A student visa is a legal document that permits entry to study in the UK. The validity is throughout the duration of the course. Indian students and students from other countries can obtain a visa to study in the UK. The British government issues a student visa only to University-approved official sponsors. This is to maintain a high-quality standard of education. The Universities in the UK are a benchmark of academic excellence in the world.
What it takes to apply for a visa to study in the UK.
Before applying for a student visa application to study in the UK, an Indian student as an applicant needs to do the following:
- Find a university to suit your academic and career goals The university should be on the licensed list of sponsors from the UK Government.
- Apply for a FULL-TIME course in any licensed sponsor university in the UK
- Get a Confirmation of Acceptance letter (CAS) to study in the UK. This has to be from the very same University you have decided to study.
- Required funds to support yourself for the course fee and living expenses. The visa charges are set by the government. The living expenses depend on where you decide to stay.
- You should clear the English language proficiency test
If you change your course or University, you must apply for another CAS and visa. It is important to be clear on your choice of course and University before applying for a visa to study in the UK.
Types of student visas
There are two categories of visas to study in the UK. Students aged over 16 years need a general student visa (Tier 4). Younger students will need the Children’s student visa (Tier 4).
General Student Tier-4 – VISA
The general student visa Tier-4 to study in the UK is valid till the complete duration of the course. International students including Indian students can enter the UK one month ahead. This short-term entry visa is for a course duration of over eight months.
Post Study Work VISA
In 2020, the UK launched its new post-study work visa. This visa allows students to stay in the country for 2 years to work after graduating. The student needs to complete the degree within the duration of the course. Students starting their studies in the fall of 2020 or later will be eligible.
Visa Charges to Study in UK
The charge for a Tier-4 (general) student visa to study in the UK is £348. Before payment for a visa, the applicant needs to pay the medical insurance of £624.00. per year. Check the link gov.uk. for revision of charges if any.
Make online payment for medical insurance and visa, Using an international Visa or Mastercard. Note: No cash payments at Visa offices are not accepted. No online transfers like RTGS or NEFT as well.
Course fee to study in the UK
The tuition fee for an undergraduate One-year course would be between £9800 and £20,000. This is for the first year. The course fee for a Postgraduate Full-time course can range from £10,000 and £30,000.
Living expenses to study in the UK.
To study in UK the living expenses depend on the place you have decided to stay for example:
If you decide to stay in Greater London. The least you should have in your bank to apply for a Student visa is £1,265. This amount should be for 9 months (£1265x 9 = £11385).
If you decide to study outside of Greater London. The least amount you should have in your bank is £1,015 per month. This amount should be for 9 months (£1015×9=9135) to study in the UK.
What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
This Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), is an offer letter. It comes along with a visa information form to study in the UK. The applicant should make a payment mentioned in the offer letter. Fill details in the visa information form and submit it to the CAS department.
The CAS department will then send a Confirmation of Admission for Studies (CAS). This will come with a reference number. Use this reference number at the time of applying for the visa online.
The CAS letter is usually issued 3 months before the commencement of the course to study in the UK.
Financial Requirements
To apply for a visa to study in the UK, finances with supporting financial documents is most required. Documents that cover expenses like course fees and living expenses for proof of funds. Living expenses depend on where the Indian student has decided to stay.
- When parents sponsor, the financial statements of the sponsoring parent are necessary. Important: Only parents can sponsor and no other members of the family can sponsor.
- If a student has personal funds. The total tuition fee along with living expenses should be reflected in his/her account. This should be in the account for at least 28 days before applying for the visa.
- When using an educational Bank loan. It should include the full course fee and living expenses. The Bank awarding the Educational loan must be UKVI-approved.
- If showing a Fixed deposit, ensure the fixed deposit is active 28 days before applying for the visa.
- You can show a combination of Educational loans, Funds in account, and Fixed deposits as proof of funds.
- Documents of a Scholarship offer, if awarded.
List of supporting documents at the time of applying for a visa to study in the UK.
A series of supporting documents is required as a part of the online visa application process to study in the UK:
- A current valid passport to confirm Nationality and Identity. A validity for two years from the date of entry into the UK. The previous passport to show if traveled or not.
- Biometric information – The applicant needs to select a visa application Centre online. Then make an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprint and Photograph).
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university. Important document; a student cannot proceed to apply for a visa to study in the UK. Check the list of institutions licensed to sponsor students. Click on student visa sponsorship.
- Financial statement of funds to support course fee and yourself.
- Sponsor letter from parents if they are funding your stay and course fees.
- Your tuberculosis test results if you are from a country where you have to take the test. (Indian nationals need this test).
- English language skill test, IELTS, or alternative English score.
- Your academic documents, (Std X, XII, Transcripts, degree certificate).
- Written consent and proof of parental or legal guardian if the student is under 18 years old.
- Proof of student’s relationship with the said parent or guardian, if they are under 18 years.
- Immigration healthcare surcharge fee confirmation.
The Skill of the English Language
English is the primary language of instruction to study in UK. Non-speaking English background applicants need to take an English language skill test. The test evaluates skills like reading, listening, speaking and writing. Securing a score is important for a visa to study in UK. Some of the common English language tests are:
- International English-Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic and UKVI
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT)
- Trinity College’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE).
Language test scores vary by institution and course applied. The sponsoring university may accept the Results of the Indian Std XII exam. In such a case, the student need not take the IELTS.
The Visa application process to study in UK
The application process to study in UK should have the following:
- All supporting documents to be ready for quick reference while applying online.
- Apply for Tier-4 (general) visa applications online. Please Register and create an account on the UK visa website.
- After completing the online form, submit it you will receive an application number. Print and sign.
- Pay the medical insurance fee and visa fee online.
- Choose a suitable date and time for an interview appointment to visit the visa centre. (VFS) This visit is to submit biometric information.
- Visa application will take 3 weeks from the date of online submission. You can also choose to apply on a priority visa paying an extra fee which approximates to £200
- Complete the online application form with all details asked for.
- Pay for Health insurance. The amount depends on course duration.
- Pay for Student visa fees and fix an appointment date.
- Upload documents.
- Visit VFS on the day of the appointment and give your biometrics.
- Once the visa is approved you will also receive a decision letter. This will say where the student can pick up the (BRP) – Biometric Residence Permit.
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