All You Need to Know About UK Student Visa Requirements

Everyone who wants to study in the UK must know about the UK student visa requirements. The UK student visa requirements include the eligibility and documentation requirements. You must meet the same for a smooth visa application process. The UK student visa is given for up to 5 years. The visa costs around £490 for Indian applicants. This blog covers everything you need to know about the UK student visa requirements.

UK Students Visa Requirements for Eligibility 

International students who are above the age of 16 can only apply for a UK student visa. The eligibility criteria for the visa are as follows:

• You must have received an offer letter from a recognised university
• You must have sufficient funds to finance your education
• Moreover, you must be able to speak, read and write in the English language
• If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you must get consent from your parents to study in the UK

UK Student Visa Requirements: Documentation

When you are applying for a UK visa, you are required to submit several documents. These documents verify your identity, and your profile to study in UK. The following documents important documents that you need to submit:

• You must have a valid passport or travel document. Ensure that your passport has a blank page.
• Have received Confirmation of Acceptance or CAS from the course provider
• Additionally, you must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while you are in the UK. You must also present evidence of the same.
• Submit an ATAS certificate if your nationality and your course requires it 
• If you are below the age of 18 you must submit proof of parental consent or legal guardian’s consent.
• Moreover, you must submit proof of relationship with your parent or legal guardian
• You must also submit a TB test result
• If you have received a sponsorship, you must present written evidence of consent from your financial sponsor.  This is only applicable if you have received sponsorship for your living express or tuition fees in the last 6 months.
• Additionally, you must present any document requested by the consular officer for visa processing 

Specific UK Student Visa Requirements for Applicants Below the Age of 18

As mentioned above, applicants below the age of 18 need to submit proof of consent. The details regarding the same are provided below. Obtain proof of consent from parents or guardians for the following:

• The living and care arrangements you have made in the UK
• The visa application form, and 
• Travelling to the UK

Additionally, you must provide a copy of your birth certificate that clearly shows the name of your parents.

UK Student Visa Requirements for English Language 

You need to clear an English language test to obtain a UK visa. English is the main language used in the country. Therefore, you must prove that you are proficient in English. You can prove the same by:

• Clearing an English language test like TOEFL or IELTS 
• By having A level GCSE. That is, the Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5

As per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, you need the following English level:

Education Level	Level of English
Below degree level	Equivalent to CEFR level B2
Degree level or above	Equivalent to CEFR level B2

Note: Nationals from certain countries do not need to prove their English language skills. For example, Australia, Barbados, the Bahamas, Belize, New Zealand, USA

Do I need IELTS for UK student visa?

IELTS is an English language test held by a recognised provider. However, IELTS is not the only English language test. You have other alternatives as well. For example, TOEFL, and PTE exams. What is mandatory is that you clear an English language test. This can be IELTS. If you are choosing to take this exam, you must secure at least 6.0 on a scale of 9.

UK Student Visa Requirements: Financial 

You need to meet the financial requirements to obtain a UK student visa. The financial requirements include your tuition fees and living expenses. You must also have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your partner or your children’s living expenses (if they are coming with you on a visa).

The tuition fees you need to study in the UK will be provided on your offer letter. The living costs are provided below: This is the minimum balance you need for a UK student visa:

Particulars	Minimum Balance Needed
Staying at a residential independent school	Require boarding fees for 1 year
For courses outside London	£1,023 for each month (up to 9 months)
For courses in London	£1,334 for each month of your course (up to 9 months)
Money for Each Dependent	£680-£845  for each month up to 9 months
Staying with a foster carer who is a UK resident or close relative	£570 for each month of your course (for up to 9 months).
Staying with a parent or legal guardian with a Parent of a Child Student visa	£1,560 for each month of the visa (9 months) for the 1st child, and £625 for each month of the visa (for 9 months) for each additional child
If you are below 18 years old and want to live independently	£1,023 for each month for 9 months (outside London), and £1,334 for each month for 9 months if you are in London

Learn about the cost of living in UK 

How to Prove You Have Finance to Study in the UK?

You need to provide that you meet the UK student visa requirements- financial. You can prove that you have funds by:

• Self-funding your education and living expenses 
• Obtaining a student loan from a government, regulated student loan scheme or government-sponsored loan business 
• Getting financial sponsorship from university or government 
• Securing money from your parents: they must provide a letter to confirm that they agree that you can use their funds 
• Use your partner’s if your partner is applying at the same time, or is in the UK

UK Student Visa Requirements: Fees

Paying the fees, and providing the fee receipt is equally important. Your visa application will not be processed until the fees have been paid. The fees for the student visa are as follows:

Particulars	Fees
UK student visa fees (if you are applying from UK)	£490
Uk student visa fees (if you are applying from outside UK)	£490

The fee payment must be made separately for each applicant.

Learn about the part-time jobs in UK for international students

Application Process for a UK Student Visa

The application process for a UK student visa is as follows. Note: You can make the UK student visa application online.

• Utilise the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to submit your identity documents 
• Next, create your UKVI account and sign in.
• Provide your photograph and your fingerprints at a  UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)- for biometric residence permit
• Further steps will be provided to you when you apply
• It will take approximately 8 weeks to get a decision on your visa application
• When you receive your visa, you can travel to the UK to study.

Is a UK Student Visa Easy to Get?

Yes. The UK student visa is easy to obtain. The visa success rate is 98%. This means that only 2% of the visa applications are rejected. As long as you meet the UK student visa requirements, you are likely to obtain a visa. Ensure that all documents that you have submitted are accurate and that you do not engage in fraudulent activities.

FAQs

Hope this blog provides you with all the important details. For more information about such courses, visit our online courses page.

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