges are open during these intakes.
- Intake 1: September/October is the major intake in the UK
- Intake 2: if we talk about second intake, it starts in January/February
- Intake 3: it starts from May/June and it is available for selected courses
Work while studying in the UK
International students are allowed to work 20 hours during terms and while during vacations they can work 40 hours per week. After completing their course, candidates will get PSW (post study work permit) for one and half years.
Eligibility requirement for UK study visa
International students have to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for UK study visa:
- International students must apply for an eligible course and CAS if they want to go to UK as a student. Being a Tier 4 ( general ) visa applicant, aspirants can purse one of the following courses
- NQF – level 6 ( programs like Bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate, Diploma and any other equivalent course)
- NQF – level 7 ( program like PG diploma, Master’s degree, PG certificate or and other equivalent programs)
- A full time program or course in which at least 15 hours classes are conducted per week and this course leads to a qualification which is higher than NQF level 3 ( I B diploma, higher education diploma or any other equivalent course).
- English language program which is of level B2 .
- Recognized foundation program for only Dentists or doctors.
Note: candidates will CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies). It is quite important to apply for UK study visa within 6 months after getting CAS.
Financial requirement:
International students must have to provide evidence of finance to pay living expenses, tuition fee and other miscellaneous expenses for up to at least a year (9 months). From 2026 onwards, international students must show their funds to cover first year tuition fee plus maintenance costs of 1023 GBP per month (outside of London) or 1334 GBP for up to 9 months. Make sure all finds should be held in a bank account for 28 consecutive days and balance amount should not be less than the requirement. If someone is planning for dependent visa, 680 GBP per month (for 9 months) per dependent are required.
- English language requirement: candidates must prove English proficiency at CEFR level B2 for degree-level studies or B1 for below –degree, covering writing, Reading, listening and Speaking.
- Immigration health service charge: For international students, it is mandatory to take HIS (immigration health surcharge). It allows temporary residents to access the national health service (NHS). HIS fee must be paid upfront during the application.
Documents required for admission and visa
- Candidates must have a Valid passport and passport validity must be at least cover 6 months.
- Candidates must have two color passport size photographs and size of the image should be 45mmX35mm.
- In order to lodge application for the UK study visa , candidates need to fill out a UK study visa application form.( our expert can guide you in filling the application form/www.astaachiever.com)
- Having got admission in approved UK universities, they provide a letter of acceptance which is also known as CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies). This visa letter is unconditional and official offer letter and it is used to apply for visa and make sure visa can be applied within 6 months of issuing the visa letter.
- Candidates must show evidence of funds that will cover maintenance costs and tuition fee. The funds should be held for at least 28 days.
- Students need to pass English language test such as IELTS, PTE, OIECT to get admission in UK universities. Some universities accept MOI as well.
- Students must show their required academic documents like 10th-12th mark sheets, Degrees, Diploma and other certificates. If applicants have work experience, it is quite mandatory to show all work related documents.
- Even students need to provide letter of recommendation (LOR) which is written by a third party to get admission in The Uk universities.
- Another important documents is statement of purpose (SOP) which is required at the time for admission.
- Tuberculosis screening
- Assessment documents
- Proof of no criminal record
How to apply the UK study visa:
it is quiet important to start process 3-4 months prior.
- Step 1: it is recommended to arrange all documents such as Mark sheet, ID proof, work experience letter, SELT score, Education loan, Fees Pay slips, Bank statement, which need to submit while applying.
- Step 2: candidates need to register their profile by creating an online account on the official UK visa website. Having created an account, students need to fill out the UK study visa application form. Then need to take print out of form and it is mandatory to sign your completed form.
- Step 3: Need to pay your application fee. Application fee can be paid by using visa or master card or debit card.
- Step 4: next step is to book your appointment and attend an appointment at the visa application center.
- Step 5: if UKVI wants to get more information, they may ask student to attend an interview with a UKVI caseworker.
Processing Time
Having submitted the biometrics at the visa application center files start processing .he entire process takes 3-4 weeks and 5 working days are counted in a week.
The UK student visa services
It offers three processing speeds.
- Standard ( it takes 3-4 weeks)
- Priority ( it takes 5 working days)
- Super priority ( Decision is given by the end of next working day)
UK study visa: Validity and Extension
The UKVI offers provision to even extend their study visa to international students. If students need extra time to complete their program or planning to start a new one, they can apply for extension easily. International students have to complete an online application form before their current study visa expires at least 3 months before the commencement course on CAS. Moreover, international students need to pay an extra charges for UK study visa extension.
How can Asta Achievers(www.astaachiever.com) assist you in your UK study visa application?
If any student is planning to study in the Uk , our expert will help them . we (Asta Achievers) have already helped thousands to students to get admission in top Uk universities. If you want to make your career in Uk, kindly connect with us.
Website: www.astaachiever.com
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