Study In United Kingdom

How to Apply for a UK Student VISA

The UK is known as one of the best countries to study in, as chosen by several international students. The intake pool and student applicants have never been low, even after the pandemic. The reality that the UK is home to several top universities leads to the enormous popularity that the country enjoys.

Follow the below mentioned guide to applying for your student VISA:

Step 1: Apply to the preferred University (or universities) and receive an unconditional offer.
Step 2: Once candidates have received their unconditional offer and have accepted it, the University will give them a document called a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
Step 3: Once students have their CAS, they can begin the VISA application process.
Step 4: Get your documents ready for VISA application process.
Step 5: You can pay your VISA application fee through a demand draft from Standard Chartered Bank or online through VISA Card or MasterCard. Else, you can pay the application fee at selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank or at the VISA application centre.
Step 6: Visit the nearest British Embassy/Consulate on the appointed date. You can book the appointment at the embassy or consulate office, submit your application form, with fingerprints and photographs.

Types of Student VISA in the UK

Any international student willing to study in UK must possess any of the following visas:

Student VISA

This VISA is issued for most high education courses, including graduate and postgraduate programs or long study courses.

Child Student VISA

This VISA is issued to minors below 16 studying at an independent school. The duration for this VISA is usually 6 years and 4 months. However, this VISA duration would be 3 years and 4 months for children aged 16 - 17 years.

Short-Term Study VISA

This VISA is usually issued to students wishing to learn English in the UK. The duration for this VISA is usually 6 - 11 months.

Below is the Checklist for Students to Apply for a UK Student VISA

Post Study Work VISA in the UK

The UK’s Graduate Route or Post-study Work VISA allows international students to work and stay in the UK for up to two years after completing their masters and three years after completing PhD. Once the VISA term expires, you can apply for a different VISA like a Skilled Worker VISA.

There are several benefits of pursuing the Graduate Route:

The VISA is unsponsored, you can find work by yourself for any skill level.
There are no minimum salary requirements.
Once you find suitable employment, you can switch to Skilled Worker VISA.

You are eligible to apply for this VISA, if:

You are currently living in the UK
You hold a Tier 4 General Student VISA
You have studied a bachelor’s, postgraduate, or any other government-approved course for a minimum period of time while on a Tier 4 Student VISA
Your college or university informs Home Office about the completion of the course

Note: In May 2022, the UK government introduced a High Potential Individual (HPI) VISA, which allows students from non-UK universities to work in the UK. They must possess a degree awarded five years before the date of application. The degree must be obtained from the university that appears on the list of UK’s approved global university list. This VISA is granted for a period of two years or maximum of three years if the student has a qualifying PhD. This VISA doesn’t guarantee permanent residence in the country.