UK Student Visa: Process, Types, Cost & Required Documents

What Is a Student Visa UK?

The UK student visa is for international students aged 16 or over who wish to study full-time or part-time in some limited circumstances in the UK. However, it is sponsored by a licensed education provider. Moreover, anyone who is not a citizen of the UK or the Republic of Ireland and wishes to study in the United Kingdom generally needs a student visa UK. This includes candidates from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who plan to enroll in a full-time course at a UK educational institution.

Understood what is UK study visa in detail. Now read below to know how many types of visas for students are available in the United Kingdom.

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How Many Types of UK Student Visa?

Currently, ‘The Young Professional Scheme (YPS) has been inspected by the Indian and UK governments which would assist those eligible in obtaining a UK work visa for a maximum of two years. People aged between 18 to 30 years can apply for the same. Students, who wish to study in UK for more than 6 months, need to know about the following 3 UK student visas or UK visa types:

• Short-term Study Visa:It is for those who want to study English language courses for up to 11 months.
• Student Visa: This visa category is for students coming to the UK for further studies. It was formerly termed a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, popularly called a Tier 4 student visa.
• Child Student Visa:This visa is for children who are between 4 and 17 years old and wish to study at an independent school in the UK. It was formerly termed a Tier 4 (child) student visa.
• Visitor Visa: Candidate can apply for this visa only if:They are studying a course that lasts less than six months at an accredited institution.
• Undertaking research as an academic
• Studying an elective
• Taking part in an educational exchange
• Attending a recreational course that lasts for 30 days maximum
• Graduate Visa: The Candidate can apply for a graduate visit if you plans on staying in the United Kingdom for two years after completing a UG degree.

These were the types of student visa UK you can choose to study in the United Kingdom. Now read the next section to learn about the eligibility criteria and the application process for the study visa.

What Is Eligibility Criteria & Application Process for UK Study Visa?

To successfully secure a study visa for the UK, candidates typically need to meet the following eligibility criteria and follow the application process for a UK student visa.

Eligibility Criteria

The basic requirements for getting a UK student visa are given below:

• A candidate must have received an offer of a full-time academic course from a licensed student sponsor.
• Candidate must have sufficient resources to support themself during the duration of the program.
• Candidate must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English in an academic environment.
• If a candidate is under age 16 or 17 years old, then they need to submit consent from their guardian.

English language requirement for the UK student visa:

Candidate must show their proficiency in the English language when submitting their UK study visa application. Moreover, you may establish your skills in the language through the following means:

1. Successfully completing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a well-known provider.
2. Holding a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, obtained via study at a UK institution while you were under the age of 18.
3. Possessing a degree-level academic qualification that was delivered in the English language. If your studies were conducted outside the UK, you will need to seek verification from the formerly UK NARIC to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK UG, PG degree, or PhD.

The level of English proficiency required for getting admission to degree-level courses at UK universities is CEFR level B2.

Application Process

If you are 16 or over and want to study a course at a higher academic level in the UK lasting longer than six months, you will most likely need to apply for a study visa via Student Route.

Here are some steps for a student visa UK you have to follow while applying:

• Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer
• Get your Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Begin the application process
• Calculate your fee and pay the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
• Prove your knowledge of the English language (if required)
• Complete your application and accept it before you arrive in the UK

Get all the eligibility and processes related to the UK study visa. Now read below to know the required documents you must have to apply for it.

What Documents Are Required for Study Visa UK?

When applying for your UK study visa, you generally need:

• A current passport or other valid travel documents.
• Proof of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and papers used to get CAS.
• Passport-sized color photographs.
• Tuberculosis screening (mandatory for South countries).
• Assessment documentation.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required).

Get to learn about the documents you must have while applying for a student visa UK. Now read the next section to know the cost of a study permit for the UK.

What Is the Cost of a UK Study Visa?

The UK student visa is INR 52,779.62 if the student is applying from outside the United Kingdom. In addition, you have to pay an Immigration healthcare surcharge of INR 82,091.80 yearly, which depends on the duration of your stay. It is to be noted that the amount of health surcharge now varies as per the location of your stay, duration of the course, and the institute you choose to study abroad in the UK.

• The method of the study visa fee payment is stated below:
• Online using either a MasterCard or Visa card.
• Via demand draft at the visa application center and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.

Get to know how much a study visa UK for Indians is in INR.

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Conclusion

Summing up, studying in countries like the UK often faces challenges in choosing the right university and trending courses for the future. However, our course finder tool offers the perfect solution to simplify this process. It helps aspirants to find the best courses to study in the UK. Moreover, we help you simplify the process of getting a student visa in the UK from India. However, it makes the journey easy for scholars and makes us one of the best study abroad consultants in India.

FAQ’s

1. What Is the UK Student Visa, and Who Needs It?
   

   Most foreign students coming to study in the UK will require a visa normally a study permit. You will need to apply for a student visa UK unless you hold a full UK or Irish passport.

   Note: This does not include a British National (Overseas) passport.

2. Can I Work While Studying in the UK on a Student Visa?
   

   The study visa UK holders can only work temporarily. Hence, they can not be employed full-time on a permanent contract. They can not be self-employed set up a business or be employed as a professional sportsman or an entertainer.

3. How Do I Apply for a UK Student Visa?
   
   There are two options for getting a visa in the UK. You can apply at the UK embassy in your country, or you can do it online on the official UK government website.

4. How Long Can I Stay in the UK on a Student Visa?
   

   If you are 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

5. What Is included in the IHS UK?
   

   The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK. However, you have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even your private health insurance.

6. What Are the New Rules for UK Visa 2024?
   
   The minimum income needed for family visas has been increased to INR 31L from 11 April 204. The plan to increase the family visa salary threshold to INR 41LL is on hold until a MAC review is complete. The salary threshold will stay at 31,16,870 INR pending the completion of the reviews.