For what visa should an international student planning to do higher education in the UK apply?

Visas for Studying in the U.K.
Written By Deepti Abdullah

International students planning to pursue higher education in the UK should apply for a Student visa (previously known as the Tier 4 (General) student visa). Here are the key steps and requirements for obtaining a UK Student visa:

Key Steps to Apply for a UK Student Visa

1.     Choose a Course and Institution:

    • Ensure you have been accepted into a course by a licensed student sponsor, which is typically a UK university or college. The course must meet certain criteria (e.g., a full-time course leading to a qualification that’s at least level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)).

2.     Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

    • Once accepted into a course, your educational institution will send you a CAS. This is a reference number you will need for your visa application.

3.     Check Financial Requirements:

    • You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. This includes showing you have sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses. The exact amount depends on your location and circumstances.

4.     Prepare Required Documents:

    • A valid passport or other valid travel documentation.

    • CAS reference number.

    • Proof of funds (bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor).

    • Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent qualifications).

    • Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.

    • Academic qualifications and transcripts.

5.     Apply Online:

    • Complete the visa application online at the UK government's official website. You will need to create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the visa fee.

6.     Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

    • This is to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The cost is usually around £470 per year of study.

7.     Biometric Information:

    • You’ll need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center as part of the application process.

8.     Attend a Visa Application Center:

    • Schedule and attend an appointment at a visa application center to submit your application and biometric information.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

  • Visa Fee: The fee for a UK Student visa is approximately £348 if applying from outside the UK.

  • Processing Time: You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your course starts. The decision is usually made within 3 weeks after you’ve applied.

Additional Considerations

  • Dependents: If you have dependents (spouse or children), they may be able to apply to join or stay with you in the UK. Each dependent will need to have a certain amount of funds available to them.

  • Working While Studying: A Student visa usually allows you to work part-time during term (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during holidays, but this can depend on your course and institution.

Useful Resources

  • UK Government Official Visa Page: UK Visas and Immigration

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Calculator: IHS Surcharge Calculator

By following these steps and ensuring you meet all the requirements, you can successfully apply for a UK Student visa and embark on your higher education journey in the UK.

Deepti Abdullah
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