In 2023, over 650,000 international students chose the UK for their education journey. The UK is a popular destination for international students due to its top-ranked education system and prestigious universities.
Most international students must have a student visa to study in the UK. With your visa, you can live and study in the UK throughout your course.
What is a Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa allows international students to study in the UK at accredited institutions. Applicants need an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The visa covers various courses, like degree programs and English language courses. These courses have specific financial and documentation requirements.
Why Study in the UK?
The UK has world-renowned academic institutions known for top-quality education. UK degrees are globally recognized and research-driven, opening up bright career opportunities. Courses are shorter in duration, and you can work while studying.
Plus, there is plenty of financial assistance for international students. This makes the UK a popular choice for education.
6 Important UK Study Visa Requirements
1. Documents Needed for Student Visa Application
When applying for your Student visa, you must provide:
- A current passport or valid travel document
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
You may also need:
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course
- A valid ATAS certificate (if required for your course and nationality)
- Proof of parental or guardian consent if you’re under 18
- Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
- Tuberculosis test results
- Written consent from your financial sponsor if sponsored in the last 12 months
Additional documents may be required based on your circumstances. Check the guidance for the full list.
Ensure your passport has a blank page for your visa. This is if you need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre. You’ll be notified if this is needed.
If You're Under 18
You’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) for your:
- Visa application
- Living and care arrangements in the UK
- Travel to the UK
Also, provide a copy of your birth certificate or another document showing your parents' names.
2. Knowledge of English
You must prove your English language skills when you apply. You can do this by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
- Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English from a UK school that you attended when you were under 18
Level of English
You must show you can read, write, speak, and understand English to a certain level on the CEFR scale:
- Degree level or above: CEFR level B2
- Below degree level: CEFR level B1
If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider
For degree-level courses or higher, your Higher Education Provider can assess your English level themselves, but it must still be equivalent to CEFR level B2.
3. Course Fee and Financial Requirement
To study for one academic year (up to 9 months), you need enough money to cover your course fee. The amount required will be specified in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
If you've held a valid UK visa for at least 12 months, you don't need to prove you have this money for your visa application.
Financial Support
You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself. This requirement does not apply if you've been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months when you apply.
The amount needed depends on where you'll study:
- £1,334 per month (up to 9 months) for courses in London
- £1,023 per month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London
If you're boarding at a residential independent school, you'll need to pay boarding fees. These fees will be specified in your CAS.
4. Translations
If a document is not in English, it must be fully translated. The translation should include:
- Confirmation from the translator that it's an accurate translation
- Contact details of the translation company
- Date of translation
- Original Documents
5. Intention to Study:
You need to prove to the UK government that your primary goal is to study in the UK. This means you should not be using the student visa to gain entry for work, settlement, or any purpose other than education.
6. Immigration History:
Ensure you have a clean immigration history. This includes following the immigration laws of other countries you have visited and not posing any threat to national security.
UK Study Visa Update: Soon, Only PG Students can Bring ...
Top Courses in the UK
|
Course |
Popular Programs |
Average Tuition Fee/Year |
Top Universities |
Job Prospects |
Average Annual Salary |
|
Business Analytics |
BSc Data Science and Business Analytics, MSc in Business Analytics |
£18,000 - £29,500 (INR 18,24,500 - 29,90,100) |
Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Warwick |
Machine Learning Engineer, Data Architect, Data Analyst |
£47,302 (INR 47,94,600) |
|
Data Science |
MSc Health Data Analytics & Machine Learning, MSc Data Science & Analytics |
£19,000 - £40,000 (INR 19,25,800 - 40,54,400) |
King's College London, University of Southampton, University of Edinburgh |
Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Applications Architect |
£52,000 (INR 52,70,800) |
|
Computer Science |
BSc Computer Science, MSc in Advanced Computer Science |
£20,000 - £43,000 (INR 20,27,200 - 43,58,500) |
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London |
Software Developer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Web Developer |
£35,000 (INR 35,47,600) |
|
MBA and MIM |
MBA, MSc Management, BSc Business & Management |
£40,000 - £1,00,000 (INR 40,54,400 - 1,01,36,100) |
Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College London |
HR Officer, Finance Analyst, Management Consultant |
£35,000 - £65,000 (INR 35,47,600 - 6,58,85,100) |
|
Medicine (MBBS) |
MB BChir, MBChB, BSc Medicine |
£22,000 - £52,000 (INR 22,29,900 - 52,70,800) |
University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London |
Anaesthetist, Hospital Doctor, Cardiologist |
£40,000 - £90,000 (INR 40,54,400 - 91,22,500) |
|
Finance and Accounting |
MSc Financial Economics, MSc in Finance and Accounting |
£20,000 - £45,000 (INR 20,27,200 - 45,61,200) |
University of Oxford, Imperial College London, LSE |
Financial Planners, Accountants, Business Advisors |
£40,000 onwards (INR 40,54,400) |
|
Law |
LLB, LLM Corporate Law |
£19,500 - £44,000 (INR 19,76,500 - 44,59,900) |
University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, LSE |
Barrister, Solicitor, Legal Consultant |
£20,000 - £70,000 (INR 20,27,200 - 70,95,300) |
|
Architecture and Construction |
Master of Architecture, BSc Construction Management |
£17,000 - £40,000 (INR 17,23,100 - 40,54,400) |
University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester |
Architect, Construction Manager, Site Engineer |
£25,000 - £65,000 (INR 25,34,000 - 6,58,85,100) |
|
Engineering |
MEng Chemical Engineering, MSc Mechanical Engineering |
£14,000 - £50,000 (INR 14,19,000 - 50,68,000) |
University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London |
Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer |
£40,000+ (INR 40,54,400+) |
|
Fashion and Interior Design |
MDes Interior Design, MA Fashion Marketing |
£10,000 - £30,000 (INR 10,13,600 - 30,40,800) |
Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Royal College of Art |
Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, Brand Manager |
£20,000 - £115,000 (INR 20,27,200 - 1,16,56,500) |
New Immigration Rules for International Students in the UK (Effective January 2024)
No Dependents on Student Visa: Starting January 2024, international students cannot bring dependents (partner or child under 18) to the UK via their student visa. The only exception is for students with a postgraduate research programme visa, who can still bring dependents.
Graduate Visa Restrictions: From July 17, 2023, international students must complete their original course of study before switching to a Graduate visa. The Migration Advisory Committee will review the Graduate visa in early 2024, potentially leading to further changes.
Study Visa Application Process
|
Steps |
Description |
|
Step 1: Check Eligibility |
Confirm a place at a UK institution (CAS). |
|
|
Show enough funds for course fees and living costs. |
|
Step 2: Get Documents Ready |
Gather all required documents. |
|
Step 3: Apply Online |
Register and create an account on the official UK Visa website. |
|
|
Complete, print, and sign your application. |
|
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Book an appointment at the visa application centre. |
|
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Receive an email with your application number. |
|
Step 4: Pay Application Fee |
Options to pay: |
|
|
- At Standard Chartered Bank (demand draft). |
|
|
- Demand a draft from a nationalised or foreign bank. |
|
|
- At the visa application centre. |
|
|
- Online with Visa or MasterCard. |
|
Step 5: Attend Appointment |
Visit the visa application centre to submit your application, facial photograph, and fingerprints. |
|
|
You can withdraw your application and get a refund if processing has not started. |
Apply for UK Study Visa In 3 Simple Steps (2024) - Kansas®
When to Apply
Applying from Outside the UK: You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your course starts. Visa decisions are usually made within 3 weeks.
Applying from Inside the UK: You can apply up to 3 months before your course starts. Apply before your current visa expires, and your new course must start within 28 days of your current visa's expiration. Visa decisions are usually made within 8 weeks.
How Long You Can Stay
- If your course is at degree level and you're 18 or over, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
- If your course is below degree level, you can usually stay for up to 2 years.
Fees
- £490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
- £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
You must pay the fee for each person joining you.
Rights and Restrictions
|
What You Can Do |
What You Cannot Do |
|
Study |
Claim public funds (benefits) and pensions |
|
Work as a student union sabbatical officer |
Work in certain jobs, like a professional sportsperson or sports coach |
|
May be able to work (depends on study program and term-time status) |
Be self-employed |
|
|
Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (maintained school) |
UK Visa Types
|
UK Visa Types |
Who Can Apply? |
|
General Student Visa |
- 16 years or older |
|
|
- Studying foundation, A-Levels, undergraduate, postgraduate, pre-masters, or PhD programs |
|
Child Student Visa |
- 4-17 years old |
|
|
- Studying at an independent school with a sponsor licence |
|
Short-term Student Visa |
- Studying English language courses lasting 6-11 months |
|
Visitor Visa |
- Studying courses less than 6 months at an accredited institution |
|
|
- Undertaking research as an academic |
|
|
- Studying an elective |
|
|
- Taking part in an educational exchange |
|
|
- Attending a recreational course lasting up to 30 days |
|
Graduate Visa |
- Staying in the UK for 2 years after completing an undergraduate degree |
UK Student Visa Dependent: Requirements, Process
Basic Requirements
- Unconditional Offer: Obtain an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor for your chosen course.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Your education provider will issue a CAS with a reference number once you've been offered a place. You must have this CAS before applying for your visa.
Eligible Courses:
- Full-time courses leading to qualifications below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5) with a minimum of 15 hours of organized daytime study per week.
- Full-time courses at degree level or higher (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
- Recognized foundation programs for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
Additional Requirement:
- If studying sensitive topics at RQF level 7 or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
Applying from Outside the UK: Approximately 3 weeks to receive a decision on your Student Visa application.
Applying from Inside the UK (Switch to Student Visa): Approximately 8 weeks to reach a decision on your application.
Top 10 UK Universities in QS World University Ranking 2024
|
Rank |
University |
Location |
Overall Score |
|
1 |
University of Oxford |
Oxford, England |
100 |
|
2 |
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, England |
99.9 |
|
3 |
Imperial College London |
London, England |
98.7 |
|
4 |
University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
97.2 |
|
5 |
University of Manchester |
Manchester, England |
95.6 |
|
6 |
King’s College London |
London, England |
94.8 |
|
7 |
University of Bristol |
Bristol, England |
93.7 |
|
8 |
University of Warwick |
Coventry, England |
92.5 |
|
9 |
University of Glasgow |
Glasgow, Scotland |
91.8 |
|
10 |
University of Leeds |
Leeds, England |
90.7 |
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Other FAQs
1. How can you get more help with the application for schools and visas to the UK?
Seek assistance from educational consultants, university admission offices, and official UK government websites such as the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) site.
2. How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
You need £1,334 per month (up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,023 per month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
3. Why and when might a student visa for the UK be rejected?
A student visa might be rejected due to insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, failure to meet English language requirements, or discrepancies in the application.
4. What are the financial requirements for a UK student visa application?
Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs (£1,334 per month in London, £1,023 per month outside London), as well as a valid bank statement or financial sponsorship evidence.
5. What level of English proficiency is required for a student visa in the UK in 2024?
For degree level or above, CEFR level B2. For courses below degree level, CEFR level B1.
6. What are the eligibility criteria for getting a UK student visa?
An unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), sufficient funds to cover fees and living costs, and meeting the English language proficiency requirement.
7. What documents do you need to apply for a university abroad?
The documents include:
- A valid passport
- Academic transcripts
- English language test results
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation,
- Proof of financial resources.
8. When and where to apply for the student visa in the UK?
Apply online through the official UK government visa application website once you receive your CAS. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
9. How much money do you need to show for a student visa in the UK in 2024?
£1,334 per month for up to 9 months for courses in London and £1,023 per month for up to 9 months for courses outside London.
10. Which English test is acceptable for the UK student visa?
Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from approved providers, such as IELTS for UKVI, are acceptable.
11. What are the requirements for obtaining a UK student visa?
The requirements for obtaining a UK student visa
- Unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor
- CAS
- Sufficient funds
- Proof of English proficiency
- A valid passport, and required documentation.
12. What is the eligibility to apply for the UK Commonwealth Scholarship?
Being a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country, applying for an eligible postgraduate program, and meeting academic and English language requirements.
13. Does studying in the UK make sense for Indian students?
Yes, due to the high quality of education, global recognition of UK degrees, multicultural environment, and potential career opportunities.
14. How long does it take to get a UK student visa after biometrics?
Typically, it takes about 3 weeks after the biometrics appointment to receive a decision.
