UK Student Visa

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What is a Student Visa?

Student Visa is suitable for students over 16 with a minimum of 70 points on the points-based immigration system and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. The Tier 4 (General) Student visa became a "Student Route Visa" on October 5, 2020. EU/EEA nationals who entered the UK after January 1, 2021, must apply for a Student Visa.

An unconditional offer from a licenced sponsor is essential for applicants to be eligible for this visa. A potential term for students to live, work, and look for work in the UK up to two years for graduate students and up to three years for PhD graduates.

Student Visa: requirements

Typical requirements for Student Visa are:

  • Minimum 70 points on the points-based system;
  • Relevant academic qualifications with genuinely intend to study in the UK;
  • An unconditional study offer from an approved sponsor;
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a sponsor;
  • Financial independence in the UK.

Point-based System

Students must achieve at least 70 points to qualify for this type of visa:

  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - 50 points;
  • Financial requirement - 10 points;
  • English language proficiency - 10 points

Student Visa: Courses

Eligible courses for this type of visa must meet specific requirements, including the minimum qualifications:

  • Full-time courses with qualifications at degree level or above:
    • RQF level 3, 4 or 5 with a minimum of 15 hours a week of daytime study;
    • RQF level 6, 7 or 8;
    • RQF level 6, 7 or 8 (equivalent to a UK higher education course as part of an overseas course);
  • Part-time course with further qualification that is above degree level:
    • RQF level 7 or above;
    • A foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists;
    • An English language course (B2 level within the CERF).

Finances

You need to provide sufficient funds to maintain yourself in the UK without financial pressure. The financial requirements are:

  • £1,334 per month for courses in London for up to 9 months;
  • £1,023 per month for courses outside London for up to 9 months;
  • £2,668 per month - Doctorate Extension Scheme in London;
  • £2,046 per month for courses outside London, if based outside London.

You must have this money for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 days is within 31 days of the visa application date.

English language

For this type of application, you must show English language ability at:

  • CEFR level B2 (a course at degree level or above);
  • CEFR level B1 (a pre-sessional course or a course below degree level)

There are four test providers throughout the world:

English language exemptions

International students are exempt from the English language requirement if:

  • the required level of English has already been proved in a previous visa application;
  • they graduated with a completed course in English at the undergraduate level at an approved educational provider;
  • they graduated in English at the postgraduate level at an approved educational provider;
  • the application to the UK study abroad programme is a part of a university degree course in the USA.

Nationals of the following English-speaking countries are exempt from the English language:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • the Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • UK
  • USA

Student Visa: documents

You need to submit certain documents to demonstrate that you meet the criteria as part of the Student Visa application process.

Mandatory documents:

  • Current passport or another valid travel document;
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS);

Additional documents (if applicable):

  • Proof of financial requirement;
  • Consent letter from your sponsor about financial support to cover living costs and study fees;
  • Tuberculosis test;
  • Academic Technology Approval Scheme ATAS certificate;

Student Visa: under 18

Besides documents required for adults, students under 18 need to deliver the following:

  • A letter from parents or legal guardians giving their consent to the application;
  • A letter from your parents or legal guardians giving their consent to your care arrangements and your living and travelling independently in the UK;
  • A legal document confirming your relationship with parents or legal guardians

Application Procedure

You can apply this type of application from inside the UK or outside, as most applicants decide to do. Each person will need to complete the application form online and, after that, pay the application fee in the following size:

  • £363 to apply from outside the UK;
  • £475 for applications made inside the UK;
  • £490 to extend or switch from inside the UK.

Processing times for the UK Student Visa depend on the location chosen to apply:

Within three weeks - applying from outside the UK;

Eight weeks - applying from inside the UK.

Student Visa: extension

For the UK Student Visa extension, you need to show the following:

  • the current Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa;
  • an unconditional offer on a course with a licenced student sponsor;
  • a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies;
  • a higher academic level course than your previous course.

Graduate Visa

A Graduate visa permits former students to stay in the United Kingdom for at least two years after completing a UK course.

Depending on your course, the Graduate Visa permits you to stay in the UK:

  • for up to three years for PhD students;
  • for at least two years after completing an undergraduate or master's degree.

Documents you'll need to apply for this type of visa:

  • You are going to apply from the UK;
  • The current applicant's visa is a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa;
  • You studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible courses;
  • Your education provider has confirmed to the Home Office you've completed your course.

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