If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, you will need a UK Student Visa. With this long-stay permit, you will be able to study in almost every British institution and enjoy a unique academic experience. For this, it is important to know what the key steps are to apply for and obtain your student visa in the United Kingdom.

The UK student visa is a fundamental requirement for international students dreaming of studying in the UK. Before thinking about going to study in this wonderful country, it is essential to delve into the details of the application process and the necessary documents.

What is it?

Many types of visas are offered to stay in the United Kingdom. However, if you want to study in the UK you must apply for a UK student visa and not any other visa.

This student visa allows students to remain in the country to pursue their programs at degree level or below. Depending on the type of course, the duration of this UK student visa may change.

Normally it covers a stay of up to five years in the UK if they apply for a university-level course. On the other hand, for courses below the degree level, it is possible to remain in the country for up to two years.

Now, you may be wondering how to get a study visa for the UK. Well, your journey begins on the government website or by visiting the nearest UK embassy. Furthermore, confirmation of a place at a university that is UK-authorized is mandatory when applying for a UK student visa.

The UK study visa total cost may be calculated taking into account certain aspects:
The UK student visa costs £363.
Visa renewals are charged at £490.
Applicants must pay £470 a year as a healthcare surcharge to complete their visa application.

Types of Student Visa in the UK

In the UK there are three different types of international student visas:

Student route (general) visa: Granted to students over 16 years of age who have been accepted to attend a course at a UK-accredited educational institution.
Student route (child) visa: Students between 4 and 17 years old who are accepted to attend a course at a UK-accredited educational institution. Additionally, you must have a legitimate student route sponsor, such as an independent fee-paying school.
UK short-term study visa: Given to students who have been offered a place on a short-term course, such as an English course or training program.

How to Apply

The application for the UK study visa process must be requested six months before the beginning of the courses when the student is not in the country. Additionally, the online application shall be done on the government website before submitting a request to any visa application center in your home country.

The educational provider will send the student a reference number. This is called Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies and must be entered during the online registration.

The next step will be submitting an online application, to receive instructions on how to proceed based on your country of residence. As a note, underage visa applicants will need the consent of a parent or guardian.

Apply for a UK Student Visa

EU/EEA nationals and non-EU/EEA nationals can apply for this UK student visa. However, is required to reach 70 points in the points-based system. In this way, the system measures whether you meet the UK student visa requirements such as:

1- Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies into an official institution.

2- Proof of financial resources to support your stay. Apart from the money to pay for the course, around £1,265 per month will be necessary to study in London, plus £800 per month approximately for personal expenses.

3- Presenting an English proficiency test that has been taken by an approved provider. In the case of degree level courses or higher B2, while for courses lower than degree level B1.

UK Student Visa Course Requirements

These are the courses to obtain the UK student visa:

Full-time course, below degree level. It is known as level 3, 4, or 5 of the RQF, which includes A levels, apprenticeships, or the first two years of a degree.
A full-time course leading to a qualification at the university level or above, including RQF levels 6, 7, and 8 where there is a bachelor's, master's, postgraduate, or doctorate.
Part-time course at a degree level that is higher than RQF 7 that includes a postgraduate master's or doctorate.
Program that is approved for postgraduate dentists or physicians.
An English language course at level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Requirements

To obtain a UK student visa you must meet certain requirements:

The reference number and supporting documentation for the Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) application.
Valid passport or other travel documentation.
Proof of solvency while studying there.
The academic technology approval scheme approval certificate if required.
If tuberculosis detection is necessary.
A passport-size color photograph.
An evaluation document.
Other documents may be required for the UK student visa if:
You do not hold citizenship of the country from which you are applying.
You are responsible for any dependents.
His age is less than 18 years old at the moment.

Each supporting document must be translated into English and bear the name and signature of the translator. Additionally, the date on which it was translated and that it is confirmed as a faithful translation of the original document.

To facilitate this process contact the best consultant for a UK study visa such as Find Your Visa. We can help you to gather these documents and advise you during the application process.

English Language Requirements

When applying for a UK student visa, providing proof of your English proficiency is a must. This generally involves passing a reliable test such as the IELTS exam.

Thus, the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration Department (UKVI) will assess your skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. Furthermore, they vary according to academic level. Even the English language requirements of the educational institution you choose may differ in this evaluation.

As part of the process, an IKVI officer may interview the applicant, which requires being able to have a fluid conversation with an interpreter in English.

Biometric Residence Permit

A UKVI biometric residence permit is required as part of the application process. Then, you must make an appointment with the UKVI and have your fingerprints taken. Additionally, a digital photograph of your face will be taken.

Fees and Processing Time

If you are applying from outside the UK, it will take approximately three weeks to receive a decision on your application. However, if you apply from the UK, it will take approximately eight weeks to decide on your application.

The UK student visa fee is:

£348 if you are applying outside the UK.
£475 if you want to extend or change your visa from the UK.

There is a separate fee for you and each family member accompanying you to the UK. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you can finance your stay in the country by following this:

At least £1,265 a month if you study in London.
At least £1015 if you are studying outside of London.

How Long is the UK Student Visa Valid?

A student visa in the UK is granted according to the period that corresponds to the course you started. So if you are an adult, and enrolled in a degree course, you can be granted a visa for up to five years.

However, if you are taking a course below a university level, you will be granted a visa for two years.

Can I Extend a UK Student Visa?

You can extend your UK student visa as long as you are accepted to a different course in the UK. Additionally, the course must be at a higher level than the one you completed.

You can extend your student visa if you have a Tier 4 student visa. The application can not be done earlier than three months before your new classes start.

The UK student visa is a great opportunity for students who want to do so on British soil. For this reason, you must seek help from experts on the subject. Also, it is important to research the post-study work visa UK eligibility.

In our insights section, you can find a wide variety of similar information. If you want to know more about this type of visa you should enter as soon as possible and get the information you want so much.

Are you considering to travel to Europe? We have all the information and tips for you: How to get the Schengen visa, the best countries to claim the Schengen Visa, and how to write a Schengen visa letter.

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