UK Study Visa Types, Requirements, and Process
Students from abroad who are accepted at a British educational institution must apply for a UK Study Visa.
Due to Brexit, the Tier 4 (General) UK Study Visa was rebranded. This is because students from the EU or EEA will need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.
What are the requirements for a UK Study Visa?
You can apply for a UK Study Visa if you are 16 years old or older.
- You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
- You have enough money to pay for your education and support yourself. Your financial situation will determine the cost of your education.
- Fluent in English (speaking and writing), reading, writing, listening, and writing
- If you are 16 or 17, get consent from your parents. This consent will need to be provided when you apply.
A Child Student visa is available to those aged 16-17 who wish to attend independent schools in the UK.
What are the requirements to obtain a UK Study Visa?
You must include the following information when applying for a Student visa.
- Valid passport or an equivalent travel document.
- Your course provider will send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
It may be necessary also to provide:
- You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your studies and support yourself. Your financial situation will determine the cost of your study.
- Minimum language proficiency.
- A valid ATAS certificate is required if your course or nationality requires it.
- If you are under 18, proof of parental or legal guardian consent is required.
- If you are under 18, proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian.
- Results of your tuberculosis testing.
- To submit your application, you will need written permission from your financial sponsor if you have received financial support in the past 12 months for course fees or living expenses.
You will need your parent’s or legal guardians’ consent if you are under 18.
You must also include their consent.
- Your visa application.
- The UK’s living and care arrangements
- Your trip to the UK
A copy of your birth certificate or another government-issued document with your parents’ names is also required.
How do I apply for a UK Study Visa?
Here are the details about UK Study Visas.
STEP 1: Check if you qualify.
To study in the UK, you will need a Tier 4 Visa. If you are not yet accepted at an institution, a UK Study Visa is required.
STEP 2: Get your documents ready.
For a UK Study Visa, please refer to the above requirements. The original and a photocopy must be included for every document you submit.
STEP 3 – Apply online
Register and create an account at the official UK Visa website. You must complete your online application and then print it out.
You can use the online calendar to schedule an appointment at our visa application center. After you submit your online application, an email will be sent to you with your application number.
STEP 4: Pay your application fee
There are four options to pay the visa application fee.
- Standard Chartered Bank accepts payments.
- A demand draft can be requested from a foreign or national bank.
- Pay at the Visa Application Center
- Online payment
STEP 5. Visit the visa application center on the designated date.
You must submit your application, a facial photograph, and fingerprints. Make an appointment to visit your nearest visa application center.
How much does a UK Study Visa cost?
International students who study in the UK face additional costs. Let’s break down the essential costs of obtaining a UK Study Visa.
Application fee:
| Type of Visa | Visa Duration | Who can apply | Application fees |
| Visa for short-term studies | six months 11 Months | For applicants over 16 years old Participating in a 6-month short course UK institution Enrolling in 11-month English Language Course | Sixty-eight GBP months; 186 GBP for 11 Months |
| Tier 4 student visa (General) | Program Duration: 1 Month | For applicants over 16 years old Registering for a course that lasts more than six months | 348 GBP |
| Tier 4 student visa (Child) | For those under 16: 6 years + 4 months; 16-17yrs: 3yrs + 4 Months | Ages between 4-17 Years | 348 GBP |
Immigration Health Surcharge
As a non-British citizen, you must pay the Health Surcharge fee to access the NHS. Even if you plan to use private healthcare in Britain, this mandatory fee must still be paid. The current cost is £470 per person for one year or £235 for six months’ leave.
Course Fee
You must pay at least one year of tuition fees before studying in the UK. You can find the amount on your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study.
| Study Program | Average tuition fee is GBP (£). |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | £6,000 to £16,000 per year |
| Postgraduate master’s degree | £10,000 to £20,000 per year |
| Doctoral Degree | Annually, £13,000 to £29,000 |
- You must prove that you can afford to live in the UK if you don’t have a valid visa.
- The location you are studying will determine how much money you need. Either:
- For courses in London, you can pay as low as £1,334 per Month (for up to nine months).
- For courses in London, you can pay £1,023 per Month (up to nine months).
- Boarding costs must be paid if you are boarding an independent residential school. The amount you must pay will be displayed on your CAS.
How long does it take to process a UK Study Visa application?
Processing times can vary if you have a complicated case or an incomplete application. Current processing times for UK Study Visas are three to four days.
The wait times for visa interviews vary widely from one country to the next.
Top 10 Universities in the UK for International Students
These are the 10 top universities in the UK which attract the most international students.
- Oxford University
- Imperial College
- Kingston University
- Royal Holloway University
- University of Manchester
- University College London
- University of Southampton
- St. Andrew’s University
- Bristol University
- Brunel University
What are some of the benefits of a UK Study Visa?
- 2-year Post-study Visa for Work
- Extension of 3-year visa for Ph.D. students
- Extended Time in the UK as a Postgraduate Student
- Dependent Work Rights
- STEM Graduates Get Benefits
- It is easy to find jobs on the Shortage Occupation Register
Most Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of UK Study Visas are there?
There are currently three types UK student visas:
- A student visa is required for all higher education programs, including graduate and postgraduate.
- A Child Student visa is available for minors studying at an independent school.
- A short-term visa is required to learn English in the UK (6-11 months).
- What minimum IELTS score is required to obtain a UK Study Visa
The UK student visa falls under Tier 4 (General), while B1 is required CEFR. For all skills, the minimum IELTS score required for a UK student visa is 4.03. - Is it possible to work in the UK with a Study Visa?
Students with student visas cannot work permanently. They can only be employed temporarily. They can’t be self-employed or start a business or work as professional athletes and entertainers.
- Can I apply for a UK Study Visa if I am over 18?
You must be over 16 years old to study in the UK. A UK Study Visa does not have a maximum age.
- For how long does a UK Study Visa remain valid?
How long you can stay in the UK depends on how long your course is and what you have done there. You can stay in the UK for up to five years if you’re 18 or older and enrolled at a university. You can usually stay in the UK for 2 years if your degree is not at least a bachelor’s level.
